171 TExES Technology Education 6 - 12 Exam Practice Questions

1. The basic concepts in information technology are:

A. Binary
B. USB
C. Fiber optic cabling
D. Keyboarding

2. Name some of the effects the evolution of information technology has on educators.

A. Rapid changes
B. Budget restraints
C. Obtaining approval
D. All of the above

3. Graphic design uses:

A. Mapping
B. Visual arts
C. Theater
D. Speech

4. Industries that use graphic designs include:

A. Technical writers
B. Clowns
C. Telemarketers
D. Store clerks

5. List areas of technology used in manufacturing.

A. Surveys
B. Inventory control
C. Transportation of materials
D. All of the above

6. The elements of a manufacturer's information technology structure include:

A. Stress Management
B. Human Resources
C. Organization
D. Enterprise Resource Planning

7. The results of using technology in construction engineering include:

A. Decreasing manual labor
B. Increasing efficiency
C. Fewer legal issues
D. All of the above

8. Which of the following is not a core member of a construction design team?

A. Architect
B. Manufacturer
C. Interior Designer
D. Fire Protection Engineer

9. Biotechnology is used in:

A. Carpentry
B. Food services
C. Medicine
D. All of the above

10. The branches of biotechnology include:

A. Purple
B. Orange
C. Yellow
D. Bioinformatics

ANSWER KEY EXAM 171

1. Answer: A

There are six basic concepts important to understanding information technology (IT):

• Binary: Brief representations of long strings of numbers used in computations
• ASCb (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): Letters and punctuations signs combined with strings of binary numbers
• Hierarchy: There is an order to understanding and using information technology; sometimes referred to as "nesting quality"
• World Wide Web: The www is a communication tool that links information via bursts of binary data
• Stored Program: A CPU (central processing unit) stores multiple sets of instructions and determines the next step in a process
• Routing: Sequences of binary numbers move through a connected network

2. Answer: D

Information technology changes rapidly. It may be only a few months before the next generation is introduced. Because of this, it can be a challenge to keep current hardware accessible and be knowledgeable about the newest versions of popular software. Educators face especially difficult obstacles because of budget restraints and the time needed to research, prepare requests and obtain approval for new software and hardware, which in all probability means most school districts are several generations behind. How can a teacher cope with this real-world situation? The best way is to stay current with advances through reading and research. Develop lesson plans that show students how to approach new and/or unfamiliar software and hardware. Most software does not change dramatically from one version to the next; many improvements are slight and based on user requests. New hardware usually just adds more memory and faster response time along with a few "bells and whistles." The basics do not change.

3. Answer: B

Graphic design is both the process of visual communication and the product created. Using typography (the features of an object), the visual arts (paintings, sculptures, drawings, etc.) and page layout (fonts, margins, object placement, etc.), designers create an image that tells a story. The primary tools for the graphic designer are a creative, imaginative mind and a keen eye for detail and balance. They must also understand the message to be conveyed and the audience for which the message is meant.

4. Answer: A

Technical Writers use graphics to illustrate schematics, explain complicated diagrams and enhance complex text. Sometimes pictures are needed when words are not able to convey the message accurately or adequately. Marketers use graphics to sell a product, introduce a concept or enhance a company's identity. When color and copy are combined with a logo to create a corporate identity, it is known as branding. EDUCATORS rely on graphics to illustrate and explain. Creatively formatting information using pictures, graphs and white space makes books easier to read and understand. The Entertainment Industry tells stories. Whether it's a film, theatrical production or comic book, graphic designs are used to set the scene and create a mood. Journalism reports facts, analyzes events and offers opinions on diverse topics in print and on television. Graphics are used to illustrate, inform and entertain.

