Turning Dreams into Reality

 Technology - What is it?

 Engineering/Research and Development

Fields of Dreams at NWSCC

Electronics

Drafting and Design

Computer Information Systems

Dreams and visions appear to be as old as mankind.  Throughout the Bible there are references to dreams and visions.  One such reference is when the Prophet Joel proclaimed, "your old men will dream dreams and your young men will see visions" (Joel 2:28)                               

In the Lakota legend of the Dream Catcher,  the Lakota elder is told to "use the web to help your people to reach your goals and make good use of your people's ideas, dreams, and visions."

Making use of dreams, visions, and ideas is exactly what technology and engineering is all about.

Technology - What is it?

Just what is technology? There are many variations to the definition of technology.  While it is often described as application of science, many others say that it is not necessary to understand  the science to make use of the related technology.  Obviously in today's society, science and technology are very closely related.  Most would agree that technology involves human innovation and application of knowledge to develop processes, techniques, materials, tools, goods and services that solve problems, extend human capabilities, and improve our comfort level and quality of life.  We more generally think of  technology as the most recent products or services that we see introduced into society.   A senior citizen may remember when radio was first introduced to their area, and then B&W television, color television, transistor radios (portable), etc.,  while a teenager may not realize that there hasn't always been microwaves.  In all cases these were the current technology of the day.

Sure sounds like turning dreams into reality.  

Even from the beginning, humans were able to learn and apply  knowledge to modify their environment. They learned at an early stage that certain stones could be fashioned easier into tools and weapons.  That certain materials worked the stone better than others. When the pottery era began, they learned that by adding certain materials, shell, straw, etc. to the clay that they had a better end result. Also, the transfer of knowledge took place as well.  When studying the First Americans, we find that the same methods were used in many locations and even the same point types (styles) were used over a large geographical area.  It is amazing that most projectile points came be classified into types (clovis, cumberland, folsom, etc.) that have very unique characteristics, and that these types changed through the centuries.  Today is no different in that we continually try different slants to building the same products.  Have you tried to buy a hammer lately?  If you have you would know that many attempts have been made to approve on the original design and to make it more comfortable to hold.  The same is true for many other hand tools.

Engineering/Research and Development

Today, turning a dream into reality would start with the engineering process, also referred to as research and design (or development).  The word engineering has as its root the latin word ingenious or igenium.  This latin word implies artistic, skill and imagination, arising from an inventive or cunning mind.  The definition for engineering also has many variations and many are very similar to the definition of technology.  To some it means a profession or the field of activity of engineers, technologist and technicians.  Others would define it as a process whereby scientific knowledge is applied to solve practical problems. In both cases, it involves the knowledge of math and science gained through study, practice, and experience that are applied with judgment and creativity to develop ways to utilize the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.  The end result as most see it is still the products and services.  Applications of technology affects many aspects of our lives including:  how our products are manufactured, how we communicate, how we do business, how we are entertained, and even how we are treated when ill.

Since technology is so prevalent in our society, many career opportunities are birthed directly out of technology. Engineering brings about the many new products and processes that are constantly being introduced into society at an increasing pace.  Then these products and processes have to be applied and maintained. Job opportunities related to technology include: engineers, technicians, drafters, programmers, installers, trainers, salesmen, technical writers, and many others.  All of these careers require some form of training to become entry level. Even those currently employed must have ongoing  professional development to stay current with the technology. Northwest-Shoals Community College has many programs of study that lead to great careers and that make extensive use of technology.  Of these, Electronics, Drafting and Design, and Computer Information Systems are very closely aligned with turning Dreams into Reality.  Many of today's new products are either electronic devices or they use electronics to accomplish their task.   Likewise, many new electronic devices use a software program to make them function.  Before any product becomes a reality, the engineering concepts have to be turned into plans and drawings.