P006

From Whoa to Go in 24 hours

Kerry Lee
Faculty of Education, University Auckland

Abstract

Preparing someone to teach technology in 24 hours may seem an impossible task, yet by national standards the University of Auckland primary graduate programme devotes more time to technology education than the majority of other providers within New Zealand. Should lecturers prepare students to teach in the real world in which technology is often seen as a low priority, and integrating aspects of technology, seen as the only viable option, or should they be taught the ideals and strive to achieve these in whatever ways possible within the constraints of their school? How much time should be devoted to understanding what technology education is and its place in 2007 curriculum? In the short time available do you give student teachers tips, skills and knowledge in one area or do you give them a taste of what is available but never really get into any depth? This paper outlines a primary graduate diploma course and a study undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness.

Presenter Biography

Kerry Lee is senior lecturer in Technology Education at the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland, New Zealand. Kerry has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters in Education specialising in Technology Education. Her Doctoral thesis currently underway investigates the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the academic achievement of primary school children. Kerry is passionate about the power of quality technology teaching.