Career and Technical Education (CTE) | Classroom Management | Teaching Strategies | Classroom Planning | Educational Resources | Drones
Empower Yourself and Your Students with the iCEV Drone Curriculum
Gant is the PLTW Engineering Instructor, STEM Academy Business Liaison, TSA Advisor, and Falcon Flight Crew Advisor at Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri. As a guest blog writer, he shares his experience with the iCEV Drone Curriculum.
I’ve spent years looking for curriculum tools that engage students while streamlining my job as an educator. When I started using the iCEV Drone Curriculum, I knew I had found something special. This program has revitalized my classroom experience, enhanced student engagement, and inspired many of my students to pursue new pathways in STEM and drone technology.
Here are my top 5 reasons why I recommend you try it in your classroom.
Switching to the iCEV curriculum has been one of the best decisions for both myself and my students. Before, I used a curriculum that was essentially an online class where I didn’t actually teach. The iCEV curriculum changed that entirely; I’m not removed from the educational experience – I’m supported. With its interactive resources, like PowerPoints and handouts, I’m now able to lead discussions that go beyond the basics. These materials have helped me engage students in ways I never could before.
2. Every lesson is more interactive and engaging.Teaching with iCEV has transformed my classroom environment. I start every module by reviewing the provided PowerPoints, while students take notes and participate in discussions. I always highlight one or two key points for deeper discussion, which leads to really thought-provoking conversations. Before having students answer comprehension questions, we discuss them as a class, ensuring they grasp the material fully. I can confidently say my drone class has the best discussions of any course I teach.
3. Lesson planning is faster and easier.One of the standout benefits of the iCEV curriculum is how easy it is to use. The comprehensive materials make lesson planning simple. Every module comes with well-structured PowerPoints and handouts, allowing me to review and prep without stress. This ensures I can focus more on individualized student interaction and less on lesson creation, which is a huge plus for any teacher.
4. The curriculum translates to hands-on learning.This is the true value of the iCEV curriculum. A great example was a project where I took my class to a frisbee golf course to film disc throws at each hole using drones. During this activity, students applied FAA regulations and class knowledge in a real-world context. I asked questions about drone rules throughout the project, and seeing my students apply their learning so naturally was incredibly rewarding.
5. It sparks career interests.One of the most exciting outcomes I’ve seen is the increased interest in pursuing drone certifications and STEM careers. On the first day of class, I asked my 15 students how many were interested in taking the Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Pilot’s License exam. Only three showed interest initially. Fast forward a few months, and when I posed the question again, 11 students said they were now interested. This shift speaks volumes about the curriculum’s impact on sparking student enthusiasm and career interests.
If you’re an educator considering new ways to engage your students and streamline your teaching process, I can’t recommend the iCEV Drone Curriculum enough. It’s been a game-changer for my classroom. It has transformed how I plan and teach, but most importantly, it has motivated my students to pursue certifications and careers in STEM. If you’re looking for a curriculum that empowers both you and your students, iCEV is the way to go.