The ight House

Editorials and Commentaries | Random Thoughts | True Stories | Other Writers

Education

The Effect of Technology
In this modern age the value of an education can not be over emphasized. A few decades ago, the High School diploma was the mark of an educated person. There were lots of good jobs for those with out a high school diploma but those with a high school diploma had even greater opportunities. College was considered for the wealthy. It was the school for teachers, scientist, engineers, doctors, lawyers, and politicians. The world was a simpler place back then. Technology has since grown to make the world much more complicated. The shade tree auto mechanic has been replaced by the automotive technician, computers in the home are common place, we carry our telephones with us wherever we go and we can bake a large potato in only four minutes. Technology continues to grow as we are just beginning to trifle with computers that react to voice command, automobiles that can create a map to show the driver his/her location, high definition television, and exploration of other planets with sophisticated robotics. The list of new technologies on the horizon could go on and on. With the innovation of new and more sophisticated technology comes the demand for higher education. For those who wish to live a comfortable life with a financially secure future, a good education is imperative. Those of higher ambition who wish to achieve a higher level of success, will need to acquire an even higher level of education. There will always be those uncommon individuals who are able to achieve great success by their own wits, but for most of us who acquire our assets through the work force, education is and will be our most valuable tool for reaching our success goals..

Not only is new technology constantly on the increase, but the rate of advancement is also increasing. The advancement of technology between the years 1950 and 2000 is probably at least tripled the advancement between the years 1900 and 1950. Supposedly, the purpose of advancing technology is to increase the quality of life. In many ways the advancement of technology does just that. It is hard to imagine living today without microwave ovens, VCR’s, cable television, personal computers, efficient air conditioning etc... There is however to my opinion, a negative to the advancement of technology It really isn’t the advancement that produces the negative as much as it is this steadily increasing rate of advancement. To put it simply, people just can not keep up. For example, my father was at one time an excellent auto mechanic. He was known to be one of the very best. He began his craft in the early 1950’s and experience made him better through the years. He never attended school to learn his craft; his skills were developed purely through experience and drawing from the experience of older more experienced mechanics. By the early 1970’s he was well established with his own business and had a reputation of providing excellent auto repair and service in his community. It was about that same time (early 1970’s) that the automotive industry began to make some innovative technological changes that would soon raise the complexity of “Auto Mechanics” to a level requiring advanced training for those wishing to begin or remain in the field. My father being in his 40’s at the time did not wish to go to school to learn the new skills required in a field that he had already spent a life time and that he had already mastered. He therefore retired from Automotive Service to pursue other business opportunities. My father was lucky in that he was multi talented and able to find other areas in which he could reestablish himself in business.

I see the same trend happening in my own profession . I am a Designer in the Automotive Industry. My job is to create and revise drawings used in the manufacture of steering gear assemblies. I have been in the Design/Drafting profession for twenty years. We use computers to create and change the drawings, but twenty years ago it was done by what is now considered the old fashion way. We used pencil, paper and precision drawing instruments. When I was going to school to learn my trade, “Computer Aided Design (CAD) was in it’s early development and most companies still used the drawing board for their design and drafting work, therefore there was no CAD training yet offered in school. After nine years of drawing on the board the company I worked for decided to purchase a CAD system and begin using what had become by that time the common method of design and media storage. At age thirty two I had to start at the bottom of a learning curve and strive to become proficient in the field that I had already become very comfortable and proficient in. Eventually I regained the level of proficiency and comfort I had known as a “board drafter”. As a board drafter however I was known for my line work. I had a certain pride in my work which was easily distinguishable. The CAD took all that away. The line work is produced by the computer and the only way to distinguish my work form anyone else’s is by the name that is on the drawing. Computers take the personification away from drawings.

Now, ten years later, I am once again seeing a technological transformation in my field. The CAD which is a two dimensional system is being replaced by three dimensional modeling programs. These new programs can be extremely complicated, cumbersome and difficult to learn. I am currently struggling through this transition . As I get older I do not learn with the ease that I did in my youth. I have confidence that I will eventually become proficient with this new technology just as I did with the CAD system, but it will not be as easy and I will have to apply myself with more diligence to regain my level of competence.

