Technology For All Americans

The Scholarly Communications Project and The Technology For All Americans
Project would like to announce the Technology For All Americans home page 
located at http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/TAA/TAA.html.

Press Information

   April 20, 1995
   
   Editorial Contact:
   Rick Satchwell
   Technology for All Americans Project
   1997 S. Main Street, Suite 701
   Blacksburg, VA 24061-0353
   Phone: (703) 953-0203
   Fax: (703) 953-0014
   Email: T.Ed.Stan.Proj@bev.net
   
Technology Education Standards ProjectTo Seek Input from Educators, Parents,
Engineers

   What should a 12-year old girl know about technology? How much should
   she understand about genetic engineering, smart transportation
   systems, wireless communications, or robotics?
   
   By the year 2000, technology educators hope to have a literacy program
   in place for students in grades K through 12 to learn about this
   multi-faceted discipline. To reach this goal, a commission of experts
   in the field is currently attempting to define what the standards for
   technology will be.
   
   "Technology is more than having access to a computer in a classroom.
   It is the study of the world as it has been created by humans," says
   William E. Dugger, Jr., a professor of technology education on
   sabbatical from Virginia Tech.
   
   Dugger is directing the efforts of the commission who are working
   through a program entitled Technology for All Americans. The ambitious
   program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the
   National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
   
   The 22-member national commission met recently in Reston, Virginia, to
   discuss the first phase of their work -- the writing of a document
   that explains technology as a discipline and why technological
   literacy is important for all children and adults. This document will
   be a road map for the subsequent development of standards for the K-12
   classroom.
   
   When the commission members have finished the document describing the
   need for technological education of the nation's youngsters, they will
   hold workshops around the country this summer. These hearings will be
   located at seven NASA centers. Hearings will also be held in the fall
   at regional and state technology, science, mathematics, and
   engineering association meetings.
   
   "It is extremely important to us to hear what the public has to say
   about teaching technology in the classroom," Dugger explained. "We
   want the input of engineers, teachers, parents, and anyone else who
   may have an opinion about technological literacy. We want to be able
   to reach a consensus about what these standards should be before they
   are adopted."
   
   The effort is similar to the standards project developed by the
   community of geographers. In the 1980s, it was decided that geography
   standards were needed in the schools. After building a consensus among
   the various interest groups, geography standards were put in place by
   1994. Another model, developed by the National Council of Teachers of
   Mathematics (NCTM) in 1989, is also being used by the commission.
   
   Dugger explained that the technology standards will mimic geography's
   model by actually implementing three sets of standards: grades K-4,
   5-8, and 9-12. Similar to the geography project, the technology
   standards will be based on ongoing consensus, and they will seek out
   various political interests for input.
   
   For further information about the Technology for All Americans
   program, contact Dr. William E. Dugger, Jr., 1997 S. Main Street,
   Suite 701, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0353. Telephone: (703) 953-0203 Fax:
   (703) 953-0014 Email: T.Ed.Stan.Proj@bev.net
   
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     _________________________________________________________________

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Received on Monday, 22 May 1995 05:27:54 UTC