In a survey, teacher education coordinators (217 respondents) recognized the importance of studying the sociocultural, environmental, political, economic, and ethical aspects of technology. However, there are significant gaps between this recognition and the way student teachers are being prepared. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher…

A visit to most any technology education laboratory or classroom will reveal that computers, software, and multimedia software are rapidly becoming a mainstay in learning about technology and technological literacy. Almost all technology labs have at least several computers dedicated to specialized software or hardware such as Computer-aided…

The availability of digital media technology for consumer use has increased students' exposure to technology that was once limited primarily to educational and business environments. As students become more adept consumers and developers of digital media, their expectations in the classroom increasingly involve digital media as an instructional…

Journal manuscripts and national reports published during the last 20 years (Bensen, 1993; DeVries, 1996; AAAS, 1989; National Academy of Engineering, 2002; ITEA, 1996; Zuga, 1989) presented a defensible rationale for the technology education profession and focused on the delivery of technological literacy for the nation's youth. This call for…

Discusses the Mills Women's Leadership Institute document, an action plan for increasing women's involvement in science and technology, as it relates to technology education. Describes recommendations for graduate education, entry into the field, and professional associations. (JOW)

The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based system used to determine location, speed, and precise time in any weather, anywhere on earth. Developed by the U.S. Air Force as a defense system, it is now available for civilian and commercial uses. (JOW)

Describes the process used by the Technology for All Americans Project to develop consensus regarding the development of standards for technology education for grades K-12. (JOW)

Details the dangers from airborne contaminants in technology education laboratories and ways to protect students from them, including ventilation, acceptable limits, and guidelines for using respirators. (SK)

This elementary school activity describes how bicycles are designed and challenges students to develop an idea for a carrier attachment. It includes a quiz, student outcomes, and bibliography. (SK)

Attendees at a symposium and a survey of 40 researchers and leaders identified a macroagenda for technology education research, what would be ideal, and existing roadblocks. Highest-rated topics included integration, technology education as general education, rationale, effectiveness in delivering technological literacy, nature of and need for…

Describes the use of electrokinetics in cleaning up polluted industrial sites and chemical dumps. Includes an equipment list and activities for teaching. (JOW)

A user communicates, or interacts, with a handheld device via a series of interfaces. These interfaces facilitate a dialog between the person and the cell phone, PDA, or MP3 player by receiving input and responding to human action with feedback. People interact with handheld screen interfaces at a very intimate level. It is rare that someone will…

This article provides some broad-based suggestions that may be applicable to marketing technological literacy as a necessary aspect of a well-rounded curriculum. These suggestions are intended to stimulate ideas that can be applied to individual resources and situations. The article concludes with an invitation for individuals to help with a…

The first year of coordinating a local Technology Student Association (TSA) leadership conference is the most challenging. An organizer will quickly learn from his or her successes and failures and will make appropriate adjustments the following year. Hosting a conference requires a lot of work but it is very rewarding. The benefits of being…

The Brillion School District is located in Brillion, Wisconsin, approximately 20 miles south of Green Bay in the heart of the Fox Valley. Brillion High School (BHS) has approximately 330 students in Grades 9-12. Brillion is home to approximately 3000 residents. Interestingly, Brillion also serves as the headquarters of three major manufacturing…