| Danial Norjidi |
CERTIFICATES were presented yesterday to participants of a workshop on the ‘Enhancement of design and technology and other technology subjects for government secondary schools and vocational and technical institutions’.
In a press release from the Curriculum Development Department, Ministry of Education, it was shared that a total of 14 teachers and two lecturers of Phase four took part in the workshop, which was aimed at exposing teachers to the use of Autodesk content and the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture), while also establishing an interest and knowledge in the field of engineering and design in the curriculum.
The schools and institutions involved include: Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) College, Sayyidina Husain Secondary School, Lambak Kiri Secondary School, Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School; Anthony Abell College; and School of Aviation, IBTE Sultan Saiful Rijal Campus.
The workshop’s sessions was divided into three stages: Autodesk content in week 1; the use and handling of Denford machines, CAD and CAM; and machine care and the F1 in Schools challenge.
Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Nawi, the Director of the Curriculum Development Department, Ministry of Education presented the certificates to the participants yesterday.
In a speech, he congratulated the teachers who participated in the 14-day training given by professional trainers of Autodesk and Denford.
“The experience, knowledge and skills gained from the workshop added with continuous hands-on training with other colleagues provide more exposure to all,” he said.
He noted that the training undertaken by the teachers developed their skills, particularly in using Autodesk software, the effective use of CAD and CAM and other machines such as a Laser Cutter and Up Plus 3D printer.
“It is expected through this training, teachers will be able to develop their interpersonal skills and creativity through enquiry, negotiation and discussion,” he said. “The crux of design and technology is of course the development of numerous skills such as teamwork, ability to communicate ideas through modelling, graphic skills, discussion and writing.”
Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Nawi, Director of the Curriculum Development Department, Ministry of Education, delivering his speech. – PHOTOS: DANIAL NORJIDI
Haji Abdul Rahman presenting a certificate to one of the participants.
He went on to express his belief that the training the teachers attended does not end when they leave the workshop. “Teachers will create their multiplier effect so as to increase in some activities that may start a chain reaction that generates more activity engaging students of all learning styles.”
The chain reaction is the number of students that benefit from teachers’ newfound knowledge and enthusiasm and create their own projects through cross curricular activities, he said.
“Teachers, now you can inspire your students by showing them the limitless possibilities of 3D design. It is now possible to design the shapes of almost everything around us, the things we buy, the way we get around and the places we live. It really does change the world, and that is why we are passionate about educating and inspiring the next generation of designers.”
Making use of technology to allow students the freedom to discover solutions to problems both independently and collaboratively is a force for good, he highlighted. “As educators we strive for students to engage with our subject beyond a superficial level. We want them to be active learners, learners who have a thirst for discovery and knowledge.”
He went on to state, “Students will enjoy the learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) and other subjects through the active engagement to this project. To enhance their interest it is important for teachers to promote high order of thinking skills to prepare the students to live in the 21st Century.”
The director noted that, according to Brookhart (2010), “When students acquire the knowledge, skills and transfer them to new situations, the students apply the knowledge and skills to life outside of school and develop their skills at seeing problems from different angles and formulate their own solutions.”
The Ministry of Education hopes that through this project, teachers who are pushing these fields are going to make big strides in preparing students with skills ready to work, he shared.
“This project is part of students’ cross curriculum activities where students are undoubtedly able to experience many areas of education and learning, not only on technology used to manufacture the cars, but way beyond where they will be participating in the Formula 1 competition.”
He also remarked that this year marked a milestone for the Ministry of Education, where the Curriculum Development Department collaborated with Universiti Teknologi Brunei to organise the 2nd National STEM and Innovative Design Challenge, which was held on August 30-31 2016. A total of 56 students from 10 schools participated in the challenge, and he said he hopes the number of students participating next year will increase during the 3rd National STEM and Innovative Design Challenge, which is planned to be held in May 2017.
The director also thanked UTB for allowing the use of their premises as the venue for the duration of the training. “We will look forward to have further training session with experts from UTB with our teachers in the near future.”
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