Teachers toured Madison Hospital during the Madison Core and Career Academy for Educators (MC2). (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – For the third consecutive year, teachers analyzed ways for students to practically apply classroom facts during the Madison Core and Career Academy for Educators, abbreviated MC2.

The Madison Career Tech Advisory Council organized MC2, a two-day event for teachers, instructional leaders in school faculties, students and local career technical representatives in Madison City Schools.

“In today’s rapidly changing environment, students need instruction that better prepares them how to apply knowledge. That was one premise of the MC2 conference,” John Peck said. Peck works as Public Relations Manager for the Madison district.

Participants discussed cross-curricular collaboration, applying content, using community resources and sharing resources, Peck said.

In past years, MC2 primarily targeted middle and high school teachers. However, the 2015 conference expanded to include elementary teachers.

A student panel commented about technology use in the classroom. One topic that they considered is the paradox of needing filter blocks online but dealing with the drawbacks of limited, online access.

The MC2 group met both days for general sessions before leaving to take tours of company sites. Participants visited Madison Hospital, WHNT-TV, “The Huntsville Times”/al.com operation and Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc. (HEMSI).

“Through the site visits, the group saw evidence of the changing needs of the workforce and how technology has changed those businesses,” Peck said.

As a result of MC2, teachers realized they could benefit from an online, district-wide database of personnel resources from the business workforce. The contacts can offer suggestions for applying classroom lessons. The database would include companies, individuals and suggested resources to educate students.

In addition, teachers and students produced videos at MC2. Students led teachers through the video production process.

“Students also led a collaborative activity with their group of teachers about what the focus of the videos should be (that is, what message they wanted to share about the MC2 Academy),” Peck said. To view videos produced at MC2, visit goo.gl/ufwsNK.