In this age of cell phones, digital television, and satellite radio, individuals easily forget that information and energy must undergo complex transformations to enable real-time wireless communication. This article describes a practical and proven design activity that enables secondary and post-secondary students to design and test a modulator…

Teacher and student roles continue to change as computers continue to influence the design curriculum (Kaplan, 1997). Educators and administrators continue to grapple with the best ways to teach, implement, and maintain current technology. Few technology teachers would argue that computers, software, and hardware found in technology laboratories…

Keeping the joy in learning should be a priority of every school and every teacher. Technology educators have a long history of providing students with opportunities to experience the joy of learning and the joy of involvement with technology. This article examines the role that the emotion of joy can play in the general learning experience and…

In 2003, the last state university undergraduate technology education program in Florida closed its doors due to low enrollments and a new focus on graduate studies. This closing and the continued need for 165 certified technology education teachers to fill open positions each year in Florida created a need for St Petersburg College (SPC) to…

Integrating technology learning goals and activities with recent experiences created by natural disasters is a valuable motivational strategy. The newfound appreciation that exists for personal emergency preparedness generates unique and sustained interest in alternative energy technologies and conservation. As described in this article, an ice…

The overall goal of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act is to have all students--100 percent--achieving at proficient levels by 2014. Between now and 2014, states, districts, and schools must take a series of specific steps toward that goal. The law requires that educators focus intensively on challenging academic standards and assessments in…

This article discusses the standards-based instruction model, Engineering byDesign[TM] (EbD), and a network of teachers called the Engineering byDesign[TM] Network. Engineering byDesign[TM] is the only standards-based national model for Grades K-12 that delivers technological literacy which was developed by the International Technology Education…

This article helps educators use and teach technical vocabulary. A communication model is presented to help visualize the terminology problem. Practical guidelines for terminology usage are discussed, including technical jargon, abbreviations, trade names, conceptual terms, and cybernetics and personification terminology. Audience considerations…

The author introduces a simple three-step formula for teaching safety awareness in technology education classes and in industry. The steps are (1) understand the hazard, (2) recognize the defense, and (3) act in time. (CH)

Discusses various aspects of high technology: computers in cars, computer-assisted design and manufacturing, computers in telephones, video recorders, laser technology, home computers, job training, computer education, and the challenge to the technology teacher. (CT)

The author states that it is necessary to (1) dispel the notion that science and technology are synonomous, (2) dispel the notion that they must remain mutually exclusive, and (3) most important, establish an agenda for subsequent dialogue and action. (CT)

Discusses how technology is viewed by different people, as well as financial support for the study of technology in liberal arts programs. Three examples of how different educational institutions approach the study of technology are described: basic electronics and heating and cooling technology at Wellesley, engineering at SUNY-Stony Brook, and…

The author discusses changes in technology and education, the nature of technology, the creation of technology, technology's assimilation by industry, the workers skilled in the technology, education in skills in technology, technology of the factory of the future, and the TIPE System (Technology, Industry, Professionals, Education). (CT)

Federal and state agencies that offer resources and assistance to industrial arts/technology teachers include research coordinating units, curriculum coordination centers--linked by the National Network for Curriculum Coordination in Vocational and Technical Education, state liaison representatives, and the National Center for Research in…

A survey of 851 New Zealand teachers (64% response) implementing the technology curriculum found they were satisfied with the usefulness of the curriculum statement to guide planning and assessment. Nearly three-quarters received professional development to prepare them for teaching technology. (JOW)