Weekly Reflection: Learning, Growth, and New Technology
A Week to Reset and Refocus
This week looked a little different than most. From an academic standpoint, there was a slight slowdown in coursework, which gave me a valuable opportunity to catch up on assignments, get organized, and take care of a few things I had been putting off. That time to reset and refocus was much needed and helped me get back on track.
Never Stop Learning: ZEISS CMM Training
At the same time, I had a great opportunity for professional growth. Staying true to the mindset of never stop learning, I completed a 40-hour training course on a ZEISS Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) using CALYPSO software.
This was an intensive Monday through Friday course that also included nightly homework. It was more challenging and time-consuming than I initially expected. I could have waited until after May when my classes are finished, but I chose to push forward and complete it now.
Looking back, I am very glad that I did.
Bringing New Skills into the Classroom
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was how quickly it translated into my teaching. I was able to immediately bring this new knowledge into the classroom, where we used the CMM to perform reverse engineering activities with students.
This added a new level of depth and real-world application that was not there before. Experiences like this reinforce the importance of continuous learning—not just for personal growth, but for improving student outcomes as well.
Embracing New Technology
Much of this course has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and into areas of technology that I have not previously used extensively. That challenge has been extremely beneficial.
As an educator in Career and Technical Education, it is critical to stay current with industry tools and practices. Learning new technologies like CMM programming allows me to better prepare students for the workforce and expose them to tools they will encounter in real-world manufacturing environments.
What is a CMM?
If you are unfamiliar with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), the videos below provide a great overview of how they work and how they are used in industry.
▶️ CMM Overview
▶️ ZEISS CALYPSO Training
🎯 ISTE Educator Standard Connection
This experience aligns strongly with the ISTE Educator Standard 2.1: Learner, which emphasizes that educators continually improve their practice by learning from and with others and exploring proven and promising practices that leverage technology.
By engaging in hands-on ZEISS CMM training and immediately applying that knowledge in the classroom, I am actively modeling lifelong learning and demonstrating how emerging technologies can enhance instruction. This not only strengthens my own skill set but also creates more meaningful, real-world learning experiences for my students.
Reflection
Overall, this week was a great reminder of the value of persistence and continuous improvement. Even when the timing is not ideal, pushing forward and embracing new challenges can lead to immediate and meaningful rewards—both personally and professionally.
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