In a world where technology grows every day, Pompano Beach High School stays up to date with their use of digital programs, 3D printers, and advanced designing programs. The different classes in the technology track, including Computer Science, International Business, Scientific Visualization, and Digital Video Technology, allow students to learn in a modern way.
Scientific Visualization teacher Ronald Holley is all for independent learning. “I try to do as little in front-of-class instruction as possible and help people individually,” he said. He wants his students to be able to discover things for themselves and learn on their own. “I think it’s important that teachers do that because when students go off to college, who is going to be there to help them?”
Holley sees incorporating technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom as a good thing. “You’re not necessarily losing a job to AI, but you’re really losing your jobs to people who use AI,” he said. “So the goal is to infuse as much AI into the stuff that we learn, so that way when students graduate from high school, they are knowledgeable and ready for the future.”
William Lawrence, who teaches 3D modeling and coding, has always been interested in coding. “As I’ve been exposed to more coding, I realized I could make so many things just from knowing how to write it, from video games to prank websites,” he said.
Lawrence believes that technology in the classroom is important for preparing students for the future. “Staying ahead of the curve and just having that exposure to things can even help them in a career when they are older,” he said. Lawrence believes he would have majored in coding instead of chemistry if he had been exposed to it in high school, so he looks to give his students that opportunity.
Freshman and engineering student Riggs Carlson enjoys the learning style that is incorporated into the classroom. “With Fusion, we are really taught how to use it and the functionality of it,” he said. Carlson is satisfied with the technology class he has and is excited to learn more.
With teachers pushing students to think creatively and work independently, PBHS is building many future careers for students. Each technology track gives students the chance to learn about the digital world in a fun environment.
