Technology involves envisioning and developing products to meet human needs and wants, capitalise on opportunities and extend human capabilities. Products of technology include artefacts, processes, systems, services and environments. These products make up the designed world. Products of technology have impacts and consequences on individuals, local and global communities, and environments.’
‘Working technologically’ is the term used in the Technology syllabus to describe a way of working that interweaves technology practice, information, materials and systems with considerations of appropriateness, contexts and management. Strands
The learning outcomes of the Technology key learning area are organised into four strands:
- Technology Practice
- Information
- Materials
- Systems
The Technology Practice strand has four key concepts: Investigation is carried out to gather knowledge ideas and data for use in meeting design challenges; Ideation is undertaken to generate and communicate ideas that meet design challenges, and to justify the selection of these ideas; Production procedures can be identified, described and managed when making products that meet design challenges; Evaluation is undertaken to make judgments about the appropriateness of design ideas, processes and products when meeting design challenges.
The Information strand has two key concepts: Information originates from different sources, exists in various forms and can be used for different purposes and Information can be manipulated, presented and managed in different ways for different purposes.
The Materials strand has two key concepts: Materials have characteristics that affect their selection and use in products and Materials can be manipulated and processed by using suitable equipment and techniques.
The Systems strand has two key concepts: Systems comprise interactive components and have inputs, processes and outputs that can be controlled in logical ways based on certain principles and Systems can be developed, refined and optimised by organising their components.