5. Answer: B

In the last twenty-five years, manufacturing processes have undergone tremendous change. It is no longer possible to remain competitive and cost efficient without using technology. From the back office bookkeeper and inventory clerk to the production process on the plant floor, technology has created huge changes in the way business is conducted. From computerized accounting systems that include sophisticated inventory controls to complex machines that produce products for consumption in a myriad of industries, manufacturing has embraced technological tools. Information about raw materials, production time and the availability of the finished product must be accessible to everyone from purchasing and the machine operator, to marketing and sales in order to avoid costly delays, missed sales and ultimately, dissatisfied customers. Collaboration along the supply chain helps manufacturers build a better product, integrate new solutions and expand the business while striving to exceed customers' expectations. A tech savvy workforce helps ensure accurate and timely information is easily accessible to those who need it, when they need it and where they need it.

6. Answer: D

The elements of a manufacturer's information technology (IT) structure are: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) are the teams in various departments that follow the product from concept to design to manufacturing, through testing and approval, to marketing and sales, to maintenance and final disposal. All parts of this process are interrelated and need to work together to ensure the success of the product and ultimately guarantee a satisfied customer.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is the team responsible for communicating with and supplying information to the customer.
• Supply Chain Management (SCM) team has the same function as CRM except its focus is on the various suppliers needed to produce the finished product.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the team responsible for ensuring the appropriate human and necessary financial resources are available to ensure the other areas can function.

7. Answer: B

Construction engineering is the planning, managing and building of highways, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams and reservoirs. A construction engineer must be able to multitask and needs knowledge about and experience in engineering principles, management and business practices, budget and other financial requirements and human behavior. No matter what the structure, the project proceeds from concept to design to construction with many parts in each phase and many people with specific talents needed to ensure the structure is built within the required timeframe, according to the specifications and without exceeding the budget. As projects have become more complex, it has become expedient to integrate technology into the process. This has been a difficult transition for many construction companies because middle managers and field personnel often believe each project is unique; and therefore it is not feasible to "computerize" the process. Too often these well-meaning folks have been unable to see how technology can and does reduce errors, increase efficiency and avoid problems.

8. Answer: B

These definitions are from The American Heritage College Dictionary, Wikipedia and Webster's New Explorer Desk Encyclopedia:

• Architect: Plans, designs and supervises the construction of large structures such as bridges, buildings and airports
• Interior Designer: Produces a functional, coordinated area using color, texture, lighting, scale and proportion
• Surveyor: Determines the boundary, area and/or elevation of land or structures on the earth's surface
• Civil Engineer: Designs, constructs and maintains large structures such as highways, dams and bridges. After military engineering it is the oldest engineering discipline.
• Mechanical Engineer: Analyzes the application of heat and mechanical power and the design, production and use of machines and tools
• Electrical Engineer: Designs circuitry and equipment for power generation and distribution, machine control and communications
• Structural Engineer: Inspects, analyzes, designs, plans and researches the technical, economic and environmental components of structures
• Fire Protection Engineer: Identifies risks and designs safeguards to prevent, control and mitigate the effects of fire. Evaluates safety and property protection goals.

9. Answer: C

The United States Department of Agriculture defines biotechnology as "any technique or technological application that uses biological systems or living organisms to create or modify products and processes of food production, sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry." The United Nations Convention in Biological Diversity defines it as "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use." The two definitions are essentially the same. Stated simply, both define biotechnology as any biology-based technology used in agriculture, food science and medicine. Biotechnology is not new. Our early ancestors used it when they discovered how to make wine, beer and bread and learned to manipulate the process. Fermentation mixes a one-celled organism with bacteria, yeast or mold. As the microorganism digests the food, this biological activity causes them to rearrange themselves and form new substances so they can continue to live and reproduce. That process, in its simplest form, explains how biotechnology works.

10. Answer: D

Biotechnology is used in health care, crop production, industrial use of agricultural products and environmental applications. Researchers identify the different branches of biotechnology as: Red Biotechnology refers to any medical process or application such as gene therapy and the production of antibiotics and pathogen-derived compounds.

• Green Biotechnology applies to any process with agricultural applications that might produce environmentally friendly solutions to a potential global food shortage.
• White Biotechnology refers to industrial processes that consume fewer natural resources while producing industrial products.
• Blue Biotechnology refers to currently relatively rare marine and aquatic applications.
• Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary activity that uses computer applications to collect, organize and analyze biological data in the various branches.