What Is Technology Education?  It is the means by which we teach technology.  Technology is a body of knowledge separate from but related to the sciences, with specific content, curriculum and specific certification requirements.  Technology is the application of tools, materials, processes and systems by humans to solve problems and provide benefits to humankind.  We use technology in an attempt to improve our environment.  These improvements may relate to survival needs (e.g., food, shelter, defense) or they may relate to human aspirations (e.g., knowledge, art, control).  They can include unexpected benefits, unexpected costs and unexpected risks. 

Technology education involves a broad spectrum of knowledge and activities.  Effective technology education combines knowledge of content, process and skills to provide students with a holistic approach to learning.  Technology education offers unique opportunities to apply numerous academic concepts through practical, hands-on applications.  Instructional technology, on the other hand, deals specifically with use of computers and different software to solve problems and communicate effectively.  Knowledge of content, process and skills should be used together to effectively engage students and promote a complete understanding of the sciences, related technologies and their interrelationship. The relationship between science and technology is one where science builds principles or theories and technology provides the practical application of those principles or theories.

Knowledge of content, process and skills in technology involves learning processes that include these components:

-         Methods of designing and developing solutions

-         Standards for selecting and using appropriate materials, tools and processes

-         Experimental and design specifications for testing and evaluating solutions

-         Criteria for judging the performance and impact of the solutions

-     Evaluating the impact of modifying a system to improve performance.

Technology education can be divided into three main systems that include biotechnological, informational, and physical technologies:

Biotechnological Systems

Bioconversion

Bioprocessing

Environment

Ergonomics

Engineering / Design Systems

Research and Development

Informational Systems

Computer-Aided Drafting / Design (CADD)

Drafting & Design

Desktop Publishing

Electronic Communications

Engineering / Design Systems

Graphic Communications

Communications Systems

Multimedia Technology

Networking Systems

Research and Development

Video and Television Production

World Wide Web Design & Publishing

Physical Systems

Automation / Robotics

Computer-Aided and Integrated Manufacturing (CAM/CIM)

Construction

Electronic Circuits / Control Systems

Energy Systems

Architecture and Community Planning

Engineering / Design Systems

Enterprise Organization & Operation

Manufacturing

Material Processes  (Woodworking, Metalworking, etc.)*

Research and Development

Transportation

Page 5-6 of the Academic Standards for Science and Technology (PDE)