TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION OVERVIEW
 

MAJOR CONCEPTS TO BE ADDRESSED

People study about technology because much of human process has occurred as a result of technological development.

Work, job opportunities, and careers are in constant change because of the evolution of technology.

People’s routines are influenced by technology.

People create and use technology as a means of satisfying basic biological, physical, and psychological needs and wants.

Information technology satisfies our need to communicate ideas and process information.

Biological related technology seeks to satisfy our many biological needs; it promotes, enhances, and supports the advancement of the improved quality of life.

Physical technologies satisfy many physical needs through the construction of shelter, transportation of people goods, and production of clothing and other necessities.

Complex Technologies develop from more simple technologies, and the development is a constantly evolving process.

Technology has existed for over one million years; it is growing at a faster rate today than ever before in history.

The development of technology results in a greater and more rapid production of goods and communication of information

Every technological development is dependent upon the utilization of seven resources: people, time, tools and machines, materials, energy, capital, and materials.

Solutions to technological problems require the development of skills in using all seven resources.

The development and use of technology are influenced by the culture and by the resources available to that society.

Global resources are finite, requiring discretion in their use and ultimately the identification of alternatives.

There are formalized methods (systems) used to solve technological problems or make technological decisions.
 
The problem-solving process includes design (planning) and implementation.

An important part of the problem-solving process Involves the generation of alternatives and the search for optimal solution(s).

Optimization of a solution normally requires trade-offs in order to best meet the specified criteria.

Modeling techniques are very useful problem solving aids.

Some problems cannot be solved by technology because of constraints imposed by the scientific principles, resource limitations, and constraints resulting from people’s values and attitudes.

People design systems to satisfy their needs and wants.