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The state of Virginia approach to the development and implementation of competency-based instruction in industrial arts programs is outlined. Development of various activities is described: position paper, curriculum research project, and industrial arts catalogs research project. Figures illustrate the details of each area. (CT)

Presents a rationale for including the study of communication technology as a part of the general education process in industrial arts. Analyzes communication technology and suggests methods of implementing the technology in industrial arts. (CSS)

The author discusses the benefits of modeling (simulated experience where actual situations are reduced to manageable outcomes) and provides examples of how industrial arts educators can use modeling as a practical method of instruction. (JOW)

The authors present a suggested content outline for the structuring of a program in materials and processes technology. They also discuss program rationale, content structure, and program goals. (CT)

Outlines the structural elements useful for systematic construction of an industrial arts curriculum. Steps include (1) curriculum foundations (definition, rationale, goals); (2) curriculum content (scope, sequence, specifications); and (3) curriculum evaluation. (SK)

The postindustrial society will be based on the employment of advanced technology, which should become an increasingly important area of study for the school curriculum. (Author)

Presents a design brief to illustrate a simple technique that can be used to teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills. (JOW)

Conducting laboratory activities is essential for teaching and learning in engineering and technology subjects. Tins article discusses explorations made by a research team to find solutions to enable the distance-learning delivery of laboratory courses on embedded microcontroller technology topics. In addition, this article includes a review of videoconferencing and course management tools, uniquely designed laboratory equipment and supporting curriculum materials, and statistical evidence showing students can learn technical laboratory content in distance-learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mission of community college workforce development leaders is to provide skill training in emerging high growth occupational areas supporting economic growth and changing workforce needs. This article reports the findings from all Virginia Community College workforce development leaders to identify the emerging workforce trends and issues impacting the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). The research questions focused on emerging high-demand occupational workforce skill needs and the partnerships needed to develop resources for emerging industries and technologies. The survey data show healthcare and technology skill training as the highest in-demand based occupational needs. Strong college and industry collaborative efforts were reported as necessary to provide training that increases competitive employee skills. The gap between reflection and action must be removed to provide real-world, innovative resources to training services that contribute to a skilled competitive workforce and economic progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the need on implementing research skills while preparing technology educators along with the information on qualities in educators. Topics discussed include the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation in the U.S., dissertations focusing on technology education and the importance of conducting technical research for teaching technology related topics. Also focuses on the development of technical problem-solving skills.

This is an active distance-learning project that addresses the hands-on microprocessor/ microcontroller-related courses. A research team designed a low-cost training system with supporting instructional materials to assist the teaching of these concepts. Individual laboratory activities are being developed to reinforce student learning and skill development in programming concepts. This basic system formal eventually will support an array of engineering and technology courses. This project involves two community colleges, Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) and Olympic College (OC), and a four-year university, Old Dominion University (ODU), in a collaborative research team to design and develop a specific PIC microcontroller training system with custom-designed software and curriculum materials to support related engineering technology courses. The functions of the hardware and software cover different areas of engineering technology courses and majors to maximize the use of the microcontroller training system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to identify and validate communication technology competencies needed by industrial arts teachers in Virginia. Seventy-two tasks were identified as vital for teacher education programs in communication. (LRA)

The article presents information on turfgrass production. Green lawns are a must for urban areas. Lawns are composed of turfgrasses, which enhance the beauty of homes and buildings. For growing grass on the lawns instantly, turfgrass sod is the solution. By using turfgrass sod, lawns can have grass in a very short period of time, and with less effort. Turf grasses are grown on large farms and are cut into sections of sod, which are transported and replanted at the site of usage. Farmers plant turfgrass sod as a cash crop. Sod is perishable, and should be planted at the site within 48 hours of harvesting. The process of sod production consists of land preparation, turf selection and planting, management, and harvesting. Good type of soil should be selected, and it should be given nutrients. The land should be properly levelled. The management of the sod farm requires watering, fertilizers, and pest and disease control. During harvesting, sod is cut into pieces, which include a portion of soil. The new sod must be installed within 48 hours of its harvesting, and should be watered.

