P005

Technology Education, Enterprise, Integration, and the Fuzzy Front End

Gary O'Sullivan

Abstract

This paper argues that successful integration involving technology education is dependent on teachers having a robust personal construct of what technology entails. This is particularly important when teachers are dealing with the fuzzy front end that often occurs with open ended student centred activities. The paper brings together two recent research projects carried out in New Zealand one which aimed to identify what takes place when policy directives integrate Technology Education, Enterprise Education, School Community Partnerships The second was the development of an integrated curriculum course for a pre service primary teacher education programme.

Is technology the key for developing a connected curriculum? If so teachers must have a robust personal construct of what the subject entails to ensure a successful enactment.

The intention is raise as discussion points a number of key factors.

• What is a creative connected curriculum?
• Current practice in technology education.
• Tensions between reality and ideology.
• Fourth generation evaluation.
• Pre Service technology teacher education.

Intended Audience

Teacher educators, technology teachers, technology education researchers.

Biographical information

Gary O'Sullivan is currently a Senior Lecturer at the School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Massey University College of Education.