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!