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The colors of Pittsburg State University are crimson and gold. But for one day, the university seemed to be taking on a new color: green.
Green technology was the theme for the 67th annual Four State Regional Technology Conference at Pittsburg State. More than 20 of the conference’s sessions were based on the idea of showing technology teachers new applications for “green” technology.
“It’s become a national issue. It’s timely because of some major legislative decisions coming up,” said Mike Neden, PSU associate professor of technology education. “It’s good to understand the pros and cons of it. It’s good for the students to understand because the young are going to have to live with those decisions. It’s creating an interest and excitement in new technologies. It’s about thinking different.”
The conference serves as an opportunity for technology teachers around the region to learn about the latest in the industry. At least 450 people participated in this year’s conference, with current and future teachers traveling from as far away as the University of Wyoming to attend the two-day event.
“I’m getting a lot of things to take back with me and use in the classrooms,” said Keith Stayton, teacher at Plattsburg (Mo.) High School. “There are some good ideas I’ve seen here, including 3D modeling software. There are a lot of practical applications for the things I’ve learned at this conference.”
The conference included a robot obstacle course, a “fixture factory”, a problem solving competition and a live manufacturing competition during Thursday’s events. Events scheduled for today include a communication and transportation challenge as well as “Tool Time”, a session referencing the television show “Home Improvement.”
Neden said the conference serves several functions for participants.
“It’s a chance for them to interact with other educators and industry professionals,” Neden said. “It helps people keep up to date on what has happened in the field and inject that into the classroom. In the field of technology, it changes so often, teachers have to find ways to discover the latest.”
Even more than an opportunity for educating teachers, Neden said the conference is also a chance to spread the message of Pittsburg State.
“It’s a good experience for Pittsburg State to take a leadership position in the region,” Neden said. “The students are very involved in every aspect of planning and managing the conference.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 132.
The colors of Pittsburg State University are crimson and gold. But for one day, the university seemed to be taking on a new color: green.
Green technology was the theme for the 67th annual Four State Regional Technology Conference at Pittsburg State. More than 20 of the conference’s sessions were based on the idea of showing technology teachers new applications for “green” technology.
“It’s become a national issue. It’s timely because of some major legislative decisions coming up,” said Mike Neden, PSU associate professor of technology education. “It’s good to understand the pros and cons of it. It’s good for the students to understand because the young are going to have to live with those decisions. It’s creating an interest and excitement in new technologies. It’s about thinking different.”
The conference serves as an opportunity for technology teachers around the region to learn about the latest in the industry. At least 450 people participated in this year’s conference, with current and future teachers traveling from as far away as the University of Wyoming to attend the two-day event.
“I’m getting a lot of things to take back with me and use in the classrooms,” said Keith Stayton, teacher at Plattsburg (Mo.) High School. “There are some good ideas I’ve seen here, including 3D modeling software. There are a lot of practical applications for the things I’ve learned at this conference.”
The conference included a robot obstacle course, a “fixture factory”, a problem solving competition and a live manufacturing competition during Thursday’s events. Events scheduled for today include a communication and transportation challenge as well as “Tool Time”, a session referencing the television show “Home Improvement.”
Neden said the conference serves several functions for participants.
“It’s a chance for them to interact with other educators and industry professionals,” Neden said. “It helps people keep up to date on what has happened in the field and inject that into the classroom. In the field of technology, it changes so often, teachers have to find ways to discover the latest.”
Even more than an opportunity for educating teachers, Neden said the conference is also a chance to spread the message of Pittsburg State.
“It’s a good experience for Pittsburg State to take a leadership position in the region,” Neden said. “The students are very involved in every aspect of planning and managing the conference.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 132.
