Technology Education Introduction

 

Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Technology Education describe what students should know and be able to do.  The Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology Process (STEEP) Classroom Connections Kit is a resource designed to help teachers implement the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.  A variety of resources will assist teachers in enabling students to learn technological content and experience the technological method delineated in the Standards. 

 

"Technology is human innovation in action" (Technology for All Americans Project, 1996, p. 6).  Technology education includes "a body of knowledge and the systemic application of resources to produce outcomes in response to human needs, and wants"  (Savage and Sterry, 1990, p.7).  Two major components are technological literacy and technological competency.  In the broadest sense, "technological literacy is the ability to use, manage, understand, and assess technology appropriately" (Technology for All Americans Project, 1996, p.6).  Technology education (i.e., technological studies) "involves designing, making, developing, producing, using, managing, assessing technological systems and products" (International Technology Education Association, 1998, p.17).  Educational technology is frequently used synonymously with instructional technology, referring to the use of "technological developments, such as the computer, audio-visual equipment, and mass media to aid in teaching all subjects" (Technology for All Americans Projects, 1996, p.29).  The essence of technology education is "empowering students to engage in the creative human process of bringing about positive change or exercising positive change or exercising responsible control over the environment" (Design and Technology Section, 1996, pp. 1-2).  Technology education provides students with concepts and experiences necessary to develop the understanding and the capability needed in a constantly changing technological world (McCade, 1999).  This section will address both technological literacy and technological competency developed through technology education. 

 

Technology Education must be an integral part of basic education.  It allows students to develop an understanding of technology and develop an ability to use and apply technology through a systematic approach.  It is imperative that our students become technologically literate, able to understand inquiry-based technology and its impact on society in order to use it appropriately and make informed and meaningful choices.  They need to be able to understand and control technology in order to deal with change.  Their proficiency will increase as they develop basic skills, master core content and think critically and creatively in a collaborative environment.  Students will also learn about both the power and the responsibility of technology. 

           

Students will develop, produce, use, apply and assess technology.  Through the application of tools, materials, processes and systems of technology, students will enhance cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills.  Activity-based laboratory experiences will develop problem-solving skills in order to manipulate information, materials and mechanical processes.  Areas of concentration will include—but not be limited to—Biotechnology, Informational and Physical Systems. 

 

This CD format provides technology learning activities and resources including exemplary lesson plans, effective teaching tips, instructional and interactive strategies and performance assessment tasks specific to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Integrated thematic instruction and problem-based learning activities, classroom tested with real students, are also included for primary (K-2), intermediate (3-4), middle level (5-7) and high school (8-10 and 11-12).  By using the activities and suggestions in this component, teachers will be encouraged to implement standards-based activities and measure student learning by using standards-based assessments.