In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. It’s no surprise that its influence has extended into the educational sector, transforming how teachers engage with students and deliver content. At Benedictine High School, Ken Traben, the Engineering Program Coordinator, has embraced this shift wholeheartedly. His innovative approach to incorporating technology into teaching is not only preparing students for the future but also making learning more interactive and enjoyable.
Ken Traben, a proud alumnus of Benedictine High School (Class of 1986), initially pursued a career in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his degree from Case Western Reserve University and spent 30 years working as a Manufacturing Engineer for three Cleveland-area Fortune 500 companies: Lincoln Electric, Precision Castparts Corporation, and Kennametal. During this time, he also obtained a Master’s in Business Administration from Cleveland State University.
Despite a successful engineering career, Ken always felt a calling to teach. He volunteered as a Sunday School teacher at St. Gregory the Great Parish and frequently developed training programs for new machinery and software at his engineering jobs. These experiences ignited a passion for teaching and seeing students achieve high levels of understanding. When the opportunity arose to join his alma mater as the Engineering Program Coordinator, Ken saw it as the perfect chance to fulfill his desire to educate the next generation.
Ken’s teaching philosophy has evolved significantly since he started incorporating more technology into his classes. He teaches a variety of STEM subjects, including Robotics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones), Single Board Computing (Raspberry Pi), 2D and 3D Computer-Aided Drawing and Modeling, and AP Computer Science Principles. These courses are hands-on and project-based, allowing students to engage deeply with the material.
One of the key aspects of Ken’s approach is giving students a longer leash. He allows them the freedom to adapt and evolve their projects, as long as they meet the general requirements. This method encourages students to troubleshoot, use trial and error, and develop critical thinking skills. Ken knows that in the real world, technology doesn’t always work as expected on the first try. By giving students ample time to solve problems independently, he prepares them for real-world challenges. As deadlines approach, he steps in to provide more guidance, ensuring that students complete their projects successfully.
Impact of Technology on Student Learning
The incorporation of technology in Ken’s classes has transformed the way students learn and engage with content at Benedictine High School. In his Robotics class, for example, students don’t just write computer programs; they download these programs to robots, which then follow the instructions and react to their environment. This tangible application of their coding skills makes the learning experience more lasting and impactful.
Similarly, in the Drones class, students are tasked with writing computer programs to fly drones autonomously. This hands-on approach allows students to see the direct results of their work, reinforcing their understanding and making the learning process more engaging.
One of the most empowering experiences for students is in the Single Board Computing class, where they build their own computers from scratch using Raspberry Pi kits. Today’s students often take technology for granted, but this class gives them a newfound appreciation for how devices are developed. They start with a motherboard and attach all the necessary hardware components before loading the software, including the operating system. This process requires them to solve problems and think critically, as they cannot proceed with their programming assignments unless they have correctly built their Raspberry Pi.
Future Trends and Technologies in Education
Looking ahead, Ken is particularly excited about the potential of virtual reality (VR) to enhance the learning experience. VR can provide immersive and interactive educational opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom settings. He also sees the need to find ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit students, rather than allowing it to become a shortcut for completing homework.
Ken believes that both VR and AI have the potential to revolutionize education, making it more engaging and effective. By staying at the forefront of these technological trends, he aims to continue providing his students with the best possible learning experiences.
Ken Traben’s journey from a successful engineering career to becoming an innovative educator at St. Benedictine High School is truly inspiring. His passion for teaching and his commitment to incorporating technology into the classroom have made a significant impact on his students’ learning experiences. By embracing hands-on, project-based learning and encouraging critical thinking, Ken is preparing his students for the challenges of the future.
As technology continues to evolve, educators like Ken Traben play a crucial role in ensuring that students are not only proficient in using these tools but also understand their underlying principles. His dedication to continuous improvement and innovation serves as a model for other educators looking to integrate technology into their teaching methods.