I am concerned however about future advancements and how I will be able to adapt to them. It seems to get more difficult with each transformation. I only hope that I will be able to retire with the same respect from my peers as I currently have. It would be a shame to have once been known as better than average and after nearly forty years in the trade become incompetent or loose respect of my peers not because I lost knowledge or abilities, but because I was unable to keep up with the technological advancements...

Advancement of technology, while having great benefits for many, also has consequences for a few. It is therefore imperative that a person get all the education they can to at least get a head start on the race between technology and their ability to utilize it.

The Essentials
To gain knowledge of any kind is beneficial but there are certain subjects that I would classify as essentials. The three most basics of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic (Math) have been for many years and still remains the most important. This is perhaps because knowledge of these subjects are required regardless of what career a person chooses from Astronaut to Housewife. We all need to read, write, and count. Being deficient in any of these subjects places a person at an extreme disadvantage regardless of his/her career. Even if a person does not work, they need these three skills just to get through life. Many other subjects are just expansions of these three, for example; English is an expansion of writing and Geometry is an expansion of math.

These subjects are nearly as important as the three basics because they are also commonly used in every day life. For example if you decide to paint your house and need to know how much paint to buy, you read on the can of paint that one gallon covers 400 sq. ft, you use “geometry” to determine how many cans of paint to buy. Some people might say, “I know how to read and write well enough to get by so why do I need to learn the principles of English? The best reason I can think of is “so that you do not look like an idiot!” Using proper English and grammar, both in the verbal and written form gives a person credibility. For instance, if you wish to write a complaint letter to your credit card company or wish to express your feelings on an issue to your Congressman, would you not want your letter to reflect a certain intellect? People will not even take a letter seriously that shows no understanding of proper English and punctuation regardless of it’s sincerity.

Other Important Subjects
There is a group of subjects that while not essential for everyday life, are certainly beneficial to know. These would be; computers, geography, and any technical subject.

The use of computers has grown astronomically in the past two decades and their use and complexity continues to grow still. It use to be that only white collar workers were likely to be required to have computer skills. That has changed dramatically in recent years. Material handlers, store clerks, truck drivers, assembly workers, automotive technicians, and interior decorating are just a few of the professions that has implemented computers as standard and necessary equipment. Having computer skills is an extreme advantage in today’s workforce and will probably be a requirement for most jobs in the future. Typing was not mentioned in the list above but it goes along with computer skills. Why learn computers, only to have to hunt and peck the keys. It only makes sense to take a typing class or two if you take any computer classes. I even believe that companies should offer typing classes to their employees who use computers in their major duties, because productivity would surely increase.

Geography may not seem important but most people at some point in their lives have to travel for some reason. If you can not read a map, it is difficult to find your way. I have known some people who can not even distinguish North from South on a map, do not know in which direction you must travel from one state to another, can not identify their own state on a U.S. map, and can not identify the U.S. on a world map. This is ridiculous. Having such basic knowledge not only will eventually prove advantageous, but to my opinion these are things everyone should know just because of the ignorance and even stupidity that is considered of those who do not know these basics. The worse thing however about some people who do not know these basic fundamentals is that they do not care that they don’t care and are not interested in learning.

I believe everyone should learn a skill. A skill is anything that takes a period of time to learn it’s principles and another period of time of application to become proficient. A skill is something that a person can not perform without being educated in that skill. Examples are; Automotive repair, electronics, house wiring, machine tool technology, accounting, nursing, welding, concrete finisher, refrigeration, dental technician, computer programming, and the list goes on and on. Each of these skills require a certain level of training which sets the skilled craftsman apart from the general populous. This makes a person valuable in the job market and therefore provides for a better living in terms of both compensation and job security as compared to non skilled labor. Of course all the skills listed above can generally be accomplished within a two year college degree program, but those with higher ambitions (and money) can pursue skills which require four, six, or even eight years of college to accomplish which sets them even further apart from the general populous. in terms of education and earning potential.

