Date of Award

1987

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Industrial Technology Education

Abstract

Today's rapid advancements in technology demand the use of microcomputers inEducational settings. The field of industrial arts must increase its involvement in computer technology to meet the needs of the changing society. The purpose of this study was to identify the microcomputer competencies that were perceived by industrial arts educators as needed to integrate microcomputers into industrial arts programs in the public schools. The results may serve as guidelines for industrial arts teacher training institutions in the selection of training content areas and for in-service industrial arts teachers in the identification of in-service training programs which meet their needs. The subjects used in this study were identified by the chairpersons of industrial arts teacherEducation departments from nine Midwestern states. A total of 144 subjects were identified from thirty-six selected industrial arts departments. The survey instrument was divided into two sections. The first section collected the respondents' individual background information. The second section was divided into two parts. Part one was generic microcomputer competencies for industrial arts teachers. Part two was specific competency for the curriculum areas of communication, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. The data for the study were collected through the mailed questionnaire and analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Industrial arts educators perceived that industrial arts teachers need to be competent in 25 generic microcomputer competencies. Twenty-nine specific competencies for the curriculum areas of communication, construction, manufacturing, and transportation were perceived by educators as important for industrial arts teachers. Industrial arts educators had no different perceptions about generic microcomputer competencies needed for industrial arts teachers based on educators' specialization areas, microcomputer expertise,Educational background in the microcomputer, and time spent on the microcomputer. Industrial arts educators perceived differences between generic and specific microcomputer competencies needed by industrial arts teachers. Communication educators perceived that generic competencies were more important than specific competencies for industrial arts teachers to teach communication technology. Construction, manufacturing, and transportation educators perceived that specific competencies for these areas were more important than generic competencies.

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