Over the years, many Technology Education Teacher Candidates have told me that some others in the program have shared an interest in learning more about how the Tech Ed TCs came to join the BEd and what they will teach once they begin working in BC’s middle and high schools. To that end, I offer a brief explanation below and invite you to swing by Scarfe 1106 in the coming two weeks and to check out the display cabinets in the hallway outside our classroom.
Submitted by: Dr. Kieran Forde
Cohort Facilitator (Technology Education)
Sessional Lecturer, Faculty of Education (EDCP, TEO)
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION | PROGRAM INFORMATION
Technology Education
Technology Education is a key component of the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) curriculum in British Columbia, which provides students with hands-on, creative, and practical learning experiences. As part of ADST, Tech Ed teaches students learn how to use tools, materials, and processes to design and create products that meet human needs. It covers a wide range of fields, from traditional crafts like woodworking and metalwork to emerging disciplines like robotics, electronics, and drafting.
In BC, the route to becoming a certified K-12 teacher is different to that of other teachables. Currently, Tech Ed teachers must complete the Technology Teacher Education Diploma (TTED), a joint diploma and degree pathway between the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and UBC. The program combines the technical and hands-on skills training at BCIT with the pedagogical (teaching) training at UBC.
Structure of the program
- Credit requirements: In addition to the TTED and B.Ed. components, candidates must have completed 30 credits of liberal arts and science courses, 100 hours of experience working with youth, and a criminal record check.
- Year 1 and 2 (at BCIT): Students complete a two-year full-time Diploma in Technology Teacher Education. This phase is heavily focused on hands-on, in-person training in a variety of “shop” subjects. Coursework covers practical and theoretical foundations, including:
- Subjects: Electronics, woodworking, metalworking, automotive technology, and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
- Foundation skills: Design, drafting, material science, structures, mathematics, and shop safety.
- Year 3 (at UBC): After completing the BCIT diploma, students transition to UBC for a 11-month Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program. This is where they receive their pedagogical training, focusing on teaching and learning skills.
Did you know: Existing B.Ed. holders can “upgrade” to become a shop teacher with just 2 years of the TTED diploma. And it comes with the pay raise too!
The importance of Technology Education in the ADST curriculum
Develops practical problem-solving skills
Technology Education helps students move from abstract ideas to concrete solutions by emphasizing the “doing” aspect of learning. Through the design process—including empathizing, ideating, prototyping, and testing—students learn to identify real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions using a variety of technologies.
Promotes innovation and creativity
The curriculum encourages students’ natural curiosity and inventiveness by giving them the opportunity to design and make things. They are not just passive consumers of technology; they become active creators who can use tools and processes to bring their creative ideas to life.
Offers career and skills exploration
Through hands-on projects, students get a taste of various skilled trades and technology-related careers, such as carpentry, automotive technology, and electronics. This exposure helps them make informed decisions about their post-secondary education and potential career paths.
Connects to other areas of learning
Technology Education is naturally interdisciplinary and can be integrated with other subject areas. For example, a student might apply math and physics concepts to build a robot or use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a 3D model for an art project. This integration helps students see the relevance of academic knowledge in a practical context.
Builds adaptability for a changing world
By focusing on flexible and responsive design processes, Technology Education prepares students for a future where technology is constantly evolving. It gives them the skills to adapt to new tools and processes, fostering a mindset of lifelong learning that is essential for success in a rapidly changing world.
Encourages responsible citizenship
Students learn to evaluate the ethical, social, and environmental impacts of technology and the products they design. The curriculum encourages them to reflect on the role of technology in society and to consider how their creations affect others and the environment.
