| The Aim of Technology Education
Learning in technology implies becoming confident in using a variety of means to address needs and opportunities and solve practical problems within society. It focuses on know-how as well as knowledge itself, gathering information from diverse sources. It encourages risk taking, lateral and divergent thinking, the development of multiple solutions to problems, trial and error, teamwork, and the management of resources effectively and efficiently.
Technology education explores choice and the factors that influence choice, including culture and society, costs and benefits, aesthetics, and fitness for purpose. It seeks to empower students to make informed choices in the use of technology and in their responses to technological change.
The aim of technology education is to enable students to achieve technological literacy through the development of:
- technological knowledge and understanding;
- technological capability;
- understanding and awareness of the relationship between technology and society.
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Technology education, therefore, involves students in:
- investigating, using, and understanding the technological products, systems, and environments that have been developed in their society;
- developing knowledge of the principles and processes of technology;
- identifying and exploring needs and opportunities which may be met through technological activity;
- creating and evaluating ideas to improve or modify technology in relation to these identified needs and opportunities;
- choosing and using materials, tools, and equipment skilfully and safely;
- designing their own technological solutions;
- working to agreed specifications and quality standards;
- recognising the inter-relationship of technology and society &; now, in the past and in the future;
- feeling empowered to contribute to a technological society.
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