Technological Literacy:Technological Literacy:A California Priority!A California Priority!

Ethan B. Lipton, Ph.D.Professor, Department of Technology

California State University, Los Angeles

Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education:

Articulating A Vision and Opportunities fora California STEM Innovation and Learning Network

The Hyatt Regency February 18-19, 2009 Sacramento, California

In the California NewsFebruary 2009

• Aviation authorities defend safety of turboprops Aviation authorities defend safety of turboprops (Sac. Bee)(Sac. Bee)

• . . . green automobiles are here now . . . green automobiles are here now (SF Chronicle)(SF Chronicle)

• Steam generator for nuclear plant Steam generator for nuclear plant (LA Times)(LA Times)

• Does termite killer worsen global warming? Does termite killer worsen global warming? (OC Register)(OC Register)

• Stimulus package to expand Net's reach Stimulus package to expand Net's reach (SF Chronicle)(SF Chronicle)

• SoCal Edison in 1,300 megawatt solar power deal SoCal Edison in 1,300 megawatt solar power deal (SF Chronicle)(SF Chronicle)

• Solar energy: Q & A with L.A. mayoral candidates Solar energy: Q & A with L.A. mayoral candidates (LA Times)(LA Times)

• Computerized medical records: stimulus or socialism? Computerized medical records: stimulus or socialism? (Sac. Bee)(Sac. Bee)

Narrow Conception ofNarrow Conception of TechnologyTechnology

Technology “particularized”Technology “particularized”– Computers and softwareComputers and software– Web/InternetWeb/Internet– Other tools and toys (PDAs, cell phones, GPS, DSL, etc.)Other tools and toys (PDAs, cell phones, GPS, DSL, etc.)

2002 ITEA/Gallup Poll2002 ITEA/Gallup Poll– In open-ended response, 68% choose “computer” as first thing In open-ended response, 68% choose “computer” as first thing

that comes to mind when word “technology” is mentionedthat comes to mind when word “technology” is mentioned– A distant second: electronics (4% of responses)A distant second: electronics (4% of responses)

Broad Conception of Broad Conception of TechnologyTechnologyTechnology “generalized” as Technology “generalized” as the modification of the modification of nature to meet human needs/wantsnature to meet human needs/wants

– Artifacts (i.e., the Great Engineering Achievements)Artifacts (i.e., the Great Engineering Achievements)– Knowledge and processes (e.g., engineering design)Knowledge and processes (e.g., engineering design)– Related infrastructure (e.g., for manufacturing, repair, maintenance)Related infrastructure (e.g., for manufacturing, repair, maintenance)

In this view, technology is tightly coupled to both In this view, technology is tightly coupled to both science and engineeringscience and engineering

– Scientific research contributes to technology creationScientific research contributes to technology creation– Technology facilitates much of scientific researchTechnology facilitates much of scientific research– Engineering uses scientific knowledge, among other inputs, to create Engineering uses scientific knowledge, among other inputs, to create

or improve technologyor improve technology

Technology EducationTECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES

Teaches about technology as a content area.

Concerned with the broad spectrum of technology (How humans have designed and innovated in the natural world).

Primary goal:Technological literacy for everyone.

Educational TechnologyINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Teaches with technology (uses technology as a tool).

Primarily concerned with thefocused spectrum of information and communication technologies.

Primary goal: To enhance the teachingand learning process.

