The role of industrial technology in addressing productivity encompasses work experience and attitude, quality assurance, research and development, time and motion studies, plant layout and flow diagramming, cost analysis, production process selection, maintenance, computer applications, materials and inventory requirements, safety programming,…

Students at the University of Northern Iowa were provided with a meaningful experience in quality assurance through a term project resulting from a problem submitted by a local manufacturing plant. Students were given the responsibility of developing a quality control and inspection system that was actually installed in the plant. (SK)

Explores the history of robotics and its effects upon the manufacturing industry. Topics include robots' capabilities and limitations, the factory of the future, displacement of the workforce, and implications for management and labor. (SK)

The author responds to reactions to his paper, "Technology Education: A Critical View," and makes two major points. First, he reaffirms his belief in the concept of technology and the role that the understanding of industry plays in understanding technology. Second, he states that industry--not technology--is the source of content. (JOW)

Reports some of the educational innovations and management techniques currently being utilized in the University of Northern Iowa's Department of Industrial Technology. These include new content classification elements, a common core program based on these elements, open-space laboratories, team teaching, differentiated staffing, and a variety of…

Industrial arts is not a single, formal discipline and it lacks a well-defined body of content. To identify appropriate content and learning experiences for industrial arts, its basis in interactionist-developmental psychology should be examined. (SK)

Findings of a 1980 followup to a 1971 study to determine changes in industrial teacher education programs indicate little acceptance for the term industrial technology; fewer institutions offering majors; instructional personnel and practices remaining stable; and a greater percentage of instructors today having university rather than public…

Describes the design and application of a microprocessor simulation using BASIC for formal training of technicians and managers and as a management tool. Illustrates the utility of the modular approach for the instruction and practice of decision-making techniques. (SK)

Nowhere in the U. S. is there a well-established system of synergistic elements between theory and practice in industrial education. Industrial technology educators could benefit and vocational education's efficiency be improved by adapting the medical school-teaching hospital model. Implementing the concept SYNTEC (synergistic technology) could…

Survey responses from 28 (of 41) industrial technology departments found some common elements in the shift from industrial arts: change in program philosophy, closer relationship with business/industry, greater emphasis on computers and problem solving, and less emphasis on laboratory projects. (JOW)

Because of recent technological advancements, it is time to revitalize industrial arts education by changing the content base from industry to technology and the objective from technical literacy to technological literacy. As the rate of change accelerates, greater emphasis should be placed on the process of learning to develop essential…

Reports a survey of 53 industrial teacher education department chairmen (members of the Mississippi Valley Industrial Teacher Education Conference) comparing industrial teacher education and industrial technology programs: enrollment, graduates, and salaries of graduates. (JT)

Responses from 298 students, 119 institutions, 369 faculty, and 85 businesses identified the following characteristics of quality in industrial technology programs: (1) reputable relationship with industry; (2) effective teachers; (3) state-of-the-art facilities; and (4) opportunities for cooperative education, internships, or professional…

After tracing the evolving concept of production technology during the past century the authors define its divisions as construction, manufacturing, and processing, and talk about recent developments in the field, with implications for education. (MF)

Reviews some of the common elements and unique characteristics of program options in industrial education and industrial technology. Also discusses the issues and problems which will be of concern when both the industry and education options are located in the same administrative unit. (CT)