Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a pivotal role in preparing students for the workforce by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various industries. At its core, CTE is fundamentally about assessing and cultivating competence, which is most accurately evaluated through performance-based assessments. Yet, despite the clear advantages of performance testing, it is perplexing that only a handful of states and credentialing bodies fully integrate this method into their evaluation processes.
The reluctance to embrace performance-based assessments may stem from various challenges, such as logistical difficulties, financial constraints, and the complexity of designing standardized tests that accurately reflect real-world scenarios. However, as technology continues to advance, new solutions are emerging that could potentially bridge the gap between traditional testing methods and the demands of modern education.
Machine learning and training resources in CTE are experiencing rapid advancements, paving the way for innovative educational tools. This technological evolution is significantly fueled by the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in hands-on training applications. According to a report by PwC, AR and VR in education are expected to grow at a rate of 59% over the next five years, indicating a substantial shift toward these immersive technologies.
One company leading this charge is zSpace, which has been at the forefront of developing interactive and engaging educational experiences. By expanding their hardware capabilities, zSpace aims to meet the growing demand for enhanced memory and processing power, essential for supporting increasingly complex simulation platforms. These platforms provide students with a dynamic learning environment where they can practice skills and solve problems in a controlled, virtual setting.
The rationale for using simulations as an alternative to traditional in-person performance testing is compelling, particularly in technical fields where practical, hands-on experience is crucial. Simulations offer a safe and cost-effective way to replicate real-world conditions, allowing students to gain insights and develop skills that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. For instance, in fields like aviation and healthcare, simulations are already extensively used to train pilots and medical professionals, demonstrating their effectiveness in preparing individuals for high-stakes environments.
However, a significant question persists: How can we effectively simulate content, especially within the diverse and multifaceted realm of CTE? Addressing this challenge requires a careful balance of technological innovation and educational theory. Simulations must be designed to accurately reflect the complexities and nuances of real-world tasks, ensuring that learners are not only engaging with the material but are also developing competencies that translate to actual job performance.
The potential for mixed reality technologies to revolutionize CTE is immense, but it requires a concerted effort from educators, technologists, and policymakers to harness their full potential. By embracing these advancements, states and credentialing providers can develop more robust and effective assessment methods that truly measure competence and prepare students for the ever-evolving demands of the workforce. As we continue to explore and refine these innovative solutions, the future of CTE looks promising, with the potential to transform how we evaluate and cultivate competence across various fields.
Continue to full article from ACTE's Techniques Magazine - November/December 2020