Throughout the first nine weeks of school and now through the second nine weeks for the 2020-21 academic year, Beaver County Career & Technology students have been attending their elected programs online, regardless if they are a new or returning student. Students, parents, and other educators continue to ask, “How are you teaching career and technical education virtually?” Thankfully, here at BCCTC, our teachers, professionals from their own respective industries, are creative and came up with some incredible ways for their students to get engaged with a virtual learning platform for CTE.
Let’s introduce our next Featured Teacher from BCCTC, Mr. David Pallerino, Collision Repair Technology Instructor. From the beginning of the year, Mr. Pallerino decided to have his students use I-Car PDP-EE curriculum, as it was already accessible online. This available information is the same fundamental theory that an industry professional would use when taking courses for professional development to help advance in their career.
Students are covering and virtually learning the following in I-Car PDP-EE:
- The basics of automotive safety
- An overview of the collision repair process from estimation to repair
- The various parts of the vehicle
- Tools and equipment used during repair work
In addition to I-Car PDP-EE, the students are also involved in two other disciplines. The first of the two is SP/2 training in a course entitled, ‘Advance Auto Parts – Parts Identification Course’. This course would enable students to ‘talk industry talk’ instead of using terms like ‘thingy’, ‘gizmo’ or ‘whatchamacallit’. This would help them use the professional language they need to know to speak to another industry professional in the trade. The second discipline is working with ALLDATA, a software program that will allow students to prepare to test for another industry credential.
While the students were briefly at school during the second nine weeks, they were able to do more hands-on corresponding activities that revolved mostly around a car door. Some of their work included:
- Removal of parts from the frame of a car with the emphasis on a car door
- Removal and installation of a window regulator
- The adjustment of hinges of the striker to adjust the door properly
- Installation of a car door and the proper function of opening and closing the door
And now? Collision students will continue to go through their I-Car modules while their education continues to be virtual. Upon returning to the program, students will be getting ready to learn how to prep and refinish work in the paint booth.
Mr. Pallerino had this to say about his students, “I am in awe of their ability to be resilient and roll with the punches. They have been listening to me every day and I give them a lot of credit. The information is difficult under ideal circumstances and we all know these are not ideal circumstances. Kudos to my students!”
Hey, Collision students… We are looking forward to you returning to BCCTC, when that day comes, to see you in that paint booth! Until then, stay safe!