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Infinite Innovations at Hortonville High School
"We want people who can communicate, work in teams, think critically, solve problems, and be innovative,” is what business owners are saying these days. But when can students learn these "soft skills" to get ready for their future careers? Hortonville High School will address this need with a new class--Infinite Innovations (I2).
Infinite Innovations will “break down the separation between the classroom and the real-world,” says Greg Forton, an HHS music teacher and member of I2 committee. Scott Colantonio, HASD Technology Director, added that, “By working in teams on real-world challenges, our students will develop the skills that businesses are looking for in new hires earlier in life.”
I2 is a project-based class that will focus on students solving real-world problems, and includes learning in technical education/ engineering and science. Students in I2 will be working with area businesses to develop projects; creating solutions that the community needs and will benefit from. And as for those 21st century skills of being creative, innovative, and working in teams that employers are looking for in people entering the workforce--those skills will be learned in the process.
To aid students in their efforts, Infinite Innovations will be led by a “knowledge coach” who will facilitate team work, oversee the learning process tied to standards, and will be available to ask questions of and help teach students how to communicate with and sell themselves to the industry leaders in the area. In addition, "support coaches" will help teams with as experts in specific areas, such as mathematics, science, marketing, or communications. “The goal of I2 is that students will constantly be thinking outside the box, challenging ideas, and looking for new solutions. This will help instill an entrepreneurial attitude in students,” says Forton.
The class will be offered starting in Fall 2012 for 11th and 12th graders. I2 will be a half-day class that breaks the normal “bell” schedule that students conform to, and will allow more time for students to work on projects and get the most out of this experience that they can.
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