COMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Communications is one of the four areas of Technology Education. Since the invention of movable metal type in the 1440s, people have depended a great deal on the written word in the form of books, magazines, and newspapers. As new technology has been developed, communication systems have become increasingly complex and have added a global perspective to our lives. Today, computers and video techniques have given us the means by which visual messages can be sent nearly anywhere in the world almost instantly. This exploratory course focuses on the areas of graphic communications and electronic communications.
Objectives:
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
Describe the Universal Technology Systems Model (IPOF)
Develop an awareness of careers in Technology
Demonstrate a safe operation of the tools and materials associated with Communication
Technologies
Create examples of various communications media
Complete activities that develop and understanding of the electronic communications systems
Instructional Methods:
Lectures, demonstrations, laboratory activities, cooperative learning, learning within a module, group discussion, individualized tutoring, peer instruction and mentoring.
Instructional Materials:
Layout equipment, printing presses and equipment, computers and software, audio module, video equipment, paper and basic graphic supplies appropriate to each unit.
Course Schedule: 45 sessions, 42-50 minutes each
Topics:
Intro & Course Expectations Comm. Systems: IPOF
Classroom Tour
Safety
Simple Design of Printed Media
History of Printing
Letterpress
Offset
Computer Graphics: Intro to Design
Layout and Planning
Communication Prototypes
Productions Systems
Careers
Electronic Communication: Audio/Video
Internet
Assessment, Feedback, ExamCOMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 1 - Introduction & Course Expectations
Content Outline:
Communication Systems
How do humans communicate?
Universal Systems Model (IPOF)
Student expectations
Safety in the laboratory
Class management
Suggested Activities:
Group discussion on what is meant by communication
Group discussion on how communication systems impact everyone’s world
Students list different methods of communications
View a video highlighting communications and have students complete
an activity sheet on video
Correlate the IOPF model to communications systems such as the telephone, radio,
computers, etc. and create a class report.
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE4:4c. Discuss how technological systems have been used to solve human problems;
TE8:2g. Describe the universal input, process, output, feedback (IPOF) system model
TE8:3g. Identify expectations in the workplaceCOMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 2 - Simple Design of Printed Media
Content Outline:
Layout and planning principles and techniques
Introduction to Basic Drafting tools
Organization of printed
Design applications
Graphic Design Careers
Suggested Activities:
PASTE-UP: This area allows the students to become familiar with the steps and processes in preparing and producing printed material of various types. Students will design a layout for a pad, business card, or announcement flyer and see the completion of these layouts into a finished product or prototype in the ensuing units.
Begin to develop portfolio concept
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:4g. Engage in activity that requires creativity
TE8:4e. Identify research methods, materials and techniques;
TE8:4m. Develop a solution for a real-life problem.
TE8:11a. Identify the elements of design
TE12:7d. Apply accepted design principles of text and graphics to the layout of printed and electronically published materials;COMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 3 - History of Printing (Letterpress, Offset, Screen Printing)
Content Outline:
Printing processes
Graphic communications industry/products
Printing Careers
Suggested Activities:
Group introduction to offset press
Creating printed copy on a hand-operated letterpress
Using graphic finishing techniques on cards
Printed project using Silk Screen method
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE4:11b. Construct, evaluate and modify a model or prototype.
TE8:6d. Demonstrate the appropriate selection and safe operation of basic hand and power tools;
TE12:7d. Apply accepted design principles of text and graphics to the layout of printed and electronically published materials;
COMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 4 - Computer Graphics: Introduction to Design
Content Outline:
Computer generated Graphics
Computer systems - input, process, output, feedback (IPOF)
Suggested Activities:
COMPUTER LITERACY: This area is offered to students so that they may correctly identify the major parts of a computer. Students will identify the monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, system unit, disk drives and printer and relate them to the IOPF model. They will also learn how each one of the major parts function in general terms. Students will also be instructed how to properly turn on and off a computer and access software including computer design software, desktop publishing software, etc.
