Dive Brief:
- Viridis Learning founder Felix W. Ortiz writes in a Huffington Post column that training teachers in computer science and technology is critical for creating STEM-supportive classrooms.
- According to Ortiz, there is a "middle-skills jobs gap" in the STEM fields and many in ed policy are suggesting mandatory computer science courses as a bridge.
- That said, Ortiz contends many teachers are ill-prepared to teach these STEM-oriented classes and are therefore unhelpful to students.
Dive Insight:
The solutions, Ortiz suggests, are training more teachers in computer science, using online materials, and rewarding teachers who already have computer science backgrounds. Additionally, he drives home the need for districts to focus on creating 1:1 tech learning environments. Ortiz's desire to bridge gaps in the STEM field is not surprising, as Virdis aims "to become the world's largest platform enabling middle skill employees to be trained, certified and matched to employers who best suit them, maximizing their employability potential," according to its website.
While Ortiz is a major advocate for 1:1 learning, his argument is not championed by all. The Los Angeles Unified School District tried going the 1:1 route when it purchased iPads for all of its students. Many saw that move as a failure due to a host of issues like students being distracted and unlocking the security features on their devices.