Diversity of Skills
Although I would encourage anyone to strive to meet their highest potential in education and skill development, I believe it is also important that a person be humble enough and wise enough to realize their limitations and not try and work outside of them. I believe it is far better to be an outstanding Auto Mechanic than to be a poor Automotive Engineer. Generally, good workers will continue to receive promotions until they reach a level of incompetence. When this happens, they will naturally perform poorly in their duties which can lead to harsh judgment among coworkers, superiors, and other business associates. It can also lead to depression, low self-esteem, and eventually even termination. The sad thing is, all this could be avoided if both the worker and the company were more realistic and humble concerning the workers abilities and limitations. This is not to say that someone should not be put in a position that does not offer challenge. On the contrary! I believe it is important to feel challenged. This makes a person strive to learn, work harder, and prevents a worker from becoming board or feeling stagnant in their position. I am just saying that it is important to realize that some challenges may be beyond an individuals capacity to overcome in spite of their efforts. It should also be realized that it is certainly not a disgrace to accept that some subjects are above our ability to understand and we should stay at a level which challenges us, yet within our potential to eventually master. When the Lord created man, he wisely applied diversity in regard to intelligence which maintains a necessary balance. Think about it; if everyone was both capable and driven to be great Scientist, Engineers, and Doctors, who would pick up our garbage, clean our buildings, and tend our children while we are at work? I am not criticizing the people of these professions. I am aware that just because someone is working in these fields does not suggest they are lacking in intelligence or that they could not do anything else. Lets just say that diversity of minds is necessary for a balanced society so that all things work together properly. We need people of all skill levels and it is beneficial to us if we know where we best fit to contribute the most and achieve our greatest potential.

Unconventional Education
Typically when we think of acquiring an education, we think of classrooms, laboratories, professors, teachers, universities, trade schools etc... Normally when someone successfully completes a set of required courses under a predetermined program utilizing these principles, a certificate or diploma is awarded. Most companies require such credentials of their employees who hold positions where above average sills are required. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this form of “traditional” or “conventional” education. It is my personal opinion however that there is a fallacy with this conventional system. The fallacy is that business and industry seem to place more faith in a certificate or diploma than they deserve while ignoring to a large degree the fact that many highly skilled workers do not have a degree or diploma. These are workers who have obtained their knowledge through experience rather than a classroom.

I know a gentleman who is very intelligent and possess many highly desired skills. He has abundant knowledge in many technical areas such as; Computers, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Tool Design, Machine Tool Equipment and Operations, Industrial Engineering, Technical Writing and not to mention that he can tear down a Harley engine, re-machine and rebuild it all within factory specifications. This gentleman has one major flaw however; he has no degree or diploma. This man can far out perform many if not most college graduates in several fields, yet he has had difficulty obtaining employment with large companies because of their policy that employees seeking certain positions must have a degree. I am not saying that a formal education should not be considered by companies when seeking someone to place in a job, but I am saying that for certain positions, experience and proven skills regardless of education should be given equal consideration. There are some jobs where a formal education is a must however such as in the fields of law and medicine. Examples of fields where experience should be given equal consideration are; Electrician, Maintenance, Machinist, and Drafting. Many people especially of an older generation learned their skills on an apprenticeship program which were common in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Most companies will gracefully keep an employee who has proven their abilities and began working for them before they implemented the more modern policy of requiring a degree or a diploma. These workers may find themselves in a difficult situation should they become unemployed and attempt to find work elsewhere however.

I just believe it is unfair to experienced, capable employees and not beneficial for companies to be so inflexible in this regard. A person who has a proven track record and especially those who received some sort of on the job training followed by years of experience should not be required to go to school late in their career just to keep a job or to remain in their field when in reality they could probably teach the course themselves.

In a nutshell, the question to be asked for determining job qualification should be, “Can he/she perform the duties of the job?” rather than, “Does he/she possess a paper that claims he/she has received formal training and therefore ‘probably’ can perform the duties of the job?”. Unarguably, the best candidate will have both a formal education and experience. All of this is just one more reason that a person should acquire all the education they can in their field of interest.

 

Teaching Methods/Styles
When I was in elementary school, I had a very difficult time with Algebra. I tried hard and studied, but no matter how much I applied myself, I simply could not understand the subject. I continued to have difficulty in high school and even received a failing grade. Later in college while working on my degree in Drafting Design, it was required that I take a course in Basic Algebra. I knew that failing was not an option. I would not be able to graduate and obtain a degree without passing this course. I knew I would have to apply myself like never before in order to pass this subject. When I eventually took the class, I tried very hard but ended up failing in spite of my efforts. My self esteem suffered greatly. It seemed hopeless that I would ever be able to grasp this subject. I was not ready to throw in the towel however. I really wanted that degree; after all, at the time I was a dish washer at a country club and did not want to make that my career. I knew I had to try again.

