Fundamentals of
Technology
VoCATS – Section 1
Technology and its
relationship
To the designed world
Fundamentals of Technology
VoCATS - Section One
Analyze technology and its relationship to the designed world.
Technology is all around us. We cannot enter a room without having technology
somehow affect us. This competency addresses the role technology has played on the
world around us.
Objective 1.01
Define and Characterize Technology
Identifying the systems of technology
Defining technology
Defining technology education and TSA
Defining technological literacy
Defining engineering
Defining science
Technologies are those things humans use and make to solve a problem. Technology
Education divides technology into several different systems in order to help students
grasp the diversity and extent of technology.
 Communication
 Transportation
 Manufacturing
 Structural
 Energy and Power
 Biotechnology
Each example of technology will somehow fall under one of these categories and will be
addressed throughout the Fundamentals of Technology curriculum.
Some might characterize technology as anything not derived from nature. It is important
that students are able to describe technology as more than just a computer. Technology is
cars, computers, couches, compact discs, etc.
Technology is not trees, birds, grass, things from nature, etc.
Definition of Technology –“human innovation that involves the generation of knowledge
and processes to develop systems that solve problems and extend human capabilities”
Definition of Technology Education – “A study of technology, which provides an
opportunity for students to learn about the processes and knowledge related to
technologies that are needed to solve problems and extend human capabilities”
The student organization for technology education is the Technology Student
Association.
Definition of Technologically Literate – “The ability to use, manage, understand, and
access technology”
Definition of Engineering - "Engineering involves the knowledge of mathematical and
natural sciences gained by the study, experiences, and practices that are aligned with
judgment and creativity to develop ways to utilize materials and forces of nature..."
Definition of Science - "The study of the natural world through observation,
identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanations"
The component systems of technology are:
A. Communication Systems – Systems that change information into messages that can
be transmitted. These systems include a sender, message, receiver, and feedback.
B. Structural Systems - Systems that use goods and materials to build structures that
will resist external force, support a load, and hold each structural element in a relative
position to other parts.
C. Manufacturing Systems – Systems using materials and processes to produce usable
products.
D. Energy, Power and Transportation Systems – Systems that convert energy into
mechanical, fluid, electrical, radiant, chemical, and thermal energy.
Related VoCATS Test Items
1. “Human innovation that involves the generation of knowledge and processes to
develop systems that solve problems and extend human capabilities"
A. Technology
B. Science
C. Engineering
D. Mathematics
2. All of the following are examples of technology except?
A. Television
B. Computer
C. Toilet
D. Tree
3. North Carolina technology education programs divide technology into six systems.
Which of the following is one of the systems?
A. Biology
B. Automotives
C. Graphics
D. Communication
4. Someone who is able to use, manage, understand, and access technology is considered
to be:
A. Technologically Literate
B. Computer literate
C. A+ Certification
D. Technically Educated
5. A study of technology, which provides an opportunity for students to learn about the
processes and knowledge related to technology that are needed to solve problems and
extend human capabilities is:
A. Vocational Education
B. Technology Education
C. Technical Education
D. Educational Technology
6. The student organization for technology education is:
A. Technology Student Association
B. Technical Student Association
C. Technology Clubs of America
D. Students in Technology
7. Technology can be characterized as:
A. Things that extend human capability
B. anything
C. plants
D. rocks
8. Which one of following is an example of technology?
A. Science
B. Computer
C. Volcano
D. Water
9. Which one of the following is an example of extending human capability?
A. A person watching a race in person
B. A person cutting grass with lawn mower
C. A scientist conducting an experiment
D. An athlete running