WARNINGDon’t Confuse Technology Education (ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE, CONTENT)

with Educational Technology (DELIVERY, TEACHING STRATEGIES)

What is Technological Literacy (TL)?A Three-Dimensional Model

Characteristics of aCharacteristics of aTechnologically Literate PersonTechnologically Literate Person**

Knowledge:Knowledge: basic engineering concepts (e.g., basic engineering concepts (e.g., systems, constraints, trade-offs), technology and systems, constraints, trade-offs), technology and history, design, riskshistory, design, risks

Ways of Thinking and Acting: asks questions, asks questions, seeks information, participates in decision makingseeks information, participates in decision making

Capabilities:Capabilities: hands-on skills, identify simple hands-on skills, identify simple problems and design solutions, apply basic math problems and design solutions, apply basic math concepts (e.g., related to probability, scale)concepts (e.g., related to probability, scale)

* * Technically Speaking,Technically Speaking, 2001 2001

• Improved decision making about Improved decision making about technological matterstechnological matters

– Personal (e.g., consumer choices)Personal (e.g., consumer choices)– Policy making (e.g., legislation and regulation)Policy making (e.g., legislation and regulation)

• Increased citizenship participation (aka, Increased citizenship participation (aka, democracy!)democracy!)

• Support for a modern workforceSupport for a modern workforce

• Enhancing social well-beingEnhancing social well-being – Technological Literacy as a “tool” for adapting to changeTechnological Literacy as a “tool” for adapting to change

What are the benefits?What are the benefits?

Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology

• Published in 2000 by the Published in 2000 by the International Technology International Technology Education Association (ITEA)Education Association (ITEA)

• Reviewed by the National Reviewed by the National AcademiesAcademies−− National Academy of Engineering (NAE)National Academy of Engineering (NAE)−− National Research Council (NRC)National Research Council (NRC)

• Modeled after NRC Modeled after NRC National Science Education National Science Education Standards Standards and theand the American Association for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Benchmarks for Advancement of Science (AAAS) Benchmarks for Science LiteracyScience Literacy

Standards for Technological Literacy• 20 Standards w/ Associated Benchmarks for the study 20 Standards w/ Associated Benchmarks for the study

of technology (as a content field)of technology (as a content field)

• 4 Grade Bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)4 Grade Bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)−− Developmentally AppropriateDevelopmentally Appropriate−− Serves as an integrator and reinforces for other learningServes as an integrator and reinforces for other learning

• 5 Areas5 Areas−− Nature of TechnologyNature of Technology−− Technology and SocietyTechnology and Society−− DesignDesign−− Abilities for a Technical WorldAbilities for a Technical World−− The Designed WorldThe Designed World

Technology Education in the U. S.Technology Education in the U. S.**• Over 25,000+ teachers reaching 2,500,000 students

• Represented by the International Technology Education Association

• 42 states use Standards for Technological Literacy (STL) at the state or local school district level

• 40 states include technology education in their state frameworks

• 12 States require the study of technology

• 11 states adopted STL as their own state standards

• 27 states have technology education curriculum guides

• 22 states use STL as part of their state curriculum guides

* Dugger, W. E. (Sept. 2007). The Technology Teacher.

Also Worth Noting . . .Also Worth Noting . . . Both the AAAS Benchmarks for Both the AAAS Benchmarks for Science Literacy and the National Science Literacy and the National Science Education Standards Science Education Standards suggest “science literacy” has suggest “science literacy” has aa significant technological significant technological componentcomponent

Why Technological Literacy Matters to Why Technological Literacy Matters to Science and Science EducationScience and Science Education

• The study of technology provides context for The study of technology provides context for learning in science and other subjectslearning in science and other subjects− Preliminary data suggest integrated Science, Math, and

Technology curricula bring up test scores in Science and Math

• Citizens who are TL will be more likely to Citizens who are TL will be more likely to understand and support scientific researchunderstand and support scientific research

• Scientists who are TL will be better able to Scientists who are TL will be better able to anticipate and explain to the public the impact of anticipate and explain to the public the impact of their work their work

Existing California ResourcesExisting California Resources

• Individual K-12 teachers, schools, school districtsIndividual K-12 teachers, schools, school districts

• Postsecondary EducationPostsecondary Education

• California’s Science, Math, Engineering and Technology Teacher Educators

• National Center for Engineering and Technology National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE)Education (NCETE)

• California Industrial and Technology Education California Industrial and Technology Education Association (CITEA)Association (CITEA)

Where does California go from here?Where does California go from here?• Educate stakeholders about the importance of technological literacy

• Adopt state technological literacy standards for all students

• Implement strategies to include meaningful STEM learning experiences and technological literacy for all students

− Introduce engineering design and problem-solving strategies within curriculum − Infuse technology and engineering learning experiences into math and science classes− Infuse math and science concepts into technology courses

• Provide quality professional development to existing technology, math and science teachers (i.e., NCETE Model) – Candidates are available!

