Developing the equipment list for a Technology Education program is a critical part of the program's success. Everyone has heard the expression "A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link." For many of the programs I have seen, that weakest link is the equipment. The goal of this page is to share with you what we ahve done to not only cut costs on equipment, but provide the most relevant and highest quality materials and equipment for my students to work with.

Listed below are the points covered in this section of the site and a brief explanation of what can be found if you follow the links.

Tips on Developing the Equipment List

Go to Tips

This section of the site will give you a brief history on how the equipment list was developed for the program behind BrainBuffet and what we learned in the process. It will cover budgeting, instructor input, and industry involvement.

Recommended Hardware and Software

Go to Recommendations

This page is a list of hardware and software that I personally recommend (and some I think should be avoided) to provide your students with the most up-to date, relevant, and high quality learning experiences in your program. It comes from years in industry and the classroom, and takes funding into consideration. You'll probably be surprised at how much you can save by NOT using "Educational" packages and software.

Pumpkins and Princesses

Go to Pumpkins and Princesses

This page is a brief story about why I feel so strongly about using problem solving and professional, industry standard tools rather than educational software and canned curriculum. It's not just about saving money. This is the story of the one primary event that completely changed the way I teach Technology Education. I'm not saying that my way is the only way, but this story explains why my way is my way.