What is Tech Ed?
What is Tech Ed?
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
Manufacturing
Material Processes (Woodworking, Metalworking, etc.)*
Research and Development
Transportation
Page 5-6 of the Academic Standards for Science and Technology (PDE)
*Additional explanation added