How many technology teachers reflect on their teaching each and every day? How many technology teachers ask themselves the hard questions surrounding student learning and their own teaching? How many technology teachers ask their students for feedback on a daily basis? In this article, the author shares her personal story about reflective…

The author discusses the transition of industrial arts to technology education. He covers challenges, opportunities, and potential consequences. Management and assessment of the change process is discussed. (CH)

The author cites several examples to demonstrate what artificial intelligence currently can do for users and discusses the likely future applications of intelligent machinery. (CH)

Synthesizes some of the literature on present and future trends in communications technology that are particularly relevant to industrial arts. (SK)

This future history activity is a technique for getting students to think about change in society, the way that change occurs, and the influence of technology on those changes. It involves students in imagining what society will look like in 25 years in an area such as transportation, construction, or health care. (JOW)

This activity on making recycled paper includes background information, implementation directions, equipment and supply lists, drawings, and forms for students to use as they complete the activity. It may be used to develop a new curriculum or be integrated into an existing one. (JOW)

Explains why technology courses should expose students to advanced composites. Addresses such concerns as cost and health, safety, and environmental issues. (SK)

There is a need to develop acceptable methods of inquiry that can be the focal point for connecting the technical components of the curriculum with related mental processes The mental processes integral to the work of a technologist are defining the problem, analyzing, computing, measuring, questioning/hypothesizing, constructing models, testing,…

Discusses how to share technology-based lessons with other teachers. Includes an outline for documenting activity suggestions and offers recommendations for preparing print resources for colleagues. Includes essential elements of a published technology-based activity. (JOW)

Modular laboratories provide technology education students with valuable experiences, but they are not the total solution. Technology education can aid problem solving, technological literacy, and school-wide curriculum integration, but not within the limits of the modular environment. (JOW)

Asserts that many people have minimal comprehension of how technology works, why it works, and the implications of its use. Offers a mandate for technological literacy in the United States. Includes characteristics of a technologically literate citizen and recommendations for strengthening the presence of technology in education. (JOW)

Presents a strategic framework for standards-based reform: (1) dissemination (develop awareness); (2) interpretation (increase understanding and support); (3) implementation (change policies, programs, and practices); (4) evaluation (monitor and adjust); and (5) revision (improve efficiency and influence of standards). Outlines roles for various…

Describes generic elements of leadership and strategic planning that may be applied to enhance the contributions of technology education. (Author)

The author discusses the manufactured housing industry as an example of technology's affect on the job market. Information provided includes (1) historical background, (2) the concept, (3) types of manufactured housing, (4) the industry today, (5) constructional activity, and (6) using math and science in the industry. (CH)

Sketches and drawings are a means of communicating ideas in the design process. Students need help in overcoming the conditioned response of producing finished, polished work and in learning efficient and effective ways of communicating ideas through images. (SK)