Technologists use particular words and phrases in specific ways to convey information and meaning. It is therefore important that teaching approaches use terms accurately and appropriately, and that students become familiar with particular usages.

Language is integral to learning concepts and principles, so the many opportunities for student explanations, discussions, and presentations in the technology curriculum should provide valuable experiences in using specialised language confidently.

Special care needs to be taken with everyday words, such as "system" or "environment", when they are used in specialised ways.

Technologists working in different areas may also use the same terms in different ways. For instance, many technologists refer to the "design process". The term may be interpreted by some groups with an emphasis on specifications, whereas other technologists may interpret it in terms of creativity and a more general brief. Again, typographers may interpret "design" mainly in terms of aesthetics.

The glossary in this document defines some of the terms most frequently used in technology.