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This
course provides an initial introduction to the technology education
curriculum from grades K-12, with an emphasis
on the middle school level. Students combine theory and practice in
technology education as they begin to develop technology education
curriculum materials and explore various approaches for delivering
technology education in a variety of settings.
Course
Goals
Students will:
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Examine the Virginia
technology education curriculum and National technology content
standards for grades K-12 and apply these guidelines to the development
of new curriculum materials in technology education.
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Analyze and use appropriate
teaching and learning strategies to effectively convey technological
concepts in a meaningful and interesting manner, including the
use of instructional technologies.
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Design, implement,
and/or evaluate appropriate technology education learning activities
and resources for the elementary, middle, and secondary levels.
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Develop a basic understanding
of general teaching strategies, classroom management techniques,
and evaluation procedures used in technology education.
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Discuss teaching
and learning methods appropriate for exceptional students enrolled
in technology education courses, including gifted and talented
and those with disabling conditions.
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Safely and efficiently use tools, materials,
processes, and systems to solve technological problems and to
create useful teaching-learning activities and media for technology
education teaching and learning.
Learning Experiences
Design Brief Development
Students
create at least two comprehensive design briefs (technological problem-solving
activities) for the middle school level. The design briefs must support
the national Standards for Technological
Literacy, the Virginia middle school technology education curriculum,
and the Virginia Standards of Learning. Design briefs include objectives,
project guidelines, evaluation suggestions, materials lists, references
or resources, and more. One of the design briefs must be accompanied
by a sample solution made with the tools and materials specified in
the design brief.
Technology Learning Center
Students
develop a three-dimensional student learning center that focuses on
a specific technological concept or idea. The learning center must
be developmentally appropriate and educationally sound. Students are
expected to apply their production and communication skills to the
development of a well-constructed and aesthetically pleasing product.
All peers (and the instructor) evaluate the learning centers.
Lesson Presentation
Students
plan and conduct a short lesson related to a specific technological
topic of their choice. Students develop the detailed lesson plan and
prepare all materials related to the lesson, including instructional
media. The lesson is delivered to the entire class and it is videotaped.
All peers (and the instructor) evaluate the lesson. The lesson presenter
reviews his/her videotape and writes a self-evaluation.
Book Review
Students locate a textbook that would be appropriate
for middle school technology education. The book is then reviewed
and critiqued according to established criteria.
Youth Technology
Day is a meaningful and fun technology program for young people. It
provides an opportunity for young people (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts,
or other similar groups) to visit Virginia Tech’s technology education
program and laboratories and to participate in challenging technology
activities that are planned and directed by the students in this class.
The 2-3 hour event, which is planned and implemented in its entirety
by the Practicum class, involves young people in various activities
that:
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Are
well organized and developmentally appropriate for the participants,
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Are
highly experiential, conceptually rich, and pedagogically sound,
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Broaden
participants’ technological understanding and appreciation, and
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Serve
to improve participants’ awareness of technology education and
the role of technology in their lives.
Practicum students plan the program (which must be supported
by technology education objectives), handle all communications related
to the event (including communications with the media), take care
of all purchasing of materials and supplies (including solicitation
of donations when necessary), and document the event with a portfolio.
Other
Class Projects and Assignments
There are several
other small class projects and assignments. Short problem-solving
projects and assignments are assigned periodically to promote or initiate
discussion about how technological activities are chosen, designed,
and organized. We visit a modular technology education laboratory
and meet with a practicing teacher to discuss this type of facility.
In addition, students read technology education case studies and engage
in a meaningful discussion/debate about the situation and facility
described. Peer evaluations of some projects enables us to discuss
assessment and talk about evaluation of students.
TE
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