Use a graphic layout software package to produce a prototype.
Begin to introduce video editing software
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:2g. Describe the universal input, process, output, feedback (IPOF) system model
TE8:4g. Engage in activity that requires creativity
TE8:11a. Identify the elements of design
TE12:7d. Apply accepted design principles of text and graphics to the layout of printed and electronically published materials;
COMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 5 - Pre-Press Procedures
Content Outline:
Computer Word Processing
Paste-up Techniques
Flat Preparation
Page Organization
Suggested Activities:
Computer generated prototype
Plan/Design page layout
Complete paste-up
Collect a series of designed layout samples
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:6d. Demonstrate appropriate use and safe operation of basic hand and power tools.
TE4:11b. Construct, evaluate and modify a model or prototype.
TE8:5g. Develop organizational skills through practical experiences.
COMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 6 - Communications Prototypes (Production Systems)
Content Outline:
Printing Plate Productions
Offset Printing Process
Safety Procedures
Suggested Activities:
Student teams produce plate
Offset press production run demonstration
Copier systems use
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:6d. Demonstrate appropriate use and safe operation of basic hand and power tools.
TE4:11b. Construct, evaluate and modify a model or prototype.
TE8:3g. Identify expectations in the workplace
COMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 7 - Finishing Techniques
Content Outline:
Cutting/Trimming Procedures
Bindery Methods
Suggested Activities:
Paper cutter operations and safety
Assembly of printed material
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:2g. Describe the universal input, process, output, feedback (IPOF) system model
TE8:6d. Demonstrate appropriate use and safe operation of basic hand and power tools.
TE8:3g. Identify expectations in the workplace
COMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 8 - Electronic Communication: Audio/Video/Internet
Content Outline:
Audio/Video Communication Careers
Audio/Video Systems
Suggested Activities:
CB Radio
Hand Held Radio
Short Wave Radio
Closed Circuit Television (See Task Template in Addendum)
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:2g. Describe the universal input, process, output, feedback (IPOF) system model
TE8:4g. Engage in activity that requires creativity
COMMUNICATIONS I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 9 - Assessment, Feedback, Exam
Content Outline:
Test taking instruction
Classroom preparation for taking test (pencils, seating, lighting)
Course Survey (feedback)
Suggested Activities:
Exam
Survey
Alternative Activity
Video/Audio Communication
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:2g. Describe the universal input, process, output, feedback (IPOF) system model
TE8:6d. Demonstrate appropriate use and safe operation of basic hand and power tools.
TE8:11a. Identify the elements of design
TE4:11b. Construct, evaluate and modify a model or prototype.
TE8:3g. Identify expectations in the workplace
TE8:5g. Develop organizational skills through practical experiences.
TE8:4g. Engage in activity that requires creativity
TE12:7d. Apply accepted design principles of text and graphics to the layout of printed and electronically published materials;
Technology Education
Middle School Activities
The Technology Education curriculum at the Middle School level includes this selection of activities. Their progress should be documented in the form of the Design Activity Portfolio.
