By ken henkels
District 518
WORTHINGTON -- When asked "What is technology?" most of my sixth-grade students answer with "Electronic stuff, computers, X Box, cell phones." However, if you limit technology to the things you can buy in a store, you make the meaning of the word "technology" very limited. I try to convey to my students that its meaning is much greater.
Technology is the application of knowledge, tools and skills to solve practical problems and extend human capabilities. Technology Education is an integrated, experience-based instructional program. Students are challenged to discover, create, solve problems and construct solutions by using a variety of tools, machines, computers, material and processes.
Our technology classes are a combination of whole class activities and modular units. The modular units are self-contained learning areas. Students work with a partner in a wide variety of technological areas: robotics, electronics, laser, and digital video editing to name a few. We also have modules in our shop area: welding, wood lathe, plastics, metal lathe, and more. The modular system works very well for us because it gives students a chance to pick areas that interest them. It also makes great use of our equipment. There is no waiting in line to use the tools. There are many different ways to get information to the students in the module areas. The one that seems to work the best is the video module. For example, I film myself working on the wood lathe. Then I make an instructional DVD or "How to use the wood lathe video." We have a small TV/DVD unit stationed by the wood lathe that the student can view while they work on the machine. This allows me to be at many places at one time helping more than one group at a time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Technology is basically problem-solving, so we give students problems to solve in many different areas including communication, energy power and transportation, construction and manufacturing. Trying to find the types of problems they like to solve because, in their future, no matter what occupation they choose, they will have problems to solve.
Worthington Middle School Technology -- striving to produce problem solvers, not problem makers.
Ken Henkels is the technology teacher at Worthington Middle School.
