Each Fall since 1996, senior technology education students have planned and conducted Youth Technology Day (YTD) as part of their course requirements in Technology Education Practicum (EDTE 4414.) Youth Technology Day is a meaningful and fun technology program for young people. It provides an opportunity for young people (usually ages 7-13) to visit Virginia Tech's technology education program and laboratories and to participate in challenging hands-on technology activities that are planned and directed by preservice technology education teachers.The activities change each year depending on the class that's planning the event and the group that is invited to attend. One year participants made plastic picture frames and enlarged and developed a photograph in the
darkroom. About 25 Webelos (boy scouts) participated in a manufacturing activity (making gumball machines) and laser demonstration during another event. Young people made special plastic and wood note holders and they participated in a robot demonstration at another YTD.The event provides these future teachers with experience planning and implementing age appropriate technology activities for young people. In addition, they learn a lot about organization and communication because they need to plan every detail including name tags, permission slips, evaluation forms, thank you letters, refreshments, and more. Youth Technology Day is a great way to promote technology education while providing a valuable learning experience for members of the local community and preservice technology teachers.
Click here (10.7 MB) to download the 61 page planning document for the Youth Technology Day.