21st Century Statement

The United States of America is engaged in an economic struggle with many industrial nations. One of the major factors in this conflict is the capability of American industries to utilize high-tech, state of the art automation and telecommunication technologies. This is especially true in the areas that manufacture high quality products at very competitive costs. The use of advanced production and communication systems in manufacturing requires a well educated work force of engineers, technologists, technicians, and production workers. In order for our nation to have such a skilled work force, educational exposure to modern industry and its practices must begin in our school technology education programs. These programs must provide students with the opportunities to: do research and experimentation (R 8 E) in any technical course offered, have experiences that utilize statistical process control (SPC), study and work with computer aided drawing (CAD), operate computer numerical controlled machines (CNC), have hands-on experiences with automation and robots, use digital cameras, set up teleconferences, and to be able to use the Internet to research the most current information related to their assignments. These students must also develop good communication skills, both written and oral, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills.

The teaching of Industrial Technology at Seaholm High School has progressed from an Industrial Arts program of "tell teaching" of a few limited skills to a hands-on" program of much greater scope. Emphasis is now placed on developing students who will learn certain basic critical skills and have an understanding of the modern technological society that they will be living in and working in at the turn of the 21st century and for many years after that. The graphic flow chart below shows how the Seaholm Engineering Technology program introduces students to the 21st century.