Instructors
Dr. Ron Hansen
Associate Professor, Technological Education
The University of Western Ontario
Faculty of Education
London, Canada N6G 1G7
Professor Hansen completed doctoral studies at the
University of California, Los Angeles. His research
interests are in the relation between economic
development and formal education programs. Studies
involving the preparation and performance of architects,
engineers, business executives and teachers have
provided a conceptional, experiential and analytical
base from which to undertake comparative research and
formulate policy on the economic impact of higher
education.
The success of a teacher development project at the
University of Western Ontario involving technology
teachers compliments his higher education research. This
research looks critically at how the curriculum in
secondary and post-secondary education is constructed
and how technology teachers implement that curriculum.
The project among other things, concludes that active
learning practices (characteristic of learning in
occupations like live communications, engineering design
and computer technology) is consistent with how students
learn when self-directed. Such findings are important as
new programs for secondary and tertiary level students
are designed and implemented. Equally important is the
recruitment, preparation and placement process in
teacher education programs.
January, 2002
Ellen Kerr
Instructor
Education
Diploma in Education Technological Studies, 1970
Special Education Specialist, 1986
Technological Studies Specialist, 1990
Bachelor of Arts, 1992
Employment
Thames Valley District School Board:
Teacher, Retail Merchandising, 1970-1974
Supply Teacher, 1974-1983
Teacher, Child Care, 1983-1996
Technical Director, Acting, 1996-1998
Teacher, Co-op Education, 1998-2000
The University of Western Ontario, Faculty of
Education:
Distance Education, Technological Studies,
1994-present
Preservice Program, 2000-present
I am the instructor for Diversification in
Technological Studies, which is a course taken by the
Technological Studies students presently enrolled at the
Faculty of Education. Throughout this course, we have
had many conversations and discussions pertaining to
subjects that at times are controversial. The students
have told me that they find this part of the course
interesting, enlightening and thought provoking.
Students are responsible for the presentation of a
topic relevant to Technological Studies. These
presentations encourage dialogue, class interaction and
allow students to further hone their teaching skills.
Ownership for the course is evolving from teacher-centred
to student-directed and driven.
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