Technology Nature of Technology
This strand is the philosophical strand of technology
Key ideas Two interconnected components: Characteristics of Technology Characteristics of Technological outcomes Both interact with each other and both should be covered so students can develop a sound understanding of the nature of technology
A socially embedded human activity has a profound and complex influence on the social and natural world through its creation of the made world. recognised and valued that what is designed is always positioned within a particular time, physical and social location. Influenced by culture, politics and dominant ideologies of the time, as well as the natural world and vice versa has a profound and complex influence on the social and natural world through its creation of the made world. recognised and valued that what is designed is always positioned within a particular time, physical and social location. Influenced by culture, politics and dominant ideologies of the time, as well as the natural world and vice versa
Characteristics of Technological Outcomes focuses on developing a philosophical understanding of the resulting outcomes of technological developments as they exist in the made world
Technological products have a dual nature: a physical nature - what it looks like and/or is comprised of a functional nature - what it can do. have a dual nature: a physical nature - what it looks like and/or is comprised of a functional nature - what it can do.
Drinking vessels….
Plastic
A socially embedded human activity ?
Technological system Ipods/mp3 players A system of interconnected components
Technological failure C5
Why? British inclement weather with its open top Derided due to its unusual size and design profile Cold weather undercut battery life Long hills hurt the motor Traffic visibility was poor Urban legend - believed to be built from a washing machine motor because of its association with Italian company Polymotor British inclement weather with its open top Derided due to its unusual size and design profile Cold weather undercut battery life Long hills hurt the motor Traffic visibility was poor Urban legend - believed to be built from a washing machine motor because of its association with Italian company Polymotor
Malfunction Cave Creek
Characteristics of Technology focuses on developing a philosophical understanding of technology as a form of human activity
Alternative energy
What should we do? incorporate teaching activities into units/programmes that expose students to the understandings of Nature of Technology
Student evidence Discussion - interacting with them in groups or individually Written evidence as a result of the activity Observation - in tech practice Portfolio Discussion - interacting with them in groups or individually Written evidence as a result of the activity Observation - in tech practice Portfolio
An example: What is the purpose of each technological outcome and why was it developed? Identify the knowledge that was necessary for different stages of the development and explain how such knowledge influenced decision making at key points An example: What is the purpose of each technological outcome and why was it developed? Identify the knowledge that was necessary for different stages of the development and explain how such knowledge influenced decision making at key points
Technological outcomes
Think about what life may have been like before it was developed and how it has changed things for different groups of people – children, adults, teachers
Think about the types of things the technologist would have needed to know to make the scuba underwater torch appropriate for particular users and the environment