Dr. Marcia Mardis Presents at Amsterdam 2018 EdMedia + Innovate Learning International Conference

Mardis_Presents_Amsterdam_EdMedia2018.JPEG

 

Dr. Mardis, the lead author, presented a paper titled "Assessing Alignment between High School IT Courses and State IT Curriculum Frameworks.”

Institute Associate Director Dr. Marcia Mardis traveled to Amsterdam June 25-29, 2018 to present findings at the 2018 EdMedia + Innovate Learning International Conference. Since 1987 EdMedia + Innovate, Learning is the premier international conference spanning all disciplines and levels of education attracting researchers and practitioners in the field from 70+ countries.

Coauthors of this study include institute researchers and collaborators Jinxuan Ma, Faye R. Jones, Chandrahasa R. Ambavarapu, Heather M. Kelleher, Laura I. Spears, and Charles R. McClure. In this paper, the authors report that data suggested employers sought “soft” skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and written and verbal communication and identified the opportunity for future research to examine the extent that programs foster these skills. This publication contributes these early findings as part of a three-year study, funded from the National Science Foundation, that will measure the effectiveness of the classroom-to-career path offered by advanced manufacturing programs at Chipola College and collaborating colleges in Northwest Florida.     

Mardis_Delegates_Amsterdam_EdMedia2018.jpg

 

Dr. Mardis discussed aspects of technician education with delegates from Germany, Japan, and the UAE.

Dr. Mardis reports the attendants had a great discussion about the contrasts and similarities among technician programs all over the world. The conference provided an opportunity for some quick sightseeing of Amsterdam. Dr. Mardis shared the following snapshots:    

Mardis_ 3DPrintedBuilding_Amsterdam_EdMedia2018.jpg

 

While attending the conference, Dr. Mardis also had the pleasure of watching the world’s largest 3D printed building be constructed.

 

 

Mardis_Banksy_Amsterdam_EdMedia2018.jpg

 

Dr. Mardis viewed an exhibition of graffiti art by Banksy at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCO).
Mardis_Rijksmuseum_Amsterdam_EdMedia2018.jpg

 

Dr. Mardis visited the library and archive at the Rijksmuseum.
Mardis_TheShip_Amsterdam_EdMedia2018.jpg

 

Dr. Mardis explored “The Ship,” a museum of social housing.

Dr. Mardis shared her experience at the conference was awesome!