This summer, I have been immersed in a highly interactive project through The Kenan Fellows Program, NC State, and the ASSIST Center. From this training I have gained a unique opportunity to develop a real-world applicable curriculum that pulls in a variety of topics including sensors, electrical circuits, data collection, and a number of 21st Century Skills.

What I am going to bring back the classroom from my experience is an understanding of what students are oging through while experiencing this project work. As I developed a project, we went through the same setup that I plan on using in my classroom. I experienced problems with programming, wiring, and understanding how sensors function. From this first-hand experience, I understand what students will likely experience. This means that when they have an issue, I will have a better idea of their frustration and how they can get through.

I also plan on incorporating more industry aspects into the class. This will be done by having professionals in industry visit my classroom, use tools that industries are using, and set up design challenges that industry experts currently run into.

The experience this summer greatly aides in my preparing for the year in addition to providing opportunities for me to make positive changes in my teaching practices.