How CTE Business and Marketing Educators Use 21st Century Technology in the Classroom

When you think of 21^st century education technology, you usually think of engineering teachers or IT directors. But one type of educator we’re seeing use technology in the classroom more and more are CTE business and marketing educators.

Budding entrepreneurs and marketers already have their creative juices flowing in their business classes, making it the perfect setting to let students engage in hands-on learning that will better prepare them for the business world. There are two new technologies we’re increasingly seeing used in these classes:

Large Format Printer-Cutters

The size and scale of a large format printer-cutter allows students to print posters, signs, product packaging, apparel, car wraps and more – but all on a printer that fits in the classroom. Students can essentially print and contour cut any shape they need, which allows them to bring their products and marketing strategies life.

• Roland offers two different types of print-cut machines. Their VersaCAMM VSi Series wide-format printer-cutters are available in 64”, 54” and 30” models and come with metallic, white, light black and clear ink options.

  Roland’s TrueVIS Series printer-cutters come in two different versions – the SG Series (available in 30” and 54” models) and the VG Series (available in 54” and 64” models). These are compatible with the new TrueVIS INK, which is available in CMYK colors and comes in 500ml pouches that slide into a hidden ink bay.

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  Roland TrueVIS SG Series

UV Flatbed Printers

UV flatbed printers offer students endless customization and printing possibilities. They enable direct printing on a wide range of materials, including metal, glass, wood and canvas.

I’ve seen students create book covers, cell phone cases, CD cases, glasses and golf balls – basically any kind of graphic representation on a 2D object.

I’ve also seen schools challenge students to hone their skills to support school fundraising efforts by designing labels for water bottles, mugs, coasters and more that can be sold in the school store or at fundraisers.

The VersaUV LEF UV Desktop Flatbed Printer from Roland is great for this because it prints directly onto an array of substrates. It features advanced height sensors, a quick curing system, and it can print in white ink or clear ink for embossed finishes.

If you want to see these printers in action, I’ll be demoing them at the VCCS Information Systems Technologies, Computer Science, Accounting, Business, Economics and Engineering & Applied Technologies Peer Group Conference February 2-3 in Glen Allen, Virginia. Feel free to swing by!