• Prepare new technology & Prepare new technology & STEM teachers teachers (i.e., CSULA Concept Pilot)

• Include assessment of technology standards in mandated state testing Include assessment of technology standards in mandated state testing

California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Los Angeles STEM Teacher ConceptSTEM Teacher Concept**

Single Subject Single Subject Credential in Credential in Industrial and Industrial and Technology Technology EducationEducation

(with knowledge of(with knowledge ofhow to effectively how to effectively

integrate integrate STEM learning)STEM learning)

Complete the Complete the additional math additional math

and science and science courses required courses required

for for supplementary supplementary

authorizations in authorizations in math and sciencemath and science

FullyFullyCredentialedCredentialed

STEMSTEM teacherteacher

+ =

* M. Castillo, E. Lipton* M. Castillo, E. Lipton

For More Information:National Academy of Engineering (NAE)National Academy of Engineering (NAE) www.nae.edu/techlitwww.nae.edu/techlit

National Center for Engineering and Technology EducationNational Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) (NCETE) www.ncete.orgwww.ncete.org

International Technology Education Association (ITEA)International Technology Education Association (ITEA) www.iteaconnect.org/ www.iteaconnect.org/

Journal of Technology Education scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTEscholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE//

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Engineering K-12 Center www.engineeringk12.org/www.engineeringk12.org/

Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) www.bscs.orgwww.bscs.org

California Industrial and Technology Education Association (CITEA)California Industrial and Technology Education Association (CITEA) www.citea.orgwww.citea.org

Dugger, W. E. (2007, Sept.). The Status of technology Education in the United States. In The Technology Teacher. Reston, VA: International Technology Education Association.

International Technology Education Association. (2002). International Technology Education Association. (2002). Advancing Excellence in Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Development, and Program Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Development, and Program Standards. Standards. Reston, VA: International Technology Education Association.Reston, VA: International Technology Education Association.

International Technology Education Association. (2000). International Technology Education Association. (2000). Standards for Technological Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology. Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology. Reston, VA: International Technology Reston, VA: International Technology Education Association.Education Association.

National Academy of Engineering. (2003). National Academy of Engineering. (2003). Frequently Asked Questions.Frequently Asked Questions. New York: New York: National Academy of Engineering. National Academy of Engineering. http://www.nae.edu/nae/naehome.nsf/weblinks/ NAEW-4NHME3?OpenDocumenthttp://www.nae.edu/nae/naehome.nsf/weblinks/ NAEW-4NHME3?OpenDocument

Lipton, E. & Scarcella, J. (2004, March.). Lipton, E. & Scarcella, J. (2004, March.). The Future of Technology Education in California. Riverside, CA: California Industrial and Technology Education Annual Riverside, CA: California Industrial and Technology Education Annual Meeting.Meeting.

Pearson, G. (2004, Feb.). Pearson, G. (2004, Feb.). Technological Literacy: It’s Not What You Think! Seattle, Seattle, WA: American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting.WA: American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting.

Pearson, G. & Young, T. (Eds.). (2002). Pearson, G. & Young, T. (Eds.). (2002). Technically Speaking: Why All Americans Technically Speaking: Why All Americans Need to Know More About Technology.Need to Know More About Technology. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.

Selected References

Ethan B. Lipton, PH.D.PROFESSOR

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY

(323) 343-4468elipton@exchange.calstatela.edu www.calstatela.edu/faculty/elipton

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELESCollege of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology

5151 STATE UNIVERSITY DRIVE LOS ANGELES, CA 90032-8154