OPINION ON THE TRAINING MODEL AT HIGH TECH HIGH.

The management of this school has adopted a constructivist approach, most of the learners have gained the zeal to work on their own, they are seen in the video testing prototypes to check whether the concept will work similar way.

The environment is so condusive for the learners and for the teachers.
the learners have enough space to test their items from and the teachers as well, more so the halls as seen in the video have the facilities like power, working tables and most importantly the material is seen to be enough  right from prototyping to real items.

As observed, the teachers are motivated to build commitment to the job they respond to give timely feed back and their collaboration between the trainees is real friendship that does not create a drift in leadership, they are facilitators just on ground to help the trainees achieve their objectives.

High tech High absolutely promotes creativity because of the how the trainees are presenting their projects and are of the same mind to produce a product.

I have much hope that this is so much "do able" at Nakawa VTI 

for example the trainees in electricity were tasked to repair the lights in machine shop. 
they have to do what ever possible to make sure the lights get on and make their group reports and recommendations.

The participation of all is the core objective and one can observe that even safety is simulated from the industries they ought to work in. they have safety shoes, safety overalls, and collaborative effort on the ladder.










I think that the approach of High Tech High can be applied here.

the trainees of electricity are wiring on board a full plan of a house and how all lights, security and electrical appliances for a typical homestead will work.

Trainees of welding in a gas welding session.

I wished to share a few features of evidence why i think that the approach could work in my institute.

some of the challenges that may hamper the success may include the increasing enrollment that has emerged as a result of government increased awareness on skills for all program and skilling Uganda and Universal secondary education.

This approach would need too much material input and retooling of instructors to think ahead and match the attitude towards the desired change.

Regarding syllabus coverage i believe they cover it because it is only matching what ever item on the syllabus to practical  hands on experience  and interpreting it into real life projects. Because they have equipment and material they can do anything with their syllabus to make sure they cove it both preparing trainee for work and exams at the same time. they surely can!!!

The use of technology in High Tech High can not at all make trainees stupid, they really think and have gained confidence to feel like they are manufacturers, initiators and innovators, when they leave the school they lead the life they want to follow and become employed there and then, they have hands on skills not theoretical. The fact remains that wherever they go they will lead and others will follow.

The role of technology in High Tech High is to compliment theory the teachers are sharing 

IT IS SO MUCH EASIER TO UNDERSTAND SOME THING WHEN YOU TRANSFER IT FROM IMAGINATION TO REAL LIFE. THIS IS WHAT WE REALLY LACK HERE IN OUR COUNTRY.

Technology is helping the teachers to simulate real life learning and also trainees to do  meaningful research.

In conclusion, High Tech High is observed to be giving trainees special attention bearing in mind what the industry wants as employers.

Niwamanya Gilbert

Instructor

Nakawa Vocational Training Institute.