Page 133 - Resources and Support for the Online Educator

where it is going, but I can foresee some of the necessary skills. Many of the
most essential skills are reflected in the ISTE Student Standards and the
Framework for 21st Century Learning. In addition to those skills, educa-
tors must help students learn the power of adaptability because it will likely
be a requisite of any future occupation.

Jobs Without Titles

In education, there has been an ongoing discussion about how to prepare
students for jobs in an unpredictable future, but the scenario also applies
to education itself. The world is becoming more automated, and it has
affected nearly every occupation. I think we can see this trend continuing,
but we also must consider what other consequences come with it. Social
and emotional learning becomes a factor here because it is not enough to
simply prepare students for STEAM careers; educators should also help
those students develop the skills and ability to adapt and persevere so they
can exist happily and successfully in those careers.

When I began working as a teacher more than twenty years ago, the job
appeared predictable and secure; teachers learned the curriculum and
taught it their whole career. But that approach doesn’t work today. Shortly
after I started teaching, the duties and expectations of a teacher began
evolving and changing. I helped introduce more computers into my school,
and they quickly replaced all the analog equipment. I was able to learn and
adapt in part because I worked with students as partners in experimenting
and innovating with the new tools. Many of those students I worked with
benefited from our partnership, went on to become masters of those
emerging tools, and now have amazing professional careers. I make it a
point to continue our communication in part because of the bonds we built,
but also to keep the learning with my current students relevant.

Alumni can be an amazing resource, and social media allows for a direct
connection. These relationships help inform students about potential occu-
pations and industry trends and expectations. Fostering communication
between alumni and current students has had numerous benefits, some of
which were unexpected. It is terrific to be able to celebrate the hard work

Chapter 12: Connections 103

STEAM Power: Infusing Art Into Your STEM Curriculum 133