A Powerful Approach for Cultivating Technological Literacy
VisTE
is a National Science Foundation funded project, which promotes
technological literacy by linking to the Standards for Technological
Literacy through the study of visualization, science, and technology.
Over a three year period, our project team will develop, pilot,
and evaluate 12 units for technology education in grades 8-12. These
units will…
- Promote effective use of graphics to communicate
scientific and technical information
- Support conceptual and theoretical problem solving
through an inquiry-driven design brief format
- Allow visualization of both qualitative and quantitative
data
- Support National Standards in Technology, Science
and Mathematics
- Promote positive attitudes toward technology
VisTE Topics
- Principles of Visualization Skills
- Agricultural and Related Biotechnologies
- Medical Technologies
- Transportation Technologies
- Information and Communication Technologies
Proposed Goals For Student Learning
- Create visualizations using basic design skills,
graphing, image processing, 2D and 3D modeling, animation and
simulation
- Manipulate and manage data, including the use
of spreadsheets and application of mathematical principles
- Master a wide variety of computer data input and
output devices that handle audio, video, static graphic, and alphanumeric-based
information
- Create and deliver multimedia presentations
- Become a Problem Solver using design briefs
- Combine creativity with computers
- Explore careers in scientific and technical visualization
Project Rationale
National emphasis is being placed on schools to produce
technologically literate students. A technologically literate person
understands and effectively communicates basic technological concepts,
processes, and interrelationships with science and society. Through
instruction in scientific and technical visualizations, the VisTE
project focuses on helping students achieve technological literacy
by...
- Developing computer-based technical units that
increase student interest and competencies in technology
- Fostering interdisciplinary instruction by helping
teachers link technology education to concepts in math and science
- Supporting authentic learning experiences that
appeal to diverse learners and learning styles
- Teaching communication skills that cut across
all content areas of the technology education standards
- Challenging students to evaluate the societal
impacts of certain technologies
- Emphasizing the process of creativity and innovation
associated with technological inventions
- Allowing students to experience practical applications
of science and mathematics in a technology education environment
VisTE Project Partners
- NC State University
- NC Dept. of Public Instruction
- Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)
- AutoDesk, Inc.
- Discreet
- Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
- Standards for Technological Literacy: International
Technology Education Association
- Seven pilot sites (located in PA, NC,VA,TX,OK,FL)
Project History
- 1993-95: Scientific Visualization (SciVis) taught
at NCSU; need to reach broader population in graphics
- 1995: Secondary school drafting curriculum
- 1996-1998: Tech-Prep Innovation Grant to develop
a two-year curriculum in SciVis
- 1998-1999: Development of a college level course
titled “Technical Data Presentation”
- 1998-2000: Tech-Prep Innovation Grant to develop
curriculum support materials and resources for SciVis
- Currently: Need for graphic literacy through the
integration of visualization, design, science, and technology,
especially materials for the new technology standards for technology
education. (VisTE)
- 2002 - 2005 VisTE Grant from NSF#ESI-0137811
- 2005 VisTE Supplement From NSF#ESI-0137811
- 2006 Gaming in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
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