What is Technology Education?
“We are a nation increasingly dependent on technology. Yet, in spite of this dependence, U.S. society is largely ignorant of the history and the fundamental nature of the technology that sustains it” (Wm A. Wolf President National Academy of Engineering).
“With the growing importance of technology to our society, it is vital that our students receive an education that emphasizes technological literacy" (Dr. William E. Dugger, Jr. Technology for All Americans Project).
Technology Education is the study of the technological world in which we live. Technology Education courses are built on the foundation of the Standards for Technological Literacy, the national standards document for technology education. In 1985 industrial arts was officially renamed technology education, and in 2000, the standards for technological literacy were adopted. Technology education is a relatively new field of study, and is often confused with computer science. Technology education is not the study of computers; however computers are used as an instructional tool in many technology education classes. Technology education is also not simply a new name for the wood and metal shop classes of the 1950's, 60's and 70's. While technology education courses make heavy use of tools and raw materials, the focus is on design, problem solving and the creation of new products and systems. Students learn about how technology impacts society and how society impacts technology.
The standards for technological literacy define construction, manufacturing, transportation, communications & information, agriculture, power & energy, medical technologies and biotechnology as the content of technology education.
For a more complete look at The Standards for Technology Education, refer to the Standards for Technology Literacy (STL) document at the bottom of this web page.