Tech Directions - September 2007 - (Page 2)

technically speaking Susanne Peckham susanne@techdirections.com Good news recently arrived about support for CTE from members of the United States Congress: A bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus has formed to highlight the importance of the field in preparing a skilled and educated workforce. Co-chairs Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) and Rep. Phil English (R-PA) urge their colleagues to join the caucus and to support increased funding for CTE. They hope through the caucus to educate other members of Congress and the public about the importance of CTE fields. Rep. Baird notes on his Web site that employers in nearly every job sector currently report a lack of adequately trained workers and that there is an unmet demand in technical fields. He adds that the Bureau of Labor Standards projects that 8 of the 10 occupations with the largest growth through 2014 will require an associate’s degree or CTE training. Regarding his interest in CTE, Rep. English has said, “To keep pace with rapidly changing technologies, we must invest in our workforce and promote new programs and more education. Career and technical education is crucial in providing youth and adults with the skills they need in a competitive global economy.” In a recent interview in the Coast River Business Journal, Rep. Baird said, “There’s been a lack of attention on a national level to career and technical education. I’m passionate about this particular issue—and I make an effort to visit every public high school in my district. . . . It’s common to see kids who are bored in traditional classes really come alive in the technical courses. It’s exciting to use abstract concepts in a practical way, like using trigonometry to frame a house, for instance. . . . I think we need to increase the funding and support for this program.” Baird reports that the caucus is gaining new members and working closely with those redrafting legislation for No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Perkins Grant Program. They hope to increase the profile of CTE in the NCLB renewal. In the Coast River Business Journal interview, Baird further commented, “My hope would be that politicians, and government, and educational leaders alike would address this. I also hope that parents will talk to their kids about technical education. The fact is that some new vocational graduates will make better starting salaries than people with traditional college degrees. And those types of skilled jobs are not easily outsourced either. Career and technical education is crucial to providing students with the skills they need for good-paying jobs that help our communities stay competitive.” It’s good to see members of Congress expressing such strong and well-founded support for CTE. I wish the members of the Career and Technical Education Caucus success in their mission. A Prakken Publications Magazine Tech Directions (ISSN 1062-9351) is published monthly, except June, July and December, by Prakken Publications, Inc., 832 Phoenix Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Executive, editorial, and advertising offices are at PO Box 8623, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8623, telephone 734-975-2800; fax 734-975-2787. Vol. 67, No. 2. Customers will also receive one electronic issue in December. Board of Directors Turalee A. Barlow George F. Kennedy Janice E. Knope Susanne Peckham Publisher George F. Kennedy Assistant Publisher & Business Mgr. Turalee A. Barlow, tbarlow@techdirections.com Managing Editor Susanne Peckham, susanne@techdirections.com Associate Editor Pam Moore, pam@techdirections.com Art, Design, and Production Manager Sharon K. Miller Advertising Sales Representatives Tonya L. White, 800-5309673 x209, tonya@techdirections.com Richard J. Alden, 603-899-3010, fax: 603-899-2343. rjalden@ techdirections.com David A. Yetman, 603-878-4705;dyetman@techdirections.com Subscription Dept. Jan Bergey, jan@techdirections.com, 800-530-9673 x215 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Michael Fitzgerald, Technology Education Specialist, Office of Career and Technical Education, Indiana Dept. of Education, Indianapolis, IN Tom Frawley, Technology Education, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY, and journal editor, New York State Technology Teacher Paul Koontz, President, Denford Inc., Medina, OH Ed Prevatt, School Specialist, National Center for Construction Education and Research, Gainesville, FL John Roccanova, Technology Education, Webutuck Central School, Amenia, NY Mark Schwendau, Technology Instructor, Kishwaukee College, Malta, IL PEER REVIEW BOARD Gregory G. Belcher, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, Technical Teacher Education, Pittsburg State University, KS Daniel M. Claiborne, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology, Murray State University, KY Sam Cotton, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, Ball State University, Muncie, IN Ronald F. Gonzales, Ph.D., ASE, Program Chair, Technology Teacher Education Professor, Brigham Young University, UT Robert T. Howell, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, Technology Studies, Fort Hays State University, KS Robert D. Mordini, Ed.D., Asst. Professor, Technology Studies, Fort Hays State University, KS Richard Phillips, Ed.D., Division Chair, Technologies Division, Mountain Empire Community College, VA Joseph Scarcella, Ph.D., Professor of Education, California State University, San Bernadino Mark S. Schwendau, M.S., Technology Instructor, Kishwaukee College, Malta, IL Bert Siebold, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Industrial & Engineering Technology, Murray State University, KY Chris Zirkle, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, College of Education, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Subscriptions: individuals: $30 per year; $55 two years; Canadian and foreign: add $10 per year. Canadian GST #R126213487. Single copies $3. Group rate for students in teacher-training institutions available upon request. Periodicals postage paid at Ann Arbor, MI, and additional mailing offices. Printed in U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address information to Tech Directions, PO Box 8623, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8623. Manuscripts should be addressed to: Editor, Tech Directions, PO Box 8623, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8623. Manuscripts become property of Tech Directions upon letter of acceptance to author and signed copyright release form. Payment made on publication. Electronic copies of back issues available from ProQuest Information and Learning, www.il.proquest.com. 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Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - September 2007

Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers Dome, Sweet Dome—Geodesic Structures Teach Math, Science, and Technology Principles Help Students Become Wise Energy Consumers How Does FERPA Affect You? Camera Operator and Videographer e-gallery Product Central Free for the Asking More than Fun

Tech Directions - September 2007

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