Technology Education and Modular Labs

The field of technology education is changing very rapidly. Nationally, more and more middle and secondary schools are converting traditional industrial arts programs to contemporary technology education programs. One of the major changes is the use of modular technology systems, also called modular technology education environments. Modular technology systems are now used in many of the middle and secondary technology education programs throughout the United States. These systems use self-contained modular units of technology instruction in the classroom. For example, a typical unit in the area of fluid power would include a modular unit that has a hydraulic trainer, hydraulic valves, gauges, hydraulic circuit boards, and various consumable supplies, tools, and accessories including the main computer and associated software. Students complete various assignments throughout the modular unit and continue to advance to higher level content. Various modular units are available for middle and secondary school programs. Some of the more popular modular technology units include aerodynamics, computer problem solving, fiber optics, computer graphics, flight simulation, electronic music, robotics, CAD/CAM technology, fluid power, computer integrated manufacturing, satellite communications, desktop publishing, virtual reality, biotechnology, video editing, CO raceway, space and rocketry, air-track vehicle, radio broadcasting, artificial intelligence, and weather satellite. Although not completely matched, each unit of instruction within a modular program can be linked to the Standards for Technological Literacy (International Technology Education Association [ITEA], 2000). The module areas or content are also related to accepted technology themes that have been established within the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Council for Technology Teacher Education’s (CTTE) technology education specialty area guidelines (ITEA, 1997). Modular technology systems guide the student to conceptualize, experiment, and examine the principles of the major content themes of transportation, communications, construction, and manufacturing. They also incorporate a multilevel curriculum that promotes the development of critical skills of teamwork, decision making, critical thinking, logical reasoning, troubleshooting, problem solving, independent research, and career exploration. Modular technology instruction helps students understand and assess the impact of technology on society today in order to make informed decisions about how they will use, manage, and even create technologies for the future.