Date of Award

8-2016

Document Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

STEM Education & Professional Studies

Program/Concentration

Occupational and Technical Studies

Committee Director

Reed, Philip A.

Committee Director

Ritz, John M.

Abstract

Technology and engineering design education is offered as an elective in most secondary school curriculums, however a primary school curriculum is not common. The Standards for Technological Literacy (ITEEA, 2007), which focus on technological literacy and engineering design, are not typically included in primary education.

The objectives of this study are to determine if teachers and administrators think technology and engineering education provide new opportunities for elementary students, how they feel about technology and engineering education, and what obstacles exist for successful implementation. A literature review provided the background on federal, state, and local technology initiatives that exist for Virginia public schools. It also defined technology standards that exist and how they have been incorporated in state curriculum requirements at the elementary level.

A survey was used for both teachers and administrators at each elementary school in the sample. Data was collected from seventy-seven participants from twenty-four elementary schools. The results indicate ninety-two percent of respondents agree that implementation of a technology and engineering design education program would provide new educational opportunities at their schools. Eighty-seven percent of respondents feel it is essential to learn about technology and engineering design in elementary school.

Participants felt that students do use different types of technology in the classroom for finding information. But do not use technology and the engineering design process to troubleshoot and find solutions to problems through facilitated projects. Only a quarter of respondents were satisfied about the current technology and engineering educational opportunities at their schools.

Teachers and administrators indicated that the biggest obstacle that exists for successful implementation of a technology and engineering education curriculum is lack of funding, followed by a lack of materials.

Comments

A Research Paper Submitted to the Faculty At Old Dominion University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTERS OF EDUCATION OCCUPATIONAL AND TECHNICAL STUDIES

Download
COinS