Technological Literacy in Required Science Courses for Non-STEM Students in a Community College with Extension to Junior High School Environment

American Society Energizing Education submissionJune 10-14 San Antonio, Texas 2012Technological literacy in required science courses for non-STEM students in acommunity college with extension to junior high school environmentAbstractTechnology literacy is an important outcome for a non-STEM student taking a requiredscience course to function effectively in our technology driven economy. Thedevelopment of technological literacy in a non-STEM science course benefited from ourexperience in teaching engineering technology courses and practical field training withstudents. Social technological issues such as the pros and cons of various energy sources,genetically modified food, etc. are crucial elements for choices in a democratic society.The understanding of a current personal technological device/gadget and the pivotalscience based technology for the expected next generation product would drive themarket surveying results with positive effect on the economy. Such emphases have beentaught in the two science courses, principles of astronomy and space, and principles ofphysics. Examples in imaging, remote sensing and control, wireless communication,fusion, radioactive dating, etc. have been used to deliver technological literacy in threecognitive dimensions of knowledge, capabilities, and critical thinking and decision-making; consistent with the recommendation of National Academy of Engineering(NAE). The astronomy course with NASA priority and operation discussion has beenfound to be suitable in fulfilling the five technological literacy expectationsrecommended by International Technology Education Association (ITEA), in addition tothe usual science literacy requirement. Junior high school science sessions have beenconducted with the inclusion of technological literacy as well, and our preliminaryfindings suggest that technological literacy would promote parents’ interests andencouragement for STEM majors in their families.