OAK RIDGE HIGH SAYS GOODBYE TO SHOP AND HELLO TO MODULAR TECHNOLOGY

OAK RIDGE -- Three years ago Oak Ridge teacher Wayne Bock decided that teaching students to make birdhouses and bookshelves wasn't what they really needed to learn.

So, with the help of a state grant, he transformed his traditional shop class into Modular Technology.

Students are using new technology -- lasers, computers, fiber optics, electronics, robotics -- every day. They also are learning to solve problems, work together and think for themselves.

The approach is unique in Southeast Missouri but a growing trend throughout the nation, Bock said.

"It was about three years ago I realized maybe I wasn't teaching these kids what they need in today's world," Bock said. He started researching what other schools in the country were doing and came up with the idea for modular learning.

Students work together as teams at work stations. The teams complete experiments or projects depending on the unit of study.

Throughout the course, the emphasis is on problem solving and independent thinking, Bock said, two skills industry is looking for.

"They should avoid asking questions," he explained. "We are looking for more independent, creative thinking. Some of the students are having trouble with that. They are used to having the teacher lead them through every lesson."

"It also teaches teamwork," Bock said. "I've been told one of the most common reasons people are fired is because they can't work with other people."

At a small school like Oak Ridge, money is a concern in all things. "I couldn't afford to go out and buy 20 lasers," Bock said. "With this approach, everyone gets to use the laser and we only bought one."

He received a matching grant from Missouri's Department of Education. The state chipped in $3,000, which was matched by the school district.

"I spent all summer up here building work stations and getting things ready, Bock said.

Among courses offered are computer-aided drafting, applied physics, electronic publishing, and photography.

Many of the units include elements of science and math. All require reading.

"They also discover the things they learn from their science and math teachers have practical, everyday uses," Bock said.

Robert Brandel, a freshman, put the finishing touches on his rocket last week. Looking up from a manual, he explained, "I don't know if it will fly straight. That's what I'm checking now. I could be unbalanced or the fins might not be lined up."

Brandel added that he had already made three different corrections to the fin alignment. "I think they are straight now." He took the craft outside for a successful test flight, demonstrating its stability. The rocket was launched the following morning.

"Shop class is kind of dull," Brandel said. "You have to do the same thing everyone else does. You can't work at your own pace. This class is really decent, and he will help you individually."

A team of students, Chris Turner and Jamie Phillips, worked on fiber optics experiments.

Phillips said, "In fiber optics there is a lot of problem solving and a lot of circuitry."

"This is real practical stuff," said Turner. For just a few dollars, he explained, he could "wire up" his own little clock.

"It also has made me ready to take on other challenges," Turner said. He and Brandel decided on their own time to take a diesel engine out of an old car and replace it with a gas engine. They have no manuals, directions or experience. "We know basically what it takes to make a car run," Turner said. "We can do it."

"This is something new for all of us," said Turner. "This is not really like school. You are learning something on your own instead of just following directions from the teacher."

Another plus, he said, is that so far the course has included no homework.