What is technology education?
Technology Education is the subject area where students learn: technological literacy - what technology is, how technology works, and how it is applied to benefit mankind mental processes of the technologist - how practitioners in technological occupations approach the process of solving problems cultural and societal implications of technology - how technology has influenced our culture and society. At the University of Georgia, students majoring in Technology Education are preparing to become teachers of Technology Education within grades K-12, with primary emphasis on the upper grades.
What will you learn in technology education?
Technology Education is comprised of several major content areas that incorporate the broad spectrum of how technology is being used to solve problems within society. Content areas include the history and nature of technology, design, developing and producing products and systems, using and managing technology, and assessing the impact and consequences of technology. Along with these conceptual areas, students will learn about physical technology, chemical and biological technology, informational technology and the mental processes that technologists use to solve problems as well as the various means and methods of teaching about technology.
The following are areas of learning you will experience in Technology Education courses:
- how materials are processed and converted to usable objects
- the use of computers in industry and design
- how mechanical, electrical, fluid/pneumatic, and thermal systems work together
- how graphics are created and materials are printed
- how products are designed
- how technology is impacting on societies
- how products are manufactured
- how an industrial company operates
- what power and energy sources are and how to conserve energy
- what materials are available for use in the manufacturing industry
- the processes used in construction
- how to problem solve using mental methods of inquiry used by technologists
- instructional strategies used to teach technology education
- history, philosophy, and trends of the technology education profession
- technological careers available in business and industry
What will you do in class?
Class and laboratory work incorporates a variety of instructional strategies which encourage a hands-on/minds-on approach to learning.
Laboratory experiences will involve:
- operation of tools and equipment in the various technical content areas
- development of plans for manufacturing products
- developing graphics and technical drawings
- experimenting with electrical circuits and devices
- experimentation with various types of power sources
- controlling of technical systems through mechanical, electrical, fluid/pneumatic, and thermal components
Various technical processes will be performed on a wide range of materials: metals, plastics, ceramics, wood, and composites. You will be involved in individual activities, as well as some group activities during the process of your course work. Problem solving activities will be incorporated throughout the various courses.
What career options will be open to you?
Technology Education at the University of Georgia prepares you to be a certified teach of Technology Education in public schools. Currently, there is a high demand for qualified technology teachers throughout the entire United States and numerous teaching positions are available in Georgia. UGA is well known for its outstanding graduates in Technology Education and in many other fields as well.
In addition to teacher qualifications, graduates of the Technology Education Program are held in high regard by business and industry. With the broad technical background that students receive in Technology Education, some students also find employment as managers, trainers, or in other key positions in business and industry.
Technology Coordinator positions are new opportunities some technology teachers are pursuing . Recent initiatives within schools to acquire high-tech equipment for use in classroom instruction has created a tremendous need for technical expertise in the use of state-of-the-art learning technology. Certified technology teachers are knowledgeable in the use of this type of equipment and may find this career avenue to be intriguing, challenging and valuable.