An Analysis of the Variables that affect Technological Literacy as related to Selected Technology Student Association Activities

Abstract

This investigation describes how selected Technology Student Association (TSA) activities affect technological literacy. The survey assessed the perception of participants at the 2003 TSA National Conference about how twenty TSA activities affected technological literacy. Skill development, motivation, the effect on academic areas, and future career implications were also assessed through this survey.

A qualitative portion supplemented the quantitative investigation. This section analyzed student writings from the TECH-know project that related to technological literacy and other variables defined in the study.

1138 TSA members participated in the survey. 588 middle school technology education students and 418 high school technology education students participated in the qualitative portion of the investigation.

The study found that the selected TSA activities do affect one's technological literacy by increasing one's understanding of technology as it relates to the Standards for Technological Literacy, the development of skills, future career choices, the integration of mathematics, science, and technology, and motivation to do one's best work. This is supported by the large percentage of participants who agreed to these statements in the survey and is highlighted throughout the qualitative investigation. The quantitative data also suggests that associations can be found between the amount of time the student spends in class and out of class preparing for the activity and the perception he/she has towards his/her technological literacy. An additional insight gained from the qualitative investigation suggests that students enjoy the TSA activities because they create a positive and fun learning environment. Further research is recommended in regards to the integration of math, science, and technology as it relates to TSA activities and the various types of learning environments TSA provides for students.