SIMULATED
WORK EXPERIENCE
The EnterTech Project provides
realistic simulations of high-tech work environments,
incorporating the sights and sounds, language
and culture of high-tech industry settings
into video segments and the thematic content
of the curriculum, engaging in workplace culture
and activities that foster successful behaviors
within the work setting. Job-keeping skills
and customer interaction scenarios are incorporated
across the curriculum. In exploring the world
of work, learners are exposed to a variety
of job possibilities and entree points to
career ladders and continuing education.
While the program addresses basic
academic and job skills, emphasis is placed
on teaching and re-enforcing attitudes and
behavior employers value most: dependability,
responsibility, positive work attitude, teamwork,
and effective communication.
Rather than a "train-stop-test-train"
approach to skills development and assessment,
EnterTech provides authentic, performance-based
valuation of skills. Student performance
is monitored and tracked by a learning
management system that responds to individual
outcomes measured by time on task and
successful completion of tasks. Student
assessment occurs "behind the scenes"
of the instruction, a term weve
coined as "stealth assessment."
Just as a stealth jet is unseen by radar,
stealth assessment measures achievement
without student detection. Test anxiety
is reduced, time on learning is increased,
training is in context of skills usage,
and assessment is authentic.

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