Kinds of Technology

What kinds of technology will I learn about in this program?

The technology education curriculum utilizes a broad base of courses in general education, technical education (from the College of Engineering and the College of Education and Health Professions) and professional education to prepare individuals to teach technology. The technical education courses you take during this undergraduate program will provide you with a broad understanding of many technologies from which you will be able to develop learning experiences for your own students later. Some of the concepts will include:

Several courses within the technology education program will provide you with an understanding of the designed world, the impacts of technology on society, the impacts of society on technology, the relationship between the technological world and the natural world, and numerous other concepts.

Several courses in technology education and courses from the College of Engineering will assist you in developing a conceptual understanding of the engineering design process and a broad understanding of some foundational knowledge of general engineering. You will understand and utilize the design loop, the design process, and numerous other engineering tools throughout this degree program.

At least two technical courses within the program are designed specifically to enhance students' understanding of information and communications technologies. Through these courses, students will learn about computer-aided drafting, desktop publishing, photography, telecommunications, print technology, photomechanical processes, graphic communications and numerous other technologies associated with these industries.

At least three technical courses within the program are designed specifically to enhance students' understanding of energy, power, and transportation technologies. Through these courses, students will learn about and begin to understand how to develop instructional materials related to electricity and electronics, AC/DC circuits, linear electronics, alternate energy sources, fluid/pneumatic power, mechanical power, power technology, flight and water transportation systems, and space transportation systems.

At least two technical courses within the program are designed specifically to enhance students' understanding of production technology (manufacturing and construction technologies). Some concepts in this technical area include manufacturing technology, metal and casting fabrication, machine tool technology, industrial plastics, construction technology, as well as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

For more information on the technical courses included in this program and course syllabi, see course descriptions. For information concerning general education courses, please refer to the Catalog of Studies.

Facilities/Equipment

Students in technology education take some of their technical classes within the TEED program, but a majority of technical courses are taken with students in other technology degree areas — such as engineering. Therefore, the laboratories are very well equipped and include industry-based materials and techniques. Computers are integrated throughout the curriculum, providing real-world experiences from industry and educational employment opportunities. Technology education provides participating undergraduate students with opportunities to design and use equipment and curriculum and work directly with practicing teachers.