Lean and green
Pitt pushes technology in regional conference
Madison Dennis
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Front Page
"Going green" doesn't exactly bring to mind images of wide-format printers or woodworking technology. However, Pittsburg State University played host to the annual Four-State Regional Technology Conference, and green technology was the focal point of the convention.
On Nov. 12-13, the Four-State Regional Technology Conference welcomed exhibitors, educators and businesses from the surrounding area to the Kansas Technology Center for their 67th gathering. The theme, in keeping with the times, was "Sustainability Through Lean and Green Technology."
The conference hosted 15 exhibitors from the Four-State Area, ranging from community colleges to print companies to publishers. As a kick-off event, Pitsco, an innovative education tool supplier, sponsored "Battlebots at Gorilla Ridge." Attendees were invited to maneuver small CO2-powered robots, built by students, through "Gorilla Ridge," a series of two racetracks. The top eight times then faced off to become eligible for prizes provided by Pitsco.
For informational and amusement purposes, other departments hosted competitions and entertainment to draw attention to their sectors. The Fixture Factory invited participants to assemble their own set of gadgets from jigs and fixtures. Tool Time incorporated new tools available as teaching aids in technology classrooms with the popular sitcom "Home Improvement." Senior Collin Sutter got a chance to contribute to this event, playing the role of star Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor. He also attended several of the sessions close to his major, Career and Technical Education.
"I attended the Intro to Woodworking Building Standards class," said Sutter. "My area of study being this, it was spot on to what I am going into. It was good for me to relate it and implement it."
The idea of going green was incorporated into all subject matter, with the intention of educating attendees on how to cut waste and use environmentally friendly techniques into daily business. Because of the economy, most companies are operating on tight budgets. This means that going green must first become practical before it is widely adopted. Educators were encouraged to adopt green technology into their curricula to teach future workers how to make less of a negative impact on the environment.
On Nov. 12-13, the Four-State Regional Technology Conference welcomed exhibitors, educators and businesses from the surrounding area to the Kansas Technology Center for their 67th gathering. The theme, in keeping with the times, was "Sustainability Through Lean and Green Technology."
The conference hosted 15 exhibitors from the Four-State Area, ranging from community colleges to print companies to publishers. As a kick-off event, Pitsco, an innovative education tool supplier, sponsored "Battlebots at Gorilla Ridge." Attendees were invited to maneuver small CO2-powered robots, built by students, through "Gorilla Ridge," a series of two racetracks. The top eight times then faced off to become eligible for prizes provided by Pitsco.
For informational and amusement purposes, other departments hosted competitions and entertainment to draw attention to their sectors. The Fixture Factory invited participants to assemble their own set of gadgets from jigs and fixtures. Tool Time incorporated new tools available as teaching aids in technology classrooms with the popular sitcom "Home Improvement." Senior Collin Sutter got a chance to contribute to this event, playing the role of star Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor. He also attended several of the sessions close to his major, Career and Technical Education.
"I attended the Intro to Woodworking Building Standards class," said Sutter. "My area of study being this, it was spot on to what I am going into. It was good for me to relate it and implement it."
The idea of going green was incorporated into all subject matter, with the intention of educating attendees on how to cut waste and use environmentally friendly techniques into daily business. Because of the economy, most companies are operating on tight budgets. This means that going green must first become practical before it is widely adopted. Educators were encouraged to adopt green technology into their curricula to teach future workers how to make less of a negative impact on the environment.
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