Christopher Said:

Whats the Importance of Information Technology in education?

We Answered:

The importance of Information Technology, in my opinion, is that it allows the students to obtain many sources of information instead of just one. It allows students to communicate with others that could offer them assistance on an assignment where as without this technology they may not have anyone that they could ask for help. A few ways that Information Technology may affect the teachers and students include, but are not limited to: allowing the teachers to better explain how and why something works the way that it does by allowing the students to view a wide range of informative websites. It allows students to learn more about other countries and other cultures by being able to communicate with people from those countries and cultures. It also allows the students and teachers to be able to communicate with one another at any point in time and from any location that has this technology available where as they would only have normal school hours and only be available at the school itself to be able to explain a particular topic to the student.

These are simply my opinions, but I hope that they will come in a bit useful to you!!

Victor Said:

I am interested in becoming a teacher in in Technology Education.?

We Answered:

I don't mean to sound pessimistic, but I don't feel that the preceding answers are completely correct. Here's the real deal.

I am a technology education student at Purdue University. I love the field, and will be starting student teaching in a few weeks.

Technology education is an intriguing, exciting and fun field. As a technology educator, you will have the opportunity to inspire students to flex their creative muscle and to have fun at the same time. Many students will find that technology education is their favorite class. It is your responsibility as a technology education teacher to show the students that what they are learning in all their other classes applies in practical settings in the real world. For example, you can show them how math can be used to solve problems, and English can be used to communicate ideas. Integration of such concepts into your lessons will help you to become a great teacher.

Technology education is in fact a changing field. It has evolved from what used to be shop class, where students focused more on the manual arts. It has progressed through stages such as industrial technology, technology education, and is now evolving into engineering/technology education. Many colleges and universities, as well as state educational institutions are recognizing the name change and actually beginning to officially re-name the field.

As far as job opportunities in technology education, they are GREAT! If you attend any of the national conferences, which you should have the chance to do as a technology student at a college or university, you will find that the school representatives practically beg you to work for them. There are fewer and fewer technology teacher education programs, and more retiring professionals, so this is what causes the high demand for teachers. Unfortunately, this high demand doesn't necessairilty translate into higher pay. You can expect 27-40k dollars starting pay depending in what state/area you are working in. You will be able to work up from there.

As an academic program, technology education will give back what you put into it. Academically, you will likely be able to pass without much effort. Don't be that person. If you strive to be the best, to ask questions, and to create, you can be a leader in the field; you will be needed and respected. Be this person.

If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me at dbrenner@purdue.edu. I would be happy to answer any questions.

Natalie Said:

Why do teachers need to develop their own rationale for using technology in education?

We Answered:

Sounds like a certification test question. If this was a test question, I'd go with A, as it is the most logical answer. C doesn't sound like a convincing answer simply because the rationale for using technology never changes; it enhances learning and familiarizes students with modern technology.

Hugh Said:

Understanding the use of technology and education, how important is it to get a good education?

We Answered:

Hi,
A) Example # 1. Let's say that you own a very expensive motor vehicle and you deliver it to the garage to have it serviced and all electrical and mechanical parts checked out because you are going to make a journey of a thousand miles.
Question: How important is it to have the job completed correctly? Clearly, it is very important.

B) Example # 2. It is the same with education because you are on a LifeLong Journey and you want to enjoy the journey. If you don't have a good education, you break down in the sense that you will not achieve your goals = grades and the same will be true for college and university. You will struggle to get where you are going!

For 'A' above you need to know that you can complete your journey trouble-free.

For 'B' above you know that if you don't achieve good grades, that the only employment that you will be offered will be soul-destroying; menial work that requires only minimal intelligence.

Your Life-Journey is far more important than your Car Journey and therefore your preparation requires that you build a Solid Educational Foundation so that you will be fully prepared for your journey and not suffer any breakdown = failures.

In simple language, if you make the effort, work hard and smart at your studies = on-going educational maintenance, then you will succeed on your Life-Journey.

Remember, everything you do, you do as an investment in your future and also your future life-style.

Best wishes for a great future.

Justin Said:

What is your view on the importance of technology in education? Can technology motivate and assist students..?

We Answered:

I strongly think it can and will. My school issues each student an Apple iBook, and it helps so much with being able to have the world at your finger tips in terms of resources. Essays and other reports are done easier, and stronger because of the tools I am able o use. I will say that internet games are a down side because of the kids playing them instead of doing their class work. I believe these computers in my school are a large help in the way I gain my education, and build myself up for the next levels of the education system.

Erin Said:

how do I study for the education technology specialist test?

We Answered:

It depends on your state. For the Texas teacher's test, there are plenty of free materials online, you just have to search for them. I imagine there are free materials online for your test, too, so just do a google search for the official test name. (IE the Texas certification test is called the "TeXes.) You *might* also be able to purchase books online, I know I was able to buy some study materials through barnes and noble.

Good luck!