Technological Systems Explanatory Paper
Introduction
The purpose of this explanatory paper is to define a technological system and clarify why and how technological systems work the way they do. It presents the component descriptor, the key ideas underpinning it, and illustrative examples of these from technology. This paper also discusses some intuitive ideas students have about this component and suggests possible learning experiences.
Component descriptor
Technological systems are a set of interconnected parts (technological products and processes) that serve to transform, store, transport or control materials, energy and/or information. These systems exist in the world as the result of human design and function without further human design input. Understanding how these parts work together is as important as understanding the nature of the each individual part. Technological knowledge, within this component, will include an understanding of input, output, transformation processes, and control. Understanding the notion of the ‘black box’ is included in this component, in terms of understanding, and of developing, complex systems that involve integrated sub-systems. This component includes understandings of redundancy and reliability within system design and performance and therefore an increased understanding of the operating parameters of systems. Specialised languages provide important representation and communication tools. Understanding these specialised languages is important in system development, maintenance and troubleshooting.
