Department of Curriculum Studies

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Browsing Department of Curriculum Studies by Author "Adams, John"

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    Technology as a new learning area in the South African school curriculum: a critical reflection
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Adams, John; Carl, A. E.; Jordaan, V-S (Van AS); Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigates the implementation of Technology as a learning area in the South African school curriculum. This investigation is done within the context of three articles contained in chapters two, three and four. Article one, chapter two, investigates the readiness of educators to implement Technology in the classroom. A survey was done by means of interviews and a questionnaire. The interviews and questionnaire focused on three critical questions to determine the readiness of educators, namely • A conceptual understanding of Technology as learning area; • The type of technology suitable for the South African curriculum; and • The extent of government support to implement Technology successfully. The findings suggest that educators do have a conceptual understanding of Technology and that they emhasized the use of technology within the curriculum that suits local conditions. It identified the lack of government support as the biggest problem facing the successful implementation of Technology. Article two, chapter 3, investigates Technology as part of the Outcomes- Based Curriculum 2005. It is a theoretical study that discuss the relevance and purpose of Technology as learning area in the new curriculum. It finds that the position of Technology as learning area in the curriculum is unequivocal. It proved that there is a strong link between technological innovation, economic growth and social development. It suggest, therefor, that Technology is a catalyst for economic growth and social development. Article three, chapter four, invetsigates how Technical Drawing as subject from the old dispensation can be reconciled with Technology as a learning area. It finds that Technical Drawing as a graphical language can be applied as an effective tool of communication in the different stages of the Technological Process. It suggests that the old subjects can reconcile with the learning areas in the new curriculum. These three articles, in summary, emphasize the importance and relevance of Technology as a separate learning area in the new curriculum. The objective, therefore, is to use Technology as a catalyst for economic growth and social development, so dearly needed by South Africa.