feature At the Hancock County Career Technical Center, Chevis Necaise uses the NCCERconnect software to track his students’ progress. “If an assignment is given, we can track if the student is doing it and, if not, talk to them in class. Being able to communicate with the students is another great feature, whether it is a single student or the whole class that is working on an assignment,” Necaise said. Necaise appreciates the fact that the students have access to their welding textbook and study materials online. If a student is out of school, he or she can log in to their online class to keep up. It also permits students to complete assignments outside of class, which allows more time at school for their hands-on practice. Ultimately, Necaise feels that, as a result of access to this software, Mississippi will have better educated students in the construction industry. He said, “Having a better trained workforce will help attract industry to our area. When companies look at the possibility of a skilled workforce, they will see that we are doing everything we can to better prepare our students to be as knowledgeable about their chosen trade as we can.” Necaise added, “Today our students are into using technology so much more
on a daily basis. This helps get and keep them interested in learning our subjects. We have a better chance of keeping our students involved when we can use technology to teach our classes.” Tomorrow’s workforce depends on quality instruction today. The NCCERconnect software is being used in CTE classrooms as a tool for instructors to be effective in meeting the future demands of the workforce of Mississippi. Online and blended learning is just one way that Mississippi instructors are meeting the challenges of teaching using 21st century technology.
www.rcu.msstate.edu/ProfessionalLearning
E-Learning: flexible learning for you. featuring Certification of Online Learning (COOL) CTE Endorsement Courses M-STAR Online Modules for Educators Offering classes to fulfill CEU and SEMI requirements. Spring 2014 CONNECTIONS 25