Technology Exploration class promotes hands-off approach to learning

It seems that the Technology Exploration class is not only exploring the various facets of technology, but also exploring different methods of learning. Mr. Jamie Hutt, the class teacher, has been encouraging students to take control over and supervise their own work by reintroducing a unique project.

The project itself imposes very few limits on the students — the basis of the project is to present a piece of work that utilizes a technological medium. The time students take to work on the project is also very much up to them, with some students doing one per quarter and others taking the entire school year to focus on one project.

“Sometimes as teachers we’re guilty of just telling the kids what to learn… it’s an important skill for students to be able to set their own goals,” Mr. Hutt said.

There are many intriguing projects that are in the works. Mr. Hutt expressed his anticipation towards all his students’ projects. For example, Henry Lin (12B) is creating an animation project featuring some of his favorite characters from the series Gravity Falls, with the goal of learning “some basic animation and digital illustration skills”, steering him towards his dream of working for Disney. “Being able to work at my own pace is also a very valuable aspect,” Henry said. “I have encountered some difficulties in the first quarter, and if experience has taught me anything, it actually takes longer for me to accomplish a goal than I’d originally expect, so I like being able to be flexible in how much time I have for a particular goal.”

There are even students who are using this opportunity to create their own music. As can be seen, students in this class are expanding their knowledge of technology while still following their own interests.

Mr. Hutt believes that this project will promote self-regulation, which will in turn help students in the long term. “They can manage their own projects, they can learn independently, they can be responsible in their own learning. And I think that’s an important skill, certainly when they go away to university and they go to work in the future.”

Seeing the enthusiasm towards this project, perhaps it can be concluded that a more “hands off” approach to teaching and giving assignments will boost students’ motivation and prompt them to be more self-reliant.

Featured Image – A screenshot of Nicholas Yu’s ‘Third Person RPG’ project Courtesy of Nicholas Yu.