Technology in the curriculum
Mr P E Clarkson and Mr C Penna
First semester * Clayton
Australian community leaders in education, politics, industry and commerce agree that there is a pressing need to reassess and improve both the focus and quality of technology education in the compulsory and post-compulsory years. This subject aims to establish the rationale for developments in technology education; explore the scope of technology education as part of the curriculum; present international, national and local perspectives on technology education; promote the concept of capability, ie the ability to use knowledge to do things - to design, make, repair, adapt, evaluate and improve artefacts for a human purpose; provide an opportunity for practical involvement in a technology project; explore the relationship of technology to other curriculum areas; and examine strategies for implementing and assessing technology education programs. The subject will be relevant to primary, post-primary and tertiary educators, will be broadly based, and will aim to meet the needs of individual students, each of whom may undertake an in-depth study in the field of technology in the curriculum.
Assessment
Written: 50% * Laboratory work/Seminar participation: 50%
Recommended texts
Layton D Technology's challenge to science education Open UP
McGinn R Science, technology and society Prentice-Hall
Ministry of Education The technology studies framework: P-10 Min. Educ. Vic.
Technology: National curriculum statement and profiles Curriculum Corporation, 1994