Carle Place Middle School students in Ms. Toula Foufas’ seventh grade computer literacy course recently explored different career opportunities through a creative project which concluded with an interactive event with the Department of Labor on Feb 29. According to Ms. Foufas, it is never too early for students to reflect on their interests and what they might want in their future, professional lives. In addition, when students recognize what they like, they have an easier time selecting future class electives and have a pathway to what they might want to pursue as an adult.
To kick off the two-week career exploration project, students took career value surveys about their likes and dislikes. These surveys provided them with different career results that might fit them best. The seventh graders then took one of the suggestions or picked one career that interested them and conducted research. This included what the job responsibilities are, the salary potential and the advantages and disadvantages of the career. Each student created his or her own Canva website and included their findings. Selected careers ranged from an animator to an elementary teacher.
On Feb. 29, the students gathered in the school’s multipurpose room where they set up their laptops to showcase their published websites to their peers, faculty and administrators. The students also heard from members of the Department of Labor who brought virtual reality headsets to the school for the seventh graders to try. Each student was able to select two different careers and immerse themselves in the job through the VR headset. For example, to gain a better understanding of what a mechanic does, students could virtually learn how to conduct an oil change. The students rotated from viewing their classmates’ websites and answering questions, to trying out the VR headsets.
Both the website project and the VR experience gave students a better understanding of what careers are possible and what they can see themselves doing. It was a memorable learning experience for all.
Date Added: 3/5/2024