My Vision 2017: Waterbury Adult Education Stephen Barbieri Education 505: Future of Education

Waterbury Adult Education

Background Information  Founded: 1897  Location: Waterbury, Connecticut  Programs Offered: 1. High-School diploma 2. Adult Basic Education 3. English as a Second Language 4. General Education Development

 Mission Statement Waterbury Adult Education is a multi-faceted, comprehensive program dedicated to meeting the ever- changing needs of a diverse, multicultural population. The administration and staff are committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages learning, accommodates different learning styles, enables students to develop self-esteem, and fosters a positive attitude toward learning all within a safe and healthy environment. Our express purpose is to prepare all students to become literate, problem-solving, responsible citizens, capable of making informed decisions and able to apply technology to meet life-long education and vocational goals. Waterbury Adult Continuing Education fosters interpersonal skills and accountability that will enhance the students’ ability to successfully face the challenges and demands of the 21 st century.

Futuring Methods Scanning: FUTURING Scenario Planning the gathering of information and data and applying it to the future A tool used to provide aid to decision makers when facing the unknown

Trends  A trend is defined by Webster dictionary as a verb “ that shows tendency”  Current trends in Education: o Rise of technology o Current gap between technology and educators o Economy o Demographics o Reentry of Adult Learners

My Vision 2017: Waterbury Adult Education Waterbury Adult Education will be a fully modernized and functionally technologized education institution. All classrooms at Waterbury Adult Education will have functioning SmartBoards and iPads. Teachers will be fully trained in the use of SmartBoard, its technology and SmartBoard Exchange; a website which is dedicated to SmartBoard lesson plans. Teachers will also be trained in the use of iPads and how to implement them in the classroom.

My Vision 2017: Waterbury Adult Education Waterbury Adult Education will prepare their teachers for new technology with different workshops.

My Vision 2017: Waterbury Adult Education  Challenges: 1. Finances; the funds for such implementation may not be available 2. Teachers Unwillingness to adapt to new technology 3. Finding time to implement training 4. The continue influx of Adult learners. This is a challenge because many adult learners are not accustomed to the technology of today. 5. The possibility exists that Waterbury Adult Education will relocate. The Board of Education may be unwilling to pay for the implementation of technology if the school plans on moving. It could be possible they choose to halt major instillations until a decision is made on location

My Vision 2017: Waterbury Adult Education  Opportunities: 1. The use of SmartBoard will allow for more on hands activity 2. Classrooms will move away from the traditional classroom and move toward a more interactive classroom with greater emphasis on the students’ role as a peer teacher 3. Retention rates will rise as students will be more engaged in class 4. Adult learners will have a better grasp of today’s technology 5. Students will be better prepared to enter either a post-secondary institution or the workforce. The role of an Adult Education institution is to either prepare students for college or a job. Learning technology and practicing it, will prepare students for either endeavor

My Vision 2017: Waterbury Adult Education  Preparations: 1. Create a master plan for Waterbury Adult Education to be modernized. Plan must include the steps that will be taken for implementation 2. To install SmartBoards in the classrooms that do not currently have one, updated current SmartBoards with latest software and purchase iPads 3. Create a committee of administration, teachers and students that can oversee implementation and report any problems and concerns 4. Organize professional development workshops on the use of SmartBoards and iPads and their technologies with Waterbury’s certified SmartBoard technician and Waterbury Adult Education’s computer technician 5. Seek more grant money from state and federal governments

My Vision 2017: Waterbury Adult Education  Next Steps: 1. Create a committee 2. Secure funds 3. Finished installation of SmartBoards 4. Develop workshops

References Apple - iPad - View all the technical specifications. Mietzner, D., & Reger, G. (2005). Advantages and disadvantages of scenario approaches for strategic foresight. Int. J. Technology Intelligence and Planning, 1(2), Retrieved on March 21, 2013 from Photo galleries- Waterbury Adult Education. (2012) Retrieved on March 17, 2013 from content/gallery/?galleryid=44&gallery_page=0&album_page=0&albumid=2141&mediaid=57622 SmartBoard Website. (2013). Retrieved on April 23, 2013 from Trend In Meriam-Webster.com.Retrieved on April 25, 2012 from webster.com/dictionary/trend Waterbury Adult Education Staff Handbook Waterbury Adult Education Website. (2013). Retrieved on April 23, 2013 from