Creating a Sustainable Future for Technology Education
Janel M. Kerr, M.Ed., M.Ed., Ed. S. P.-T. Ed.University of Idaho
March 18, 2010
Grant Info Internal UI grant, aimed at
“faculty- or staff-led projects that revise curriculum to include environmental, economic, or social sustainability. “
My course
PTTE 449 Appropriate Technology and Alternative Energy
Undergraduate, upper division
Currently an elective Open to all students
on campus
How did we get here?
Student interest
Personal Interest
Sustainability Center Grant Opportunity
Genuine need for change
Course Aims and Philosophy “Real things that people can/will actually
do”
Separating the hype from materials and techniques that actually work
Generating an understanding of individual impact
Making a positive change
Place-based Education
Community
Science and Math
Technology Education
Environment Sustainabil
ity
A little context
Idaho
•Agriculture•Timber•Recreation and Tourism
Moscow
Our home campus
Prior Knowledge
Considers family and cultural background
Education Experience
Student Population
What is “Appropriate Technology”?
Consideration of:
cultural and social issues, politics and ethics Economics the natural environment.
Reading and Discussion
Social Sustainability
Considering the impact on others Classroom Community “life expectancy” of pre-service
Technology Education teachers Practicing what we preach
Research and Evaluation
Transformational Learning
Changes in emotion or beliefs as shown through actions (Mezirow, 2000, p. 8).
Investigation Reflection Action
Usability
Alternative to what?
Activities
Movies and Presentations Research and Discussion Field trips Application
Culture of Sustainability
Learning Outcomes Application of STEM concepts Informed citizens and consumers Increased research Agents for change
Where do we go from here?
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