Advancing the TIDE of Technology Education
Lipton, Ethan B. (2005, March). The Technology Teacher, 64 (6), 29–36.
Four simple words (Technology, Innovation, Design, and Engineering) form the acronym TIDE and modify the term “technology education” to provide a succinct idea of the scope of Technology Education.

What is Technology Education?
Technology education is a "study of technology, which provides an opportunity for students to learn about the processes and knowledge related to technology that are needed to solve problems and extend human capabilities." (Exceerpt from Technology for All Americans web site)

My Philosophy of Technology Education

Technology Education provides essential, unique and rigorous learning experiences for all students at all grade levels to assist them in achieving technological literacy.
Technology Education provides problem-based learning experiences that prepare students to confidently understand, use and manage technology in a socially responsible manner.
The content and context of Technology Education provides opportunities for students to learn about the processes and knowledge related to technology that are required to solve problems and extend human capabilities.
Technology Education outcomes include those related to the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to solve problems and extend human capabilities. Outcomes are achieved through a curriculum, which includes a wide variety of learning experiences that involve math, science and technology.
Technology Education provides students with knowledge and learning experiences related to contemporary technological processes, systems and materials. This involves students in innovation through the design, development and use of technological systems to meet authentic challenges.
Technology Education provides students, as individuals and in collaborative teams, with opportunities to understand, develop and apply skills in innovation, creativity, reflection and leadership.
Technology Education provides students with opportunities to develop career awareness and prepares students for post-secondary education and/or entry into the workforce.
Technology Education provides an introduction to concepts and experiences that may lead some students towards future study and careers in engineering.
Technology teachers, with the support of supervisors and teacher educators, are the most important factor to continuing development, implementation and delivery of successful Technology Education programs. Properly designed and implemented, Technology Education can contribute most significantly to the personal and professional growth of every student as well as to economic vitality and social consciousness of society.

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What is Technology?
"Broadly speaking, technology is how people modify the natural world to suit their own purposes. From the Greek word techne, meaning art or artifice or craft, technology literally means the act of making or crafting, but more generally it refers to the diverse collection of processes and knowledge that people use to extend human abilities and to satisfy human needs and wants."
(Excerpt from Standards for Technological Literacy, ITEA, 2000)

Technological Literacy
The ability to use, manage, understand, and assess technology.

References and Resources

The Case for Technological Literacy (Sept. 20, 2002)
     Wm. A. Wulf, President, National Acedemy of Engineering
     (www4.nationalacademies.org/onpi/oped.nsf/(Op-EdByDocID)/BAAEBA228E66163B85256C3A006D8393?OpenDocument)

Technically Speaking: Why All Americans Need to Know More About Technology (2002)
     Committee on Technological Literacy,; National Academy of Engineering; National Research Council;
     Greg Pearson and A. Thomas Young, Editors (www.nap.edu/books/0309082625/html/)

Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology (2000)
     International Technology Education Association (www.iteaconnect.org/TAA/PDF/xstnd.pdf)

Standards for Technological Literacy: Executive Summary (2000)
     International Technology Education Association (www.iteaconnect.org/TAA/PDF/Execsum.pdf)

Technology for All Americans: A Rationale and Structure for the Study of Technology (1996)
     International Technology Education Association (www.iteaconnect.org/TAA/PDF/Taa_RandS.pdf)

Important Links

Iternational Technology Education Assocaition (www.iteaconnect.org/)
Technology for All Americans Project (www.iteaconnect.org/TAA/TAA.htmll)