Technology Education

Technology Education is the study of human ability to create and use to tools to shape the natural environment to meet there needs. Technology Educations goal is to spread Technological Literacy, which is accomplished by bring laboratory activities to students.

Technology Education has evolved from Industrial Arts and Manual Training. Industrial Arts programs were referred to as shops and shop classes. Today students work in labs and perform laboratory activities.

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In times past many called the work areas shops, however many teachers encouraged learners to use the proper term, lab. Technology Education teaches about technology (Technology - human innovation and action to modify the natural world to meet perceived human wants and needs). Therefore as mentioned above Technology Educations goal is to develop Technological Literacy. Because, technology influences public and private life. And, the beliefs of people influence what technologies are developed, accepted and used.

Technology Education allows learners to explore a variety of activities related to many areas of human endeavor. Learners can develop problem solving strategies and work habits that will be useful in almost any career and or occupation. Learners should develop a greater appreciation for the work of craft workers and the skill required of that work.

Within the scope of this educational program is the effort to develop soft skills with in the learner , as well as an opportunity for the learner to see how systems work together and the chance to put much of the academic class instruction to work in an applied way.

Much of what should be taught in Technology Education classes is identified in the 1991 SCANS (Secretary s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) Report Many of the soft skills may be better developed in a lab, problem solving setting than a typical academic classroom.

The goal for Technology Education is different from Technical Education. Technical Education teaches specific skills directed toward a specific type of work. (e.g. carpenter, automotive technician, welder, computer network administrator) Often confused with Technology Education is the term Educational Technology (technological devices and methods of delivering or developing educational information).

= External Links =

*[http://www.nystea.com New York State Technology Education Association] *[http://www.iteawww.org International Technology Education Association] *[http://www.oswego.edu/tech State University of New York at Oswego Department Of Technology] *[http://www.epsilonpitau.org Epsilon Pi Tau - International Honor Society for Technology] *[http://www.ltsa.org Louisiana Technology Student Association, USA] *[http://www.courselist.org New York City Technology Course Search Organization ]