Communications:
1. COMPUTER LITERACY: This area is offered to students so that they may correctly identify the major parts of a computer. [lesson] Students will identify the monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, system unit, disk drives and printer. They will also learn each one of the major parts function. Students will also be instructed how to properly turn on and off a computer. (6)
2. COMPUTER BASICS: This area is offered in order to introduce students to basic functions of the computer. Students will learn to identify computer parts and floppy disk sizes, change drives, open a root and sub-directory, make a sub-directory, copy information from the hard drive to a floppy disk, and learn to recognize executables in a directory to start a program. The student will develop an understanding and interest in computers. (7 or 8)
3. PASTE-UP: This area allows the students to become familiar with the steps and processes in preparing and producing printed material of various types. Students will design a layout for a pad, business card, or announcement flyer and see the completion of these layouts into a finished product or prototype. (6)
4. PHOTOGRAPHY: The area of photography is used to introduce students to the materials, processes, and equipment used in this section of communication technology. Students will complete a required reading assignment and associated worksheet and then they produce a digital image and transfer it to the computer. Students will experiment with capturing a specific ‘frame’ as assigned with attention to background and lighting of the subject. If facilities allow a color print can be produced or the image can be input into other documents. (8)
5. VISUAL CAPTURE SYSTEM: This area of technology is offered to allow students the opportunity to have some fun capturing pictures with a scanner and working with them on a computer paint program. Visual effects like contrast, sharpness, brightness, and half toning are presented as well as lighting effects and backgrounds. This area could be utilized to create and publish a yearly photograph book for the school or simply images of events at the school. (7 or 8)
CD ROM: This area is offered to enhance the student ability to gather information about the world around them. Students are required to learn how to perform computerized research using Groliers Encyclopedia and then are required to use other CD disks to see what kind of information is available on them. Disks currently available are The World Atlas, Great Cities of the World, U.S. Presidents, Science and Technology, Time Magazine, Mammals, and Time Table of History. Other sources of information include on-line services using a modem and fax machine. (7 or 8)CONSTRUCTION I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
The construction introduction course provides students with an elementary understanding of the key elements of designing, planning and building construction-related modules. Students learn basic concepts through hands-on activities, using contemporary construction tools and materials. Activities involve an awareness of a variety of types of construction, such as commercial and residential buildings, bridges, and other structures. Emphasis is placed on student understanding of basic concepts. The content and activities reflect the Technology Education standards.
Objectives:
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
Relate construction technology to the broader context of industry and technology
Perform selected production practices as they apply to construction products
Understand the interrelationships within and between construction, the environment, individuals, and society
Develop understanding of constructed projects and the tools and materials utilized in their construction
Develop understanding of and skill in the use of tools and materials associated with construction technology
Develop basic awareness of the significance of the construction industry and technology in the past, present, and future
Develop responsible and safe work attitudes and the ability to function as a member of a group
Instructional Methods:
Lectures, demonstrations, laboratory activities, cooperative learning, learning within a module, peer instruction and mentoring, field trips and guest speakers.
Instructional Materials:
Lumber construction materials, handouts, overhead transparencies, instructional videos, construction tools, equipment and machinery, safety equipment.
Course Schedule: 45 sessions, 42-50 minutes each
Topics:
Intro & Course Expectations Construction Systems
Classroom tour/Safety
Introduction/Review/Demo (IPOF)
Design/Problem Layout, Measurement (CMT)
Specific construction processes, Specific tools & machines
Project Fabrication/Layout/Templates
Project Fabrication/Layout/Creativity/Cutting
Impacts on Society
Project Fabrication/Cutting/Assembly
Review
Assessment/Feedback/Exam CONSTRUCTION I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 1 - Introduction and Course Expectations (2 classes)
Content Outline:
Introductions and course expectations
Definition of Construction Technology
Construction types and systems
Classroom tour
Student expectations
Safety in the laboratory
Suggested Activities:
Discuss the three basic types of construction
Discuss the development of one type of construction
Hand tool and machine safety demonstrations, videos, etc.
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:3g. Identify expectations in the workplace
TE8:6d. Demonstrate the appropriate selection and safe operation of basic hand and power tools;
TE8:11a. Identify the elements of design
TE12:8d. Differentiate between residential and commercial construction systems;CONSTRUCTION I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 2 - Introduction/Review
Content Outline:
Problem solving system introduction (IPOF)
Demonstration
Safety
Suggested Activities:
Review three basic types of construction
Discuss and demonstrate IPOF Construction Model
Finish hand tool, lab and machine safety
Competency tests:
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
TE8:3g. Identify expectations in the workplace
TE8:6d. Demonstrate appropriate use and safe operation of basic hand and power tools.
TE8:2g. Describe the universal input, process, output, feedback (IPOF) system model
CONSTRUCTION I TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Week 3 - Design and Measurement
Content Outline:
Application of IPOF to problem/project