Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Technology involves envisioning and developing products to meet human needs and wants, capitalise on opportunities and extend human capabilities. Products of technology include artifacts, processes, systems, services and environments. These products make up the designed world (Queensland Studies Authority, 2003). As preservice teachers, you need to engage with teaching and learning issues inherent in the Technology Key Learning Area. In particular, as prospective teachers you will have to grapple with the interwoven nature of content skills and processes. Hence, practical experiences and the development of communities of practice are important features of the unit. It is also important that you become aware of the nature of technology and technological literacy, and the vital role that ICT plays in both these aspects.

Aims

The aim of this unit is designed for you to explore content, pedagogical content knowledge and pedagogies important in design and technology education.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Design programs that draw upon pedagogical, curriculum and assessment knowledge and skills, to respond to the diverse abilities and interests of all learners
[QCT Standards 1, 3 & 5]

2. Model and promote inquiry, cooperative and independent approaches to learning
[QCT Standards 3 & 6]

3. Implement a range of teaching strategies including ICT that align with pedagogical intentions and curriculum frameworks and policies and participate in professional networks for ongoing professional renewal in these areas
[QCT Standards 1 & 10]

4. Employ accountable and theoretically grounded processes to monitor and assess student understanding and progress, including the use of outcomes-based assessment criteria.
[QCT Standard 5]

Content

This unit will cover the following:

• Concepts of thinking technologically and the perspectives of teaching design and technology.



• The framework of the Technology curriculum and approaches to teaching design and technology. In particular you will examine aspects of materials, systems, information and technology practice.



• Concepts of technology integration, designing integrated curriculum plans, tasks and resources.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be offered using a combination of lectures and workshops. Some of the lectures and workshops may also be offered online through Elluminate (on Blackboard). Emphasis will be placed on an inquiry-oriented, practical, hands-on approach. Collaborative and interactive approaches will be used to foster a community of practice. This will be exemplified in a supportive learning environment in which you will be empowered to articulate ideas and engage in constructive argument. Lecture notes, tutorials, reference material, and other online resources will be posted on Blackboard site to support your learning. Guest presenters will share their real life experiences either through lectures, workshops or online presentations.

Assessment

Formative assessment will be in the form of peer and tutor feedback as you participate in workshops and tutorials. Summative assessment will consist of two submissions and an online quiz which will also have to be completed on a weekly basis.Feedback will be offered through verbal comments and written feedback on assignment work.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: Length: 2500 words.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Length: 2500 words.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: End-Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

References

deVries, M. J., Custer, R., Dakers, J., & Martin, G. (Eds.). (2007). Analyzing best practices in technology education Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.
deVries, M. J., & Mottier, I. (Eds.). (2006). International handbook of technology education - Reviewing the past twenty years. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.

Fleer, M., & Jane, B. (2004). Technology for children: Developing your own approach. Sydney: Pearson Educationl.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit. Workplace Health and Safety protocols in relation to computer use will apply in all workshops. This unit may entail working in sites where potentially hazardous materials are used. To participate in these activities you must follow any instructions given by your lecturer and you must abide by the regulations set out in the S-block Health and Safety Student Guide. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a copy of this booklet and that you have read the contents of the document.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 31-Oct-2012