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Information for parents about Technology Education

Why is it important for students to take Technology Education?

Student cooking chicken for her project

In this project, students worked with school administrators and staff to revamp the menu of the school's tuck shop to help it conform with the 2008 government guidelines on healthy food in schools, requiring lower salt, sugar and fat levels.

See the Student Showcase Healthy Tuck Shop Food

As the world develops it is increasingly important for students to understand how technological developments impact on society, the economy, and the environment. Whether or not they plan to engage in a career in technology, all students can benefit from knowledge gained in Technology Education.

Technology education presents students with rich and varied experiences. It teaches a broad technological literacy through interactions with hard, soft, food and bio-related materials, electronics, and information and communication technology. It provides an opportunity to develop a level of technological understanding that will enable them to participate as an informed participant in an ever-changing society.

Students learn skills that can effect changes in their own lives and community, and perhaps even nationally or globally. Through Technology Education, they are helped to develop a critical eye with which to assess the implications of new technologies – issues such as the dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, alternative fuels, and the impacts of both on the environment, or the health impacts of our increasing production and consumption of processed foods, their production. Technology allows for students to look at the world differently.

A growing number of classroom projects work with real-life 'clients' within and outside the school. These provide genuine experiences and opportunities for students and teachers to interact in a mutually beneficial way with the wider community. These interactions enhance and focus learning and give students experience of and confidence in situations outside the classroom, and an invaluable appreciation of working environments and opportunities and the broader impact of technology on society. Many technology teachers also take advantage of the extensive support network that is in place in which volunteer industry professionals work with classes on projects and mentor individuals.

In Technology classes students most importantly gain knowledge and skills essential to all kinds of work, university study and a successful life. They are encouraged to show initiative, be innovative and creative, learn independently, and to take responsibility. They learn teamwork and communication skills and the importance of contributing to the community both socially and economically.