That we live in the age of technology, there is no doubt. But technology is only one tool among many employed in the education of our young people. Education is much more than getting wired. It's about getting ready for the world, and changing the world for the better. Equally important is how schools use technology. How you learn is as important as what you learn.
The Mike and Sandy Hartley Math/Science/Technology Complex and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Technology Plaza focus on the process of learning by engaging students within the context of a truly integrated curriculum. The plaza is all about knowledge creation, which extends beyond the mere acquisition of information. As circles of interconnectedness become visible to students, creative thinking begins to flourish. In this evolving process, both learners and facilitators become part of the system they study; learners become teachers, and teachers continue to pursue the goal of life-long learning.
Two Mid-Pacific students won top awards at the Hawaii Student Film Festival, sponsored by Hawaii Student Television, at the Dole Cannery. Ryen Lung was awarded two gold awards while Aaron Katagiri was awarded one gold award. Students in high school and college were eligible to compete. Students were awarded bronze, silver and gold awards based upon the quality of their video.
Click here to watch Aaron Katagiri's Instant Ramen
Over the past five years, the Math, Science and Technology Departments have studied current research on learning and the efforts of others to reform math and science education. As a result, we have made changes to the content we teach and how we work with students in the classroom. Our departments talk about ways to coordinate math and science programs so we support each other directly. Integration and collaboration between faculty and students will be a hallmark of the program.
Click above to download a PDF guide to The Mike and Sandy Hartley Math, Science & Technology Complex and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Technology Plaza
The plaza has advanced technologies that are generally not available to high school students. Students focused on the arts will find a home in the multi-media areas. Students interested in social studies will gravitate to the Global Commons to follow world events and use the latest video conferencing tools. Foreign language students and writers may converse and collaborate with students from around the world. Science students may investigate biotechnologies relating to microalgae, invertebrates and organism research and development.
Our goal is to produce graduates fully capable of integrating into the workplace of the future while making a positive contribution to their community. We are very excited about the new buildings, our enhanced curriculum and the future of Mid-Pacific Institute.
By making the journey into the future a fun, rewarding and, above all, collaborative process, The Technology Center serves as an important community resource. The best thing about the center is that it is run by students, not adults. The teachers have become true facilitators-helping students make connections, guiding student inquiry, and most importantly "freeing" energy and creativity so that they can learn at the pace and style that engages them.
The Technology Center at Mid-Pacific Institute is a unique learning environment that combines current research on how students learn with state-of-the-art technology. Students work collaboratively and many of the tasks in the center develop the skills that workers in the 21st century will need: flexibility, creativity, problem solving and effective communication.
The center consists of a range of configurations for students. As the students gain experience and confidence, they can combine system elements to continue their exploration. The lab is modular and cross-platform by design, using both Macintosh and PC computers.
The facility is the first of its kind in the State of Hawaii. "There are quite a few technology centers in the state, but none are set up like this," said Science Coordinator Mark Hines.
"Actually, it emphasizes more than teaching technological tools. Students work in teams, find ways to express their understanding and create unique solutions-'thinking outside the box.' The center creates a nice balance of challenge and fun."
The center is designed to give students experience in a variety of technologies that will shape the jobs of the future. These include communications, data acquisition, circuitry, physical simulation, computer simulation, publications and biotechnology.
A walk through the center will find students absorbed in a myriad of projects:
