Iskandar's Learning Diary for Opening Minds to STEM Careers by Iskandar https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv Hello from Malaysia. This is my Collection of answer, comments, ideas, resources from the course European Schoolnet Academy. Iskandar Siew at izs125@hotmail.com. en-us 2017-04-03 23:05:47 UTC 2017-05-19 04:52:24 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padletuploads.blob.core.windows.net/prod/189162087/245885d0204e1b1b6f91df7046f3a773/Screenshot_at_Apr_04_11_49_13.png 1.1 The world of STEM izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/164515402 I am engineer and determine to be STEM/STEAM educator. I have seen how STEM bring "WOW" faces back to Kids.]]> 2017-04-04 03:36:02 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/164515402 1.2 STEM careers in the job market izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/164515639 There are a lot of after school programs promoting STEM in Malaysia.   In this 21st century, we need young children with imagination and creativity. STEM provide that. We as an adult, need to make sure we provide the opportunities for children and motivate them towards STEM subjects. ]]> 2017-04-04 03:40:10 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/164515639 1.3 STEM career guidance in schools - Name challenges and how do you overcome them izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/164519025 Science teacher and Math teacher knows those subjects very well, they have spent years to master those topics and they are very good at teaching, explaining the key concept to student.  However, some may lack of the real world experience (one has only 24 hours, difficult to master both). For eg, the text book may cover what is big data but may not specify the relationship with Math, or the latest tool in the market; the text book may cover Arduino but may not list down the latest HW shield.  In my humble opinion, (i) more hands-on projects for students and (ii)  invite working professional (including scientist) back to school and share the experience. This inline with topic #2 - Help students see scientists as real people.  ]]> 2017-04-04 04:31:46 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/164519025 2.1 The Fourth Industrial Revolution izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166350765 The fourth industrial revolution is definitely changing the way we live. For eg, the advancement of conferencing reduce the need of traveling and the advancement of Blockchain how we do business in the future (hence a lot of jobs in the financial sector will be gone).   IMHO, Two interesting technologies which a school teacher should at least inform the students are - VR and AR.   These two technologies are not new to students as they use it to play games.   Teachers can tell children about how to implemented these two technologies in the daily / business world, what job will be affected and perhaps how to learn. ]]> 2017-04-14 07:30:15 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166350765 2.2 Evolution of STEM professions izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166381917 Machine take over jobs that mostly require man power.   Machine does not take over jobs that require brain power (unless the final phase of A.I do come true).     Any task that require coming out new idea, planning, design, programming, judgemental decision making and especially teaching will not be taking over by machine. ]]> 2017-04-14 15:32:04 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166381917 2.3 Jobs of the future izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166391126 One of the future jobs that we should start preparing for is the skill set of Big Data (mathematic, programming and sociology).  How to find " THE gold" from the "bin" is an important skill set. I once read an article about the credit card company is able to predict whether a couple will be separated based on their statement (spending habit).]]> 2017-04-14 17:17:18 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166391126 2.4 Current STEM industries and professions izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166391256 App Developer.  Not only on tablet but also on VR and AR.    This require a team of people who has knowledge in programming, graphical design, psychology and many more. ]]> 2017-04-14 17:18:20 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166391256 2.5 STEM career pathways izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166409028 TED, youtube, pluralsight (https://www.pluralsight.com/) and coursera (https://www.coursera.org/)  are good sources.   In addition, STEM Product manufacturers also provide good materials and good support. ]]> 2017-04-14 22:24:56 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166409028 3.1 STEM skills izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166416538 STEM skills can be defined as - Any creativity ideas that uses Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics, to resolve issue and/or provide a better solution is considered possessing STEM Skills.  

An example of non-STEM profession that uses STEM skills are (i) Laundry business owner (or cleaning service owner) with Chemistry background; (ii) construction worker uses Newton theory to solve / improve work task (iii) artiest or product designer uses latest materials for end products, such as fashion designer is printing fabric using 3D printers. The list can go on and on. ]]> 2017-04-15 04:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166416538 3.2 STEM skills of the future. In focus: ICT and digital skills izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166430765 Using Internet to find more information as well as to search for answer. Using STEM products such as micro:bit to teach coding and electronics. ]]> 2017-04-15 14:13:11 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/166430765 3.3 Soft skills izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/167616621 The 3 essential skill sets are 
- Be able to convey the message clearly.   Not everyone has the same knowledge nor background.   The Skill set to explain thing with a manners that are clearly, lively and nicely is important.  
- Project Management - Dealing with Project is very important. What is the point of having the right skill set but yet cannot deliver the end product? In a high level point of view, the project management skill include Time, expectation and costing.    I told the students this story before:   You customer came to you and asking for a project design.   What will happen if you tell the customer that, I can deliver this product but it is going to take 10 years?   or what is the reaction of the customer if you said, I can do it but it is going to cost you 1 million USD?  or you deliver the product within a very short period, at a very low cost, but the product is not what the customer expect.
- Never stop to persuade knowledge. I.e. Never give up.   A nice products take years to perfect, no matter how good your knowledge is.  ]]> 2017-04-22 10:44:51 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/167616621 3.4 Classroom methodologies to promote STEM skills https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/170336772 By all means, I think Project Based Learning is what children love the most.    

Tools that I used are mostly Hardware, such as using Arduino. ]]> 2017-05-07 02:36:44 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/170336772 3.5 STEM skills and STEM careers. Tools for match-matching https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/170336795 The "Dream Job Game" is FUN!  

I recommend teacher to let students play with this game and I also suggest parent to play this game with their children.

Please note that, both the "Dream Job Game" and "Tech Future Career" end up on the same web site - thetechpartnership.com.  ]]> 2017-05-07 02:38:14 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/170336795 4.1 STEM career activities: how to use them? https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171195981 Connects the Dot.   When talk about Big Data, in addition to how big data is changing the way we live, I will also touch base on what skill sets are necessary to be a big data engineer.   

I use Makey Makey, littleBits, Ozobot Bit, Circuit Scribe, micro:bit, Arduino for the class to have fun.  ]]> 2017-05-11 09:10:05 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171195981 4.3 STEM career activities: teacher practices https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196147
Do
  1. Weave career information informally into lessons
  2. Share personal experiences
  3. Be a mentor/advocate.

Do in the future:
  1. Invite guest speakers
  2. Research science careers / map out career paths
  3. Expose students to worksites and outside opportunities
]]> 2017-05-11 09:11:07 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196147 5.1 Gender equality and the gender gap in STEM https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196290 Number of girls who study in Science Class is as many as boys in Malaysia.   

In 2015, a 17-year-old Faye Jong-Sow Fei had an asteroid named after her name. 
In 2016, a 25-year-old Shu Lam solved the superbug problem.  ]]> 2017-05-11 09:12:02 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196290 5.2 Gender equality in the the job market and in the classroom https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196373 I don't think I ever have to think about this.   Even in Sports.  ]]> 2017-05-11 09:12:35 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196373 5.3 Women in STEM https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196455 Ada, Countess of Lovelace.   
First Programmer.  Talented in Math and good in Poetry.    What a combination!

Her story can be used to inspire female in S.T.E.M]]> 2017-05-11 09:13:09 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196455 5.4 Projects about gender equality in STEM https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196532 STEM products such as littleBits regularly encourage girls to pick up S.T.E.M knowledge.   For eg,

http://littlebits.cc/10-inspiring-quotes-female-founders
http://littlebits.cc/jeanette-epps-astronaut

(added 19-May-2017)
http://littlebits.cc/ayah-bdeir-critical-age-girls-she-suite?utm_content=buffer272d2&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
p/s: littleBits CEO/creator, Ayah Bdeir is a female engineer.]]> 2017-05-11 09:13:41 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196532 6.1 Role of teachers in career counselling https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196614 I generally practice the Tutorial roles (Career informant & Pastoral support) and teaching roles (Within-subject & Delivering CEL).   A good place to start is actually web site for job searching.   Students get to know what kind of jobs are in demand in the market (at least for now).    I shall practice more on the Leadership roles. ]]> 2017-05-11 09:14:13 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196614 6.2 Role models izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196682 The recent famous role model for STEM is definitely Miss Shu Lam. But she is no in Malaysia. The next one that come to my mind is Malaysia's astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar but I don't think he is available.

