Educators’ present-day lesson is future

Teachers train in nanotech to prep students for emerging fields

“Is anyone confused?” asked Chris Tebbens, an expert from Kla-tencor, which creates management systems for the semiconductor and nano-technology industry.

Hands shot up across the classroom and Tebbens, along with two representatives from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, roamed the classroom to explain the formula that programs everyday electronic devices, like cellphones and computers.

For a day, teachers became the students, attending an annual technology event hosted by New York State United Teachers featuring fun, interactive tools and training sessions that they can use to introduce high school students to emerging tech fields.

The group participated in a Twister-style game, which required the teacher to apply the logic basics they had just learned to simulate the electronic f low that occurs in a “microprocessor” — a tiny chip contained in electronic devices.

Later, the teachers would testrun a catapult system, designed to mimic, through trial and error, the quality control required in semiconductor manufacturing plants.

“Teachers realize that technology is a part of just about every subject, but they are not sure how to incorporate it. This gives them some ideas on how to incorporate STEM into different fields,” Terry Mcsweeney, NYSUT’S STEM coordinator said.

Teachers union NYSUT invites the SEMI Foundation, which runs technology trainings for educators and students around the globe, once a year. The events are increasingly focused on the nano-technology industry, a major component of the Capital Region economy where talent is in high demand, Mcsweeny said.

It’s not just math and science teachers who attend the event. Arts and humanities instructors say they are always in search of creative ways to incorporate technology into classrooms.

Amy Januska, an art teacher from Gloversville Middle School, noted that a century ago, engineering and art were combined. Both mediums require critical thinking and problem solving,

she said.

“A basic element of art is pattern and repetition,” Januska said. “When you think of the old iphone commercials, they are kind of like a Warhol where it’s the same image over and over and over again.”

Lori Van Buren / Times Union Kevin Musick of SUNY Poly, second from right, points to a number Wednesday as he helps Capital Region teachers play the “Human Calculator Game,” at New York State United Teachers in Latham. Game participants use logic to simulate electron microprocessor flow to help teachers prepare students for real world STEM jobs nano-tech industry.

Lori Van Buren / times union Carol Brown and Brett Bernhard take notes Wednesday as Capital region teachers learn about using logic to simulate electron microprocessor flow at new York State united teachers in Latham.