&lt;p&gt;Technological Literacy Courses in Pre-Service Teacher Education&lt;/p&gt;

Roger Skophammer,Philip A Reed

doi:10.21061/jots.v40i2.a.2

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine to what extent technological literacy courses were required in K-12 teacher education. A documents review of the appropriate course catalogs for initial teacher preparation was conducted. The documents review identified general education requirements and options for technological literacy courses, as well as requirements and options for these courses for English, social studies, mathematics, and science education majors. For this study, technological literacy was defined as “the ability to use, manage, assess, and understand technology” (ITEA, 2000/2002/2007, p. 9). This definition of literacy is broader than technology literacy associated with computer use and instructional technology, as well as courses limited to the history or philosophy of technology. A finding from this study is that there is very little exposure to technological literacy courses for prospective K-12 teachers. This may be due in part to the confusion between instructional technology literacy and technological literacy.

Highlights

We live in a technological age and the impacts of technology on the individual, society, and environment are great
Students in either the technology education or Mathematics/Science/Technology—M/S/T (NJDOE approved academic major for education) major study a variety of themes including historical and contemporary influence of designed objects on end users and society, design style, product development, human factors engineering, product modeling, problem-solving techniques, communication, computers, and robotics
Students in the Department of Technological Studies with a teacher-education specialty in either Technology Education or M/S/T receive provisional certification to teach in New Jersey schools

Summary

Technological Studies

Some students choose to pursue this program to prepare for positions in higher education, commerce, media, or government service Graduates from both the Technology Education and M/S/T majors can become pre-certified to teach PLTW courses and are in high demand. Retention in the technology education major is based on the following performance standards in these “critical content courses”: ETE 261/Multimedia Design (C+); and TED 280/Introduction to Teaching Technology Education (C+). Transfer to the technology education major from another program within the College is based upon the following performance standards in these “foundation courses”: ETE 261/Multimedia Design (C+); and TED 280/Introduction to Teaching Technology Education (C+). Transfer to the M/S/T major from another program within the College is based upon the following performance standards in these “foundation courses”: ETE 261/Multimedia Design (C+); and o ELST and DHST—ELE 201/RAL221 (C+) or o ECST—ECE 102/202 (C+) or o SEST—WRI 102/SPE 103/FSP (B). These plans should take into account requirements for the major, general education, professional courses, and state certification

Suggested Course Sequence

Technology Minor

Professional Education Courses