1. Technology Education Introduction
Definitions of similar concepts:
Technology: The results when different technologies are applied in
society are systems, processes, and products and their
nature differs from one technology to the next. E.g. food
technologies in supermarkets, telecommunication
technologies such as telephone systems etc.
Educational technology: Results when educational technology is applied in society
are also systems, processes and products but their nature
is limited to that which is applicable to education e.g.
overhead transparencies.
Technology Education: When Technology Education is applied in society, the
results are technologically literate individuals.
The challenge for Technology Education, and thus for the Technology Learning Are of
Curriculum 2005, lies in being able to educate learners to apply technology responsibly in a
complex society to which there is far more than just technology.
Technology and Technology Education
Technology
Technology is a systematic method of achieving a practical purpose. Any technology can be
classified as being one (or more) of three technology emphases: human processes (surgery,
essay writing, algorithms), physical products (computers, corkscrews, running shoes), and
environmental ecosystems (canals, gardens, fish ponds).
Technology Education
It concerns technological knowledge and skills, as well as technological processes, and
involves understanding the impact of technology on both the individual and society. It is
ultimately designed to promote the capability of the learner to perform effectively in the
technological environment he/she lives in, and to stimulate him/her to contribute towards its
improvement.
The capability should be reflected in:
The effective use of technological products and systems
, The ability to evaluate technological products/processes from a functional, economic,
environmental, ethical, social and aesthetic point of view
The ability to design and build appropriate products to functional and aesthetic
specifications set either by the learner or by others
Learners will be able to:
Understand and apply the technological process to solve problems and satisfy needs
and wants
Apply a range of technological knowledge and skills ethically and responsibly
Access, process and use data for technological purposes
Select and evaluate products and systems
Demonstrate an understanding of how different societies create and adapt
technological solutions to problems.
demonstrate an understanding of the impact of technology
demonstrate an understanding of how technology might reflect different biases and
create responsible and ethical strategies to address them
The Role of Technology in Society
Technology as part of our cultural system
Technology has become an important part of our cultural system. In general, the technological
products, processes and systems that are used and applied in society are a reflection of the
norms and values in that society and they have been with us since the beginning of human
existence. Our ancestors had particular needs and wants. With the limited knowledge, skills
and materials that they had at their disposal, they designed tools, weapons and shelters to
enhance their living conditions. The design process was probably very much a hit or miss
affair. Today we have the advantage of being able to benefit from what has already been
achieved through the technological process and the broadening of scientific and other
knowledge. We have access to lots of information, knowledge, skills and materials. We also
have access to a wide variety of tools and facilities for using these resources to their best
advantage. These developments let us design technological products, processes and systems
in a more goal-orientated way to satisfy particular needs and wants.
Culture, values and beliefs
These are often referred to as SKVA (skills, knowledge, values and attitudes).
,Technology reflects the human made world
It has become easier to design products, processes and systems that work well, are
aesthetically pleasing and are safe to use. It is important that in doing this we don’t lose sight of
the underlying value of building a healthy and sound society and preserving the natural
environment. The impact that technology could have on society and the natural environment
should thus always be considered in a responsible way before the technology is implemented.
Technology enhances living conditions
Technology provides products, processes and systems which are beneficial from a functional,
economic, environmental, ethical, social and aesthetic point of view. Technology Education, on
the other hand, empowers every citizen by helping them to live effectively in modern
technological society. This applies especially to Third World, poor, underprivileged
communities in both metropolitan and rural areas. A better understanding and knowledge of,
and skills in existing technologies in nutrition, water, health, housing, energy and agriculture
could increase the technological literacy of these communities. Technological literacy in these
areas of global and South African concern could empower people to develop into innovative,
critical, responsible and effective citizens with the capacity to improve their quality of life by
using available resources and opportunities. It is important to realise that the implementation of
technology in any society will have a positive and negative effect on people, wildlife and the
environment. Chemical technology, for example, has made insecticides and artificial fertilisers
for farmers. The benefits of this is larger crop yields and cheaper food for the needy. The
detrimental effect is the pollution of rivers and underground water sources. We must use
technology intelligently.
Myths surrounding technology and Technology Education
Lack of understanding is the main cause of myths about technology. It is believed that
technological literacy cannot only help our understanding of what technology and Technology
Education really are, but also clarify the myths surrounding these subjects.
Part of a new learning area:
More relevant education
Introducing technology into the educational system could make education more relevant to
South African society. This is possible if Technology Education is aimed at supplying the youth
with the necessary resources to live effectively and meaningfully in a technological world
becoming increasingly more complex. Combined with the practical nature of Technology
Education, this could also help to establish and maintain a culture of learning among learners.
, Technological changes happen so frequently and people are exposed to so many changes in
their lifetime and therefore, Technology Education has the capacity and potential to establish
and nurture a culture of lifelong learning.
Rationale for Technology Education
The Technology learning area seeks to develop in learners
an ability to solve technological problems by investigating, designing, developing,
evaluating as well as communication effectively in their own and other languages by
using different modes of communication.
a fundamental understanding of and an ability to apply technological knowledge,
skills and values, working as individuals and as group members, in a range of
technological contexts.
A critical understanding of the interrelationship between technology, society, the
economy and the environment.
This understanding of technology should contribute to
The development of learners capability to perform effectively in their changing
environment and motivate them to contribute towards its improvement.
The effective use of technological products, processes and systems
The ability to evaluate technological products, processes and systems from a
functional, economic, ethical, social and aesthetic point of view.
The design and development of appropriate products, processes or systems to
functional, aesthetic and other specifications set by learner or others.
The delivery and access to quality education.
The development of citizens who are innovative, critical, responsible and effective.
The demystification of technology.
The recognition of and respect for diverse technological solutions and biases
Creating positive attitudes towards, perceptions of and aspirations to technology-based
careers.
Technology Education could lay the foundation for future designers and problem solvers no
matter their occupation. The development of critical thinking skills and creativity as early as the
foundation phase would be a main objective in this regard. It could also lay the foundation for
the development of critical and creative thinking.
Learning programmes which are fun
Technology Education has the potential to make education more relevant but also enjoyable
because the learning outcomes can be developed into projects and functional learning
programmes which can stimulate a wide variety of interests among learners.
