There are some specials guests here at the Tech Valley High School in Rensselear, educators from South Dakota.

"What we've seen being here today is pretty amazing. The students are excited, the rigor of what they're learning about science, technology, math. I just talked to a student who is doing a biotechnology project and how they're involved in research," said Diana Messick, Sioux Falls new technology principal.

The educators are the newest members of the New Tech Network, which includes Tech Valley and approximately 40 other schools across the country. The idea is to more fully embrace the ideas behind twenty first century learning with science, technology, engineering ,and math- also known as STEM,

"And we know that obviously STEM related fields are growing rapidly and so any skills or a leg up we can give our students will help them succeed," said Meghan Pacheco, new tech network coach

"I think it's interesting to see the excitement and the energy around twenty-first century teaching and learning around project based learning and becoming a network of schools across the country that are innovating in a number of ways," Tech Valley High School President Dan Liebert said.

And according to educators, when it comes to technology based learning in the classroom, so far, so good among other things, there have been higher graduation rates, lower absenteeism, and more students on their way to college

"Just in general I think students are so much more confident and aware of their skills and abilities in this model as opposed to the traditional model," Pacheco said.

And another idea that's been catching is a lesson that actually takes place outside of the classroom, the connection with the business community.

"They either take students out to the business community or they bring business people in and from talking to the students that's what makes the connection real, that's what makes learning relevant," Messick said.

So South Dakota educators feel this is a worthwhile trip and as for other schools in New York State:

"Tech Valley has open study tours every month," Liebert said. "We have 30 educators from around the region from Tech Valley, from Syracuse, all across New York State, who are coming to examine what we're doing, warts and all, what's working well, what needs improvement, how are students doing, where's student achievement."

So to sum up, just as emerging technologies transform the economy, there's new teaching practices that are transforming education

"So there's a high use of technology and measuring and having students be accountable for 21st century skills," said Liebert.

Our parent company, Time Warner Cable, is a big supporter of STEM initiatives through the "Connect a Million Minds" program. For more information on our program check out connectamillionminds.com.