TCNJ Department of Technological Studies

The College of New Jersey's Department of Technological Studies is physically situated in Armstrong Hall, and is considered a part of the TCNJ School of Engineering.
This department is composed of two main programs: the Technology Education major, and the M/S/T (Math, Science, Technology) major.
Technology Education allows undergraduate students the opportunity to learn a wide range of technical skills, from basic woodworking and metalworking, to electronics, graphic design, and other designing and engineering concepts. This major also consists of a teaching component, including three classes which are designed to give students hands-on experience teaching before they are certified. Students are certified to teach 6-12 grades.
The M/S/T major allows undergraduate students to choose a specialization in a science, math, or technology content area. The student then takes "extra" classes in that area to form a specialization. This program gives students a very broad foundation in many content areas, allowing students to earn a certification for middle and elementary schools.
The majors are consistently fed by students who were members of the Technology Student Association (TSA) in their high schools programs. Often students transfer in from other majors, attracts by the diverse subject matter, excellent salaries and job placement, and autonomy within the teaching professional that the major provides.
The department is currently chaired by Dr. John Karsnitz, a leading figure in the Technology Education community. Dr. Karsnitz has been a prominent figure in Technology Education, and has authored several books and textbooks relating to Technological Studies. He has also served as an editor for the Journal of Technology Education.
Program Overview
The following is taken from the Department Web Site:
Program Overview
We live in a technological age. Technology is the study of the human quest for solutions. The impacts of technology on the individual, society, and environment are great. Society needs professionals who under- stand technological forces and are prepared to help people manage those forces. Students in either the Technology Education (secondary) or M/S/T (elementary) major study a variety of themes including historical and contemporary influence of designed objects on end users and society, design style, product development, human factors engineering, product modeling, problem-solving techniques, communication, computers, and robotics. Emphasis is placed on developing design problem-solving skills and understanding. Courses are conducted in one of the 10 modern laboratories housed in the School of Engineering. Technology Education (the study of the designed world) as a subject is a dynamic new teaching field reflecting the need for students to better understand their technological world through a design-based learning environment. New “Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology” were published in 2000. The National Science Foundation (NSF), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and most recently the Technology for All Americans (TfAA) project have recognized Technology Education as a new field of study and as an important element of school reform. Continuing his commitment to providing New Jersey’s children with an education that enables them to succeed in the new economy, Governor Jim McGreevey signed Bill A2169, which makes technology education part ofthe New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Students in the Department of Technological Studies with a teacher-education specialty in either Technology Education or M/S/T receive provisional certification to teach in New Jersey schools. Most states recognize teacher candidates from this NCATE nationally accredited program. Students raduating from the program also take positions in business and industry such as manufacturing design and prototyping, industrial sales, training and development, or become entrepreneurs. Some students choose to pursue this program to prepare for positions in higher education, commerce, media, or government service.
Department Activities
The Department has a long tradition at The College of New Jersey. Technological Studies is considered the direct descendent of Industrial Arts, which is a program that has a significant place in the college's history.
Among many other activities, the Department of Technological Studies has an annual tradition of going to conferences, both on the east coast (Virginia Beach) and the national conference (the location of which changes from year to year)
The department also organizes numerous on-campus conferences for those in the Technology Education field. These conferences are generally open for undergraduate students to attend, in addition to actively teaching professionals.
The Department's Student Organization, TES (Technology Education Society)is also involved on campus, helping to run conferences, including the TSA state conference, which is held at TCNJ each year. TES is also involved with attending TECA conferences.
Relatively new to the Department is the hosting of the NJFTC regional event, which is the New Jersey competition for the FIRST Robotics Technology Challenge.
Department Facilities
The Department of Technological Studies is equipped with a materials processing lab, which has a sizable planer, table saw, router, a number of drill presses, bandsaws, radial arm saws, grinding and buffing wheels, a wood lathe, and an engine lathe. The lab also has a suite of metal bending equipment and hand tools, as well as a cabinet stocked with electrical components, and student lockers and mailboxes.
The entire room is connecting to a vacuum system, so sawdust is managed with a press of a button. The room also contains a fume hood for staining and painting as well.
The lab is fully equipped for students to design and construct projects for their classes. The lab is generally "open" Wednesday afternoons for students to use, and can be used at other times with permission as well as a certified lab worker present.
The Department also has a prototyping lab, which contains numerous CNC routers and mills, as well as a ZCorp 3D printer. The capabilities of these machines are researched extensively in a course, and some students choose to incorporate the use of these machines into other projects as well. These machines are located in a separate room apart from the main lab.
Full-Time Faculty
The Department of Technological Studies is currently being headed by its Chairperson, Dr. John Robert Karsnitz. Dr. Karsnitz received his Bachelors and Masters in Industrial Arts from Millersville University, PA. He received his PhD from Ohio State University, OH in Industrial Technology Education. Dr. Karsnitz has been involved in many activities on campus including search committees, faculty senate, and as a chairperson. Dr. Karsnitz has co-authored several books and professional articles. Students fondly refer to Dr. Karsnitz as " Dr. K."
Dr. Steve O'Brien is a new addition to the Department of Technological Studies, and has a background as a laser physicist. Dr. O'Brien has been a part of the corporate world for many years as the founder of his own business. He has several patents to his credit and has been published in many articles and professional journals. Students colloquially and affectionately refer to Dr. O'Brien as "SteveO."
As of the Summer of 2008, the department is welcoming two new faculty members, Professor Jeff Swabb and Professor Matthew Cathell.

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