When I repeated the course the following quarter, I took the course under a different instructor. Ms Koceeba was her name. At the beginning of the course, she broke the subject down into its most basic principles and explained them very clearly. No instructor I had every had in the past had ever took the time to do that. The other instructors had assumed a certain understanding of the basics and began from there. I can not criticize them too much however because other students seemed to have that basic understanding and passed the course. I on the other hand, needed those basics broken down in their simplest terms and explained. Some how along the way I did not acquire those concepts, which without them made it impossible for me to expand my understanding of this subject. This dear, sweet, wonderful teacher provided me with a foundation on which I could then begin to build a comprehension of this subject.

Ms. Koceeba, explained that in Algebra there are two fundamental principles that pertain to any Algebra problem.

1. Perform inverse operations to the variables (undo the math that is being applied to the variable)
   
2. Any inverse operations performed to a variable must also be performed to the opposite side of the equation. This keeps the equation balanced or equal.

Realizing these two principles and having them explained made all the difference for me. In fact it made such a difference that not only did I pass the course, but I made an “A” in the next advanced course. I went on to make “A’s” in most all the other advanced math courses such as “Trigonometry” and “Advanced Technical Math”.

Teachers should always insure that students have the prerequisite knowledge necessary to absorb the material they are presenting. Unfortunately, I believe some teachers do not have a sincere interest in their students and only view teaching as a job whereas they present predetermined material taking the attitude that if the students don’t get it, then it is not their problem or concern. Such teachers that have no commitment to their students learning have no business teaching in my opinion.

Naturally, students will learn more and progress better if they find a subject interesting rather than boring. I believe most subjects could be made much more interesting than they usually are with a little creativity on the teachers part. For example, Trigonometry which is the study of the mathematics of angles and vectors can be a very boring topic when presented in theory only without applications. This subject can be made very interesting however, by providing the student with a challenge centered around something they find to be interesting or even exciting. For example, the challenge could be that the student is a Naval fighter pilot on a mission to knock out an enemy radar system but must fire his missiles from a minimum distance to avoid the risk of enemy fire. The challenge would be for the student to determine at what altitude and angle the missiles must be fired, when given a specified air speed, head wind, and missile velocity. It could even be like a game to see who could knock out their targets and achieve the status of “Top Gun”. Sound corny? Well I believe such exercises would make Trigonometry more interesting than simply calculating angles and vectors which are not associated with anything. Simply calculating angles for the sake of calculating angles is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Teaching applications as well as theory, I believe is very important. It shows students how this knowledge can be used in real life situations.

I believe most people find History terribly boring. History has a great potential for being interesting if taught in a certain way. Think of it this way; most of us enjoy stories in one form or another, whether it is a book of fiction, a movie, or told around a campfire. History is simply stories that happen to be true. History is normally not presented in a story format however. I suppose it may not seem professional to present the subject in such a way. Of course the difference in presenting a History lesson in a traditional, formal format as opposed to a story format is in the delivery and in elaboration. A little dramatization with voice tone and gestures doesn’t hurt a thing. It makes the class more interesting and fun thereby the students focus more and learn more. History is an excellent course for role play. Getting the students involved by allowing them to act out certain historical events is yet another way to make the course interesting and fun. The statistical date such as dates and congressional information is more difficult to present in an interesting way but I believe it can be done by perhaps making a game out of it like “Jeopardy” or “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”. Basically the teachers need to be a little creative to find ways in making the class interesting.

Final Thoughts
Formal education is very important in our society. Society has in my opinion placed more importance on formal education than it deserves in some areas. Not enough value is placed on experience and an individual’s real abilities. This is not to say that formal education is not valuable; I do not wish to down play the value of a formal education, but a diploma is not worth the paper it is written on if the achiever does not have common sense and the ability to think outside of the parameters of his education. However, my opinion on this matter is also not worth the paper it is written on in regard to being of any benefit to someone seeking employment. Society has made the rules and if we are to prosper we must play by them; and in this society, a formal education is a major means to achieving financial security through the work force. Therefore, my advice to all of today’s youth would be to study hard and achieve all the education you can. Whether we believe society places too much value on formal education or not, they’re the ones doing the hiring, so it’s their beliefs that count not ours.

Carl Light

© Copyright 2006 Carl Light (Copy as is with reference to source with permission)