For many career and technical education (CTE) teachers, the sudden move to online learning is particularly challenging. CTE, after all, is often hands-on in nature. Here, we gather updates, tips, suggested practices, and resources around CTE online lesson plans into one place. Use them to supplement official guidance provided by your school or district. Our hope is to help you strengthen your online teaching skills as they relate to delivering CTE instruction remotely.
TEA Instructional Resources
The Texas Education Agency has developed an Instructional Continuity Framework. This framework helps educators design, deliver, and monitor an at-home curriculum while maximizing instructional time and helping students master grade level standards.
The framework features four phases, from conducting a landscape analysis to monitoring student work and providing feedback. Here are a couple of resources from the framework specific to CTE:
- Instructional Materials and Curricular Supports for CTE: Find this resource in phase 1: Conducting a Landscape Analysis
- CTE Courses Remote Learning: Find this resource in phase 2: Determine At-Home Curriculum & Instruction Model
Additionally, take some time to review these CTE updates and resources from TEA:
- CTE State Plan (pending SBOE approval in April 2020)
- Programs of Study
- Industry-Based Certification Resources
Virtual Tools
Gamification may be a great way to keep your students engaged from afar. Including game elements in learning increased motivation and engagement in a 2016 study.
To help with gamification, check out the STEAM store for free or low-cost digital simulations, inexpensive AR/VR games, and digital learning resources. STEAM is a digital gaming platform for use on any computer, regardless of operating system.
Explore other useful resources that support remote CTE teaching through virtual labs, simulations, and/or interactive learning objects. These sites can also help develop your online teaching abilities:
- Southern Regional Education Board
- Distance Learning Resources
- CTE Coalition
- Woodshop simulation (free trial)
- VRTX Virtual Welding Simulator
- Farming and Agricultural Simulator
Connect with Your Colleagues
Finally, don’t forget about your professional networks and associations. Like our leader fellow Jenny Patrick has mentioned before, “plug in to your regional service centers or your educational social media groups,” and share what’s working for your school and district. The Texas College and Career Planning Source Facebook group is a great place to engage with colleagues.
And finally, we’re happy to help amplify what’s worked for you. Email us with your trusted tools and resources, and we’ll share with your colleagues across the state. Let’s continue working together to support positive student outcomes during these uncertain times.
For related info, be sure to visit our comprehensive guide on educating during COVID-19.