The article reports that manufacturers recommend that replacement wheels and tires on automotive products be matched with those from the original design specifications. So, although price is important to consumers, understanding the numbers on the sides of tires might lead to longer-life tires and improved driving safety. Tires should be checked when they are cold, since driving warms the tires and increases their pressure. It is not uncommon to get 50,000 miles on a set of tires that are rated for this mileage by keeping the tires properly inflated and rotated on a schedule. It is involved in the rating of new tires and also follows up if drivers are reporting incidents with current tires and other vehicle system failures. While the durability and useful life of tires have increased substantially over the last several decades, in all probability one will purchase a number of vehicle tires over his/her lifetime.

Chapter 3 of the book "Council on Technology of Teacher Education" is presented. It explores universities' strategic planning which allows any university to attain its long-range mission or vision. It discusses the multiple levels of planning defined by their scope and duration. It also highlights the development phase of strategy and course of action.

Focuses on technologies used by long distance movers to relocate the possessions of families and business in the U.S. Stages involved in moving of families and business; Use of portable on demand storage by movers.

Focuses on the design and construction of a safe room that can weather storms and withstand violent winds. Instrumentation in weather technology; Requirements and constraints of proposed structures; Content standards for technological literacy. INSETS: SIDEBAR 1. TORNADO CATEGORY CLASSIFICATION AND TYPICAL DAMAGES.;SIDEBAR 2. HURRICANE CATEGORY CLASSIFICATION AND TYPICAL DAMAGE..

Discusses the significance of biological control in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Damage done by alien animals and plants to the environment; Negative impact of using chemicals to control pests and other invasive species; Species considered as alien invaders of the ecosystem.

Focuses on the development of uninhabited combat aviation vehicles (UCAV) for military, monitoring and surveillance applications in the United States. Incorporation of microelectronics and computer programs that can control take-off, inflight maneuvers and landing; Commendable reasons for the applications of the technology in military and defense purposes; Estimated cost of a UCAV. INSET: Technology challenge..

Focuses on the use of energy and insulation by consumers as a protectant against certain climates, and looks at the efforts of government agencies and energy companies to reduce the excessive use of these commodities. Financial aspects surrounding energy use; Factors which contribute to the volatility of energy prices; Indepth look at weatherization.

Focuses on the recognition of industrial design as a key component of the process of achieving total product quality. Sources of industrial design;' Sources of professional industrial design in America; Impact of industrial design on consumer products; Traits an industrial designer should have; Ergonomics as an essential scientific tool for designers. INSET: Keeping the container cold, easy to use and look good!..

Focuses on the cosmetics, toiletries and fragrance industry in the United States. Growth of the beauty industry; Analysis of materials used for the manufacture of beauty products; Hair and skin-care products; Mathematics/science/technology interface product cost analysis.

The article presents a response to Stephen Petrina's book review titled "Men at Work: Inspecting the Foundation of Technology Education," critiquing the Council on Technology Teacher Education's 44th Yearbook, "Foundations of Technology Education." The author of the article is Chair and Professor of Occupational and Technical Studies Department at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. According to the author Petrina's review was not favoring the author's perspective as mentioned in the yearbook. There is little about the foundations of technology innovation that clears the analysis of Petrina. He further asserts that the yearbook completely fulfills the goal of the council by providing a rooted study of professional development and evolution of technical education. The author however welcomes all the critical reviews as they provide forward movement to the mission. He concludes that judging by the analysis of professionals for the yearbook and the feedback received, the 44th yearbook has been declared worthy for the scholarly purpose.

Focuses on the impact of advertising and promotion on school children. Assessment of proportion of paid advertising within fashion magazines; Preparation of statistics on product lines and total magazine advertisements.

The article looks at the skills requirements in the 21st century workforce and the role in technology and engineering educators in building these skills. It is mentioned that education and training are the essential factors when responding to the changes in technology and demographics that are currently defining future labor market demands. It is also suggested that many high-tax communities will have to "grow their own" critical-skilled workers as their market become uncompetitive. Business and schools should work together for workforce development.