Digital Technology: Building Pedagogical Bridges Between Secondary And Higher Education With A Focus On Architectural Engineering Technology

Digital technology is rapidly changing the way teachers teach throughout academia. The effect of technology on teaching falls into three areas: • How traditional subjects and methods are affected by technology • How technology provides new ways of teaching and learning • New curriculum developed directly attributed to technology This is a continuation of research, dialogue and collaboration by the author with a local school district on this issue as well as the evolution of technology inclusion in the AET program at the University of Hartford. The collaboration, advanced study and research provide a better understanding for the critical need to build curricula and pedagogical bridges with K-12 school districts. Introduction The Technology Influence There are three ways that technology has influenced curriculum and instruction: Curriculum Supplement, Curriculum Enhancement and Curriculum Specific to Technology. These influence all levels of education whether at the K-12 level or in higher education. The level at which they influence and the depth of the instruction necessary to respond to the influence, however, varies greatly as one progresses from K-12 through higher education. A brief description is required to provide a framework to review the transitional effect of these influences between K-12 and college environments. Curriculum Supplement: Technology has already had a significant impact in this area. Technology supplements current and traditional curriculum in such technical subjects as statics, structural