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Technology - "Technology is a body of knowledge and the systematic application
of resources to produce outcomes in response to human needs and
wants." (Savage & Sterry, 1990)
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Technology Education
- "Technology Education involves designing,
making, developing, producing, using, managing, and
assessing technological systems and products." (International
Technology Education Association, 1998)
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Technology
Literacy - "Technology Literacy is the ability to use, manage, understand,
and assess technology." (Technology for all Americans Project,
1996)
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Technological
Design & Problem-Solving Process - Creating
solutions often involves the process of designing. The
purpose of the design process is that it is a tool to help
make problem solving more effective and a way to document
your work. Although the following diagram is drawn in a
linear manner, think of the design process as a “design
loop” where you have the opportunity to switch back
and forth between steps in a thinking-questioning-evaluating
mode and acting-doing mode.
Click here to
view the diagram. (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required) |
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Universal
Systems Model - Solutions of problems often take
the form of systems. As the following diagram shows, systems
can be divided into three parts: input, process, and out
put. Inputs to systems are called resources, and these
resources are necessary to drive or energize the system.
In a technological system, three things can be processed:
material, energy, and information. The output of a technological
system can take many forms. In the model shown, a heated
or cooled home is considered the output. Feedback can be
considered a way to communicate with the system and modify
the output.
Click here to view the chart. (Adobe Acrobat
Reader Required) |
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Technology
Education Strands - The Technological strands
of Technology Education are divided into 3 key areas: Physical
Systems, Informational Systems, and Biotechnological Systems.
See page 7 of the following document (Executive Summary – K-12
Program Rationale and Guide) to view a diagram that shows
how these areas relate to the national standards that have
been developed for technological literacy.
Click here to
view further information. (Adobe
Acrobat Reader Required) |
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