What is Technology Education?
A world without creative thinking would be a very different world.
All significant advancements in technology are the result s of a person
thinking by using knowledge and not being afraid to take a risk. When
society embraces change, good things will occur. In a society that is
dependent upon technology, it is important that all students develop
technological literacy. The development of the National Standards for
Technological Literacy has defined a body of knowledge for the study of
technology. This body of knowledge includes the study of topics in The
Nature of Technology, Technology and Society, Design, Abilities for a
Technological World, and The Designed World. In order to meet or exceed
these standards along with the New Jersey Technological Literacy
Standards, High Point Regional High School in Wantage , New Jersey
offers a comprehensive program in Technological Studies.
The state of New Jersey is best known as the invention state, but may
soon be famous as the birthplace of an educational revolution. However,
when businesspeople first tossed around the idea of a program in which
students would learn the skills necessary to succeed in the “New
Economy”, revolution was not a word they used. “Frustration” came more
readily to their minds – business leaders’ frustration with the lack of
skilled local employees; students’ frustration as they came out of
school unprepared for jobs in a technologically advanced marketplace;
and the community’s frustration with the quality of public education in
general. Out of frustration came inspiration, and Technology Education
was born. Since the birth of Technology Education in NJ, High Point
Regional High School has been a leader in new Jersey and Nationally.
Students may choose to touch on many technological areas at High
Point or select a specialized path that allows in-depth study of a
particular technological area. Some of the courses will satisfy the
Technology high school graduation requirement. Combinations of these
courses will also satisfy the Career education and Consumer, Family, and
Life Skills Standards. There are approximately 813 students enrolled in
our technology programs of study. A number of programs offered at the
school provide a unique curricular experience, including Mechanical
Movement and Women in Engineering.
Since providing students with technology courses of study in 1999,
the technological studies department has grown 200% and graduated many
students, sending them to an impressive list of top colleges. The
students themselves helped design the programs elegant modern
facilities. The classrooms are visions of modern industriousness; with
each student seated at his or her own personal computer when needed or
seated with team members around a bench developing solutions to
problems. Students use the latest software to do everything from
accessing mentors to computer aided design assignments. Current
Department programs include; Computer Aided Design, Architectural
Design, Material Processing, Engineering and Design Technology, Power,
Energy and Transportation Technology, Mechanical Movement, Media
Technology, Computer Animation, Biotechnology and Communication
Technology and the Nation’s first Women in Engineering program. The most
exciting aspect of education in this department is directly connected
to this access to technology. It’s called “project-based learning”.
Instead of plugging their knowledge into “fill-in bubbles” on Scantron
sheets at finals time, students present tech-based projects about the
subject at hand. You won’t find any book reports; you’re more likely to
see a robot or a beautifully designed structure, a power point
presentation combining digital photography and solar powered vehicles.
Extracurricular activities include the Technology Student
Association, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Challenge, the Edison Innovation
Challenge, the Panasonic Design Challenge, Synergis Challenges, and an
Engineering Club. Students learn self-sufficiency and time management,
and participate in what I call “A Community of Trust.”. Small class
sizes and personal relationships with instructors create an environment
in which students are responsible for their own learning. It’s more like
college, or even a workplace, than high school. In addition, the
atmosphere of trust and respect makes students feel comfortable.
Students are given time to use the knowledge they have learned for the
past nine to twelve years. The enormous success of this internationally
and state recognized “Five Star -Program of Excellence” brings some
inevitable questions, including how to keep up with the latest
technological developments. We continually strive to seek grant money
and use school budget money wisely as we develop plans. We recently used
grant money to purchase the first 3-D printer in the county. Students
can now design and print their invention. High Point ’s Technological
Studies Department specializes in developing programs concentrating on
the discipline of “technology” and I welcome you to contact me and
arrange a visit so that technological literacy is spread throughout New
Jersey.
Mark Wallace – DTE
PCB 2. 2008. Photograph. Stock Xchng. By Sun Designs. HAAP Media Ltd, 30 Aug. 2008. Web. 14 May 2011. <http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1067402>.