Weird Richard News Update

Sent Date

11-16-01

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TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY UPDATE

A weekly newsletter for families and educators committed to
building brighter futures for kids in a technology-rich society.
THIS WEEK: Part I in a brand new series as we delve into the
first of seven specific technologies - Medical Technologies.

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TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY THIS WEEK

This is the first week in our new seven part series that will
help your students identify and address the significant
technologies embedded in our day to lives. Technology takes on
many forms ranging from the mundane elements we take for granted
to the exotic items that make our eyes widen! This week, we're
going to take a look at ITEA standard number 14, "Students will
develop an understanding of and be able to select and use
medical technologies."

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES - AN OVERVIEW

Consider the extraordinary resources available to humankind now
as we continually strive to push the boundaries of longevity and
disease. Vaccinations, sonic toothrushes, Magnetic Resonance
Imaging, corrective surgery using LASERs, advanced prosthetic
devices, telemedicine applications, and even designer vitamins
and sports drinks are just a few of the thousands of items that
are products of modern day research and development.

Although these technologies contribute to longer lives and
provide a significant boost to our quality of life -- they also
raise numerous ethical and moral questions that need to be
addressed. So many issues, including the very nature of life
and death, are at stake. Although we can't expect young
students to master concepts that adults still struggle with, we
CAN strive to elevate student awareness of these issues. The
future of our world depends on the decisions that will be made
by the young students of today!

TRY THIS AT HOME OR IN YOUR CLASS!

A great way to generate awareness of medical technologies is to
assign students to take a Medical Technology home inventory.
Have them document items in their home that they perceive as
having a medical application. Examples will include
toothbrushes, vitamins, massagers, and others. Respect privacy
issues regarding prescription medicines, but encourage students
to get creative on other fronts. For example, is a "dandruff
shampoo" a medical technology?

Conclude your introduction to medical technology by creating a
collective inventory list that can be posted or shared in a
hand-out. Next, review the items on the list and have a
classroom discussion. Extend this activity by separating the
medical technologies that are identified into categories. What
disciplines were required to invent, design, and produce these
technologies -- biological, mechanical, electrical, etc.

NEXT WEEK: AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES!

We hope that this introduction to medical technologies, a
critical component to achieving technological literacy with your
students, has been useful to you and your educational efforts.
Next week, we continue this series and will address
Agricultural and other related Biotechnologies.

Try to find a moment to integrate some of this information into
your daily routine with your students or family this week.
Together, we can build a brighter future for students around the
world by preparing them to use technology as naturally as they
use a pencil and paper!

Until next week!

Technological Literacy Update

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