Tech Directions - December 2008 - (Page 3)

contents COMMUNICATION 13 Digital Portfolios—Powerful Marketing Tool for Communication Students By Martin Nikirk With a digital portfolio, graphic communication and interactive media students can “sell” themselves to prospective employers by showcasing their software skills, technical expertise, understanding of processes and systems, and samples of original work. December 2008 Vol. 68, No. 5 WELDING Welding 16 Choosing the Right CC Depends on It Unit—Student Success By Neal Borchert Understanding the “personality” of a constant current dc welding machine can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful weld test or between a student who pursues a career in welding and one who may quit in frustration. page 13 ELECTRONICS Go International! 22 Receiver By ClarkeBuild a Simplified Shortwave Homoly Building a shortwave receiver that has reasonable performance from scratch can be a daunting task. Here is a plan for a short-wave receiver that is both doable and educational and can give students years of listening fun without a major ﬁnancial investment. TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 19 Think Green—Increasing Awareness of Garbage and Recycling By Harry T. Roman An activity that examines the amount of garbage that students’ households produce uses mathematics to teach about environmental concerns and the value of recycling. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Middle School 24 Mooresville Site of the Month Snags Web Details on the construction and content of this month’s winner. 20 Think Green—Teach Students Smart Ways to Reduce Home Energy Use By Harry T. Roman Energy conservation and reducing heat loss in buildings are very effective ways to lower energy costs. The subjects also provide great vehicles for teaching science content that is very relevant to students’ daily lives. SPECIAL FEATURES for Geeks 26 Gifts cool—and very fun—ideas for Some gift giving this holiday season. COLUMNS 5 Technically Speaking Susanne Peckham 6 Direct from Washington Anne C. Lewis 9 Technology Today Alan Pierce 10 Technology’s Past Dennis Karwatka 12 Mastering Computers Reid Goldsborough 8 The Report Susanne Peckham 30 More than Fun page 19 www.techdirections.com About the cover: The fabricator welding a water-tube boiler is using a multi-process welder that can switch “personalities” depending on the process used. See page 16 for details. Cover design by Sharon K. Miller. CONTENTS 3 http://www.techdirections.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - December 2008

Tech Directions - December 2008 Contents Advertisers Index Technically Speaking Direct from Washington The Report Technology Today Technology’s Past Mastering Computers Digital Portfolios—Powerful Marketing Tool for Communication Students Choosing the Right CC Welding Unit—Student Success Depends on It Think Green—Increasing Awareness of Garbage and Recycling Think Green—Teach Students Smart Ways to Reduce Home Energy Use Go International! Build a Simplified Shortwave Receiver Mooresville Middle School Snags Web Site of the Month Gifts for Geeks More than Fun

Tech Directions - December 2008

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