Technology Education Adds Value
Franzie Loepp
Illinois State University
Why did Dale asked me to come from IL to speak to you?Good question! WTEA members want expert to give
keynoteDefinition of expert: “. . .at least 200
miles from home.” I’ve decided to speak for K-12 students
in Wisconsin!Been here for 20 hrs, so I’m qualified!
Technology Education Adds Value!Technology Education is defined as:
“human innovation in action that involves the generation of knowledge and processes to develop systems that solve problems and extend human capabilities.” SfTL, 2000
WOW! That . . . That definition must have been written by a professor!
Does that definition include the technical educators here today?
In WI and IL the answer is a bit fuzzy Tech ed (technology education) and tech ed
(technical education) are close cousins Both deal with human innovation Both generate knowledge and processes Both solve problems Both extend human capabilities
Technology Education con’tTechnical education places more
emphasis on preparation for employment
Technology education places more emphasis on preparation for life
Added Value--Industry In industry “value added” is often thought of
as materials + labor = products (profit) Example: oak tree – oak lumber – oak
furniture (value is added at each stage) But is it that simple? No, its much more—
there are jobs, benefits, needs are met, and usually there are unintended consequences
Value Added--Education
Self ConfidenceKnowledgeSkills
Self ConfidenceDesign and build activities breed
satisfactionWorking in groups develops teamworkLeadership fosters responsibility
KnowledgeTechnological literacyCore concepts in technology
Systems, resources, optimization, trade-offs, processes, controls
MathematicsScienceLanguage ArtsSocial studies
Selected SkillsCommunication
Sketching, visualization, drafting Writing Presentation
Design and makeDiagnose and repairComputer
Does Technology Education Add Value?Absolutely!Self confidenceKnowledgeSkills
Technology Educators are like a teabag
You don’t know how strong they are until you put them in hot water!
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