Come to think about it, I actually don't know famous STEM role models in Malaysia.    This is a good assignment for me.   ]]> 2017-05-11 09:14:38 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/171196682 6.3 STEM professionals izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172154362 I plan to bring in a professional who is selling Solar panel. He studied in IT but ended up in Electronic sector. This is exactly like what James talk about. My plan is to cover (a) Technical aspect (b) demonstration (c) the process of installation and the challenges. ]]> 2017-05-16 17:22:06 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172154362 6.4 Bringing parents into career counseling izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172166175 Parents wants what is best for their children.   To get them interested (and to support) in STEM is to let them aware the fact that STEM career earn more money.     The article with the title "Fact:
Eight of the ten highest-paying jobs in Canada are STEM-related" helps.  ]]> 2017-05-16 18:06:22 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172166175 7.1 Business and education collaboration izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172263094 Access Support - Parents in Malaysia are very supportive to Children's education, having said that, it is unusual to bring guest(expert) back to high school. I will say most students desire for employability is middle to high. Especially want to work in oversea. ]]> 2017-05-17 07:28:20 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172263094 7.2 Connect with the community izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172265204 As green energy is one of the important and interesting topics, I plan to bring in an expert who is working on solar power. The person will share the technology behind (how solar power convert into electrical power, how to store the energy) to problem facing during the installation (if the solar power is installed on the roof top, what is the best angle, how to adjust the angel, etc). 

]]> 2017-05-17 07:41:59 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172265204 7.3 School-to-work transition izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172266986 Big companies do offer School-to-work transition. From what I know, (1) it is only open to college students and (2) only open to students who excel. I would love to see companies offer program to high school and open to those who are interested. ]]> 2017-05-17 07:51:50 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172266986 7.4 Case study: Internship placement in Portugal izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172269801 Advantages are countless, I studied in the USA, and I went for an internship when I back to Malaysia (Thanks).    I learnt practical instead of just theory. The schools need to take care of children safety, everything is plan well. In the industrial, it is not always the case. For eg, Intern see senior working on a very high voltage (thousand of Watts), intern see IT senior working at a night shift to have minimum down time, etc.

Disadvantage - none so whatever.  All students should go. ]]> 2017-05-17 08:12:09 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172269801 8.1 What is a career event? izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172283247 There are many education events in Malaysia.   Mostly for students to further their study.   There are career event for accounting, but I dont remember seeing one for STEM related.    I did google and found one Science coffee near where I stayed.  https://www.meetup.com/Science-Cafe-KL/. Thanks for tips. ]]> 2017-05-17 09:33:00 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172283247 8.3 Types of STEM Career Events (II) izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172563761 Personally, I am inclined to Virtual Career fair as long as the "fair" is interactive.   Think about the possibilities combining "Virtual Reality" + "interactive app" + "big data" into the virtual fair.  

This is especially true if the app are written such that the student are given option to select what topic to further discussion.   Kind of the like at the end of the NBA x-box game, when the manager will talk to the player to discuss about the career move and the player can select the answer.  

This make the "virtual" become like "real".     With Reality, students can instantly move to the lab, to the datacenter, to the operation room, and many more.    

Students will love it and benefit from it.   

]]> 2017-05-18 12:53:20 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172563761 8.4 STEM careers fair organization. Strategies for success izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172722277 This question is challenging.   Each and every task is important.  

Planning -  I would have to say " the objective", i.e. the purpose. With a good purpose, people will assist and sponsor. 

Implementation - In this steps, "people factor" is important.  Regular meeting, milestones check list, happy factor, conflict...... 

Post event activities -  Thank you letter if you plan to conduct future fair. The outcome of the Evaluation is next.  

All in all, a person need to be appointed to be the Fair manager. ]]> 2017-05-19 03:30:49 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172722277 8.5 Case study: The Teen Science Café experience in Malta izs125 https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172727688 I am all spiced up. In actual fact, I have immediately setup a Facebook page - Teen Science Cafe Malaysia. Wonderful Ideas. Love it. ]]> 2017-05-19 04:50:06 UTC https://padlet.com/izs125/xrj1cfbd1wvv/wish/172727688