Rationale

Technology is embodied in devices that extend human capabilities. It provides the tools to extend our vision, to send and receive sounds and images from around the world, and to improve health, lifestyle, economies, and ecosystems. As technology assumes an increasingly dominant force in society, technological literacy is becoming as essential as numeracy skills and the ability to read and write. In providing the fundamentals of technological literacy, technology education helps young people prepare to live and work in a world of continuously evolving technologies.

Preparing the Citizen

A technologically literate person uses tools, materials, systems, and processes in an informed, ethical, and responsible way. To be responsible members of society, students must be aware of the impact that ever-changing technology has on their lives. They need to reflect critically on technology´s role in society and consider its positive and negative effects. Technology education fosters the development of skills and attitudes that increase students´ abilities to responsibly address the social and ethical issues of technological advancements.

Preparing for the Workplace

To meet career challenges, students must be able to communicate effectively, make independent decisions, solve problems, work independently and co-operatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and become technically competent. In Technology Education 11 and 12 courses students have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills and abilities essential for employment in today´s economy.

Activities in Technology Education provide opportunities for students to develop, reinforce, and apply:

numeracy skills as they calculate, estimate, and measure
information skills as they identify, locate, gather, store, retrieve, process, and present information
communication skills as they apply technology to communicate their design ideas, solutions, reflections, and products
problem-solving skills as they identify, describe, and analyse problems, and test their ideas and solutions
social and co-operative skills as they interact with others to solve problems and complete projects
leadership and project-management skills as they set goals, plan, address challenges, and resolve conflicts
physical skills as they carry out technological tasks using tools, equipment, and materials correctly, efficiently, and safely

These senior courses build on and extend the Technology Education curriculum developed for students in earlier grades. This IRP provides students in Grades 11 and 12 with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue studies toward careers as technicians, technologists, engineers, architects, industrial designers, and various trades, or to enter directly into the work force.

Revised: January 28, 1999

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