Change Driving Innovation in Fishers Classrooms
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo Hamilton County educators say incorporating technology and innovation into classrooms is becoming more important as workforce demands continue to change. Hamilton Southeastern High School Computer Science Chair Julie Alano says, even in high performing schools, teachers need to make sure students are prepared for the next-generation jobs employers are offering.
Alano says students need to be prepared to change jobs several times over the course of their careers. "They’re going to switch and going to have to learn new things quickly and so it’s important that we train our students to be able to change and learn on the fly and not just memorize something they can google. I think a lot of schools are taking up on the change. It’s just some educators are a little afraid of the change."
Fishers High School Assistant Principal Steve Loser says they are looking to reflect the entrepreneurship and innovation community in Fishers. He says doing so will allow schools to create classroom experiences that connect students with community challenges.
Loser adds events like The Next Launch business idea competition provides more of a sense of entrepreneurship among students. Fishers High School senior Drew Jarvis won this year’s competition, and the $25,000 grand prize, for her feminine hygiene product Lilly Pod.
Loser says the goal is to have students graduate and move on to pursue their college or career goals but "ultimately planting their roots right back here in Fishers." Alano adds getting the students into the community while they’re still in high school to see the benefits of the ecosystem in Fishers is an important step in getting them to return.