Evaluating Technology Literacy and the Use of Engineering and Technology Curricula
Abstract: Most human activity is dependent upon technological tools, machines, and systems (ITEA, 2000); however, most people only understand the basic use of the technology, but nothing of its development, environmental, political, and economic issues. In fact, most people (70%) define technology only as digital devices (Rose, Gallup, Dugger, & Starkweather, 2004). Many industry professionals, academic institutions, and some government agencies believe there is a need to better define technology for the general public (“What is Tech Lit?” 2008). In response to this need, we propose an engineering based technology literacy course be used to remedy the limited understanding of technology. This research study outlines the curriculum for this course, presents findings from a state wide survey distributed to K-12 educators regarding their technological literacy, and proposes solutions to how this new engineering based technology literacy curriculum should and can be used.