Technology Briefs

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TechBriefs are three to four page studies of new technology and occupational trends. Each brief begins with a summary of key performance indicators and recommendation.

Topics that indicate a strong opportunity or potential for curriculum demand are selected for detailed study. Resulting Technology Forecasts are published and distributed throughout the State of Texas.

 

Biomedical Equipment Information Systems Specialists
October 2008 - Dr. Roger Bowles, Texas State Technical College Waco

The integration of medical technologies with hospital information systems is increasing exponentially as medical monitoring, diagnostic, and therapeutic devices are tied to the hospital enterprise network. An increasing number of biomedical ...More

 

Usability Analysis & Evaluation
July 2008 - (Jim Brazell, Ventureramp.com & Michael Bettersworth, Texas State Technical College)

An increasing number of non-accredited certification programs offered by industry firms suggests a growing demand for usability evaluation skills. While some specialized advanced degrees exist within formal academic programs such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) within ...More

 

High Performance Computing (HPC)
February 2008 - (Jim Brazell, Ventureramp.com & Michael Bettersworth, Texas State Technical College)

High-performance computing (HPC) integrates systems administration (including network and security knowledge) and parallel programming into a multidisciplinary field that combines digital electronics, computer architecture, system software, programming languages, algorithms and computational techniques. ...More

 

Mechatronics
November 2007 - Eliza Evans, IC² Institute

Mechatronics is the transdisciplinary study of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering and control systems.[1] The concept emerged in the Japanese electronics industry in the late 1960's and since has been adopted as an approach to product design and manufacturing ...More

 

Nuclear Power
March 2006 - Michael Bettersworth, TSTC

Nuclear power is generated by fissioning or splitting atoms within a reactors' coil to boil water and turn steam turbines which produce electricity (Figure 1). Nuclear energy was first harnessed for power in 1951 and as of this publication, there are 103 commercial nuclear power plants producing ...More

 

Artificial Intelligence
March 2006 - Eliza Evans, IC² Institute

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the science of making intelligent machines and addresses the challenges of having machines find solutions to complex problems in a human-like fashion. The field of AI, like the careers it produces, is diverse, fragmented and difficult ...More

 

Combined Heat and Power
March 2006 - Jim Brazell, VentureRAMP

Co-generation, now referred to as "Combined Heat and Power (CHP)" is the sequential or simultaneous generation of multiple forms of useful energy (usually mechanical and thermal) in a single, integrated ...More

 

Crime Scene Technologist
March 2006 - Jim Brazell, VentureRAMP

Crime Scene Technicians (CST) are essentially functional generalists who collect and maintain physical evidence from crime scenes. The technology of crime scene investigation is very advanced; however, the technology (hardware, software and forensic analysis) is located ...More

 

Liquefied Natural Gas
March 2006 - Michael Bettersworth, TSTC

Simply put, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas in liquid form. Natural gas is chilled to -259 degrees Fahrenheit in a process called liquefication and is condensed into a colorless, odorless, non-corrosive and non-toxic liquid. The energy density denser liquid form ...More

 

Retinal Angiographer
March 2006 - Eliza Evans, IC² Institute

Retinal angiography, also know as ophthalmic photography, is a sub-field of biomedical photography that records the structure of the eye using specialized equipment. According to the Ophthalmic Photographer's Society:[1] Ophthalmic photography is a highly specialized form of medical imaging dedicated ...More

 

Solar Photovoltaic
March 2006 - Eliza Evans, IC² Institute

Electricity can be produced from sunlight through the process of Photovoltaics (PV). Photo refers to light, and voltaic refers to voltage. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight strikes PV cells, electrons are released ...More

 

Electroneurodiagnostic & Polysomnography
September 2005 - Prepared by Michael A. Bettersworth, Texas State Technical College For the Texas State Leadership Consortium for Curriculum Development

There exists a clear and expressed need for qualified PSG technologists in the State of Texas. Some sleep clinics are hiring applicants with no previous patient care experience and providing on-the-job-training (OJT) for at least 4 months before a sleep tech can conduct a study. Moreover, the lack of qualified technologists ...More

 

Home Technology Integration
March 2006 - Michael Bettersworth, TSTC

Home Technology Integration (HTI) is the convergence or merging of previously separate technologies and systems in the home, including integrated home control, computer/home network, communications, lighting and energy management, entertainment and security, health and safety ...More

 

Wind Turbine Technology
September 2005 - Michael A. Bettersworth, TSTC

In 2001, the Texas wind industry employed more than 2,500 workers and industry representatives anticipate Texas wind energy capacity could double by the end of 2007. Each wind power development employs as many as 300 people during project construction and approximately one technician is needed for every twelve turbines ...More