Technology education is a discipline that explores the ways technology influences our lives. This field covers the processes and knowledge related to technology and the human ability to change and shape the physical world. The field of technology education involves the study and manipulation of tools and materials. Students gain a broad understanding of how to create, improve, and design products.
Tech education has the power to improve lives in many ways. A recent study found that access to a free online math curriculum increased students’ math scores by three times, and that more than 95 percent of teachers said the program had improved student engagement. This shows that the business case for investing in digital education is evident. Companies can sponsor school programs and provide technology equipment, scholarship funds, and mentorships. In addition, they can fund school-based competitions that challenge students to apply their technological skills. They can also provide internships and jobs to graduates, thereby ensuring that students receive hands-on learning experiences.
While the city’s tech skills-building ecosystem has grown significantly over the past decade, there are still geographical gaps in access to these programs. While Manhattan is conveniently located to employers and accessible to multiple transit lines, some neighborhoods lack tech education programs. This should change. More K-12 and adult workforce programs should be located in underserved neighborhoods, and they should co-locate with community-based infrastructure.
For younger children, tech education is a great way to get a head start on a career in technology. By teaching these subjects at a young age, students will develop critical thinking skills that are transferable to most jobs. In addition to learning about engineering and science, students will learn how to use tools and materials to create a variety of products.
It is important to ensure that students learn about all of the different ways that technology can help them in their everyday lives. For example, students who do not study computer science will be at risk of developing a limited knowledge of computer programming, which may hinder their future. Students should also learn about the different ways that technology can help them learn and succeed in life.
IBM P-TECH aims to address skills beyond STEM and engage all stakeholders to make the program a success. The programme is due to launch in the UK in October 2021. The program is part of the Twyford Church of England Academies Trust. It is a partnership between industry and school, which aims to close the skills gap.
Educational technology may look different in different settings, but the purpose remains the same: to enhance learning. According to ISTE, a non-profit organization, educational technology should be a facilitator of learning. It should empower students and promote their agency.