To many Americans, technology has mysterious, magical, and sometimes omnipotent qualities; most know very little about technology (Hameed, 1988 ). Consequently, they are limited in their ability as citizens to make informed decisions about the development and implementation of new technologies and they may be naive as consumers regarding the quality and impact of products on the market. A major goal of the technology curriculum is to develop the technological literacy of all students.
Technologically literate people:
The technology curriculum develops technological literacy by engaging students in activities that require them to investigate the history of various technologies; research and assess the impacts of technology on individuals, society, and the environment; investigate the interactive and dynamic relationship between people and technology; and to apply technological knowledge and use systems and tools to solve practical problems.
This curriculum removes the mystery and magic from technology, empowering students to make informed decisions as citizens, consumers, and employees in a technological society.
Technologically capable people are able to:
Technological capability is developed in students through their participation in a series of technological design problems. These 'set the stage' for learning by providing contexts (or problem situations) within which students think and act systemically to solve problems.