Keynote Speaker: Building Technology Links for Secondary Schools

Abstract

The future of technology in education is uncharted territory. Apart from the National Technology Statement ('Technology for Australian Schools,' 1992) there is no clear structuring, indicating the desired direction of computer technology within the education system. Yet at this very moment, many educators such as myself are implementing technology and computer education throughout the school curriculum. Educators should aim to encourage the application of technology, develop and understand the principles of technology, and explore the consequences of applying technology to different situations, thus treating technology not only as a process, but as a tool. Teachers in Australia are currently in a state of transition towards a more technologically focussed syllabus. It is here that teachers of the Graphics, Art, Film and Television, Drama and Design Education discipline are experiencing difficulties. There is much uncertainty regarding the introduction of computer-aided design drafting into their subject area. Despite the hesitancy, it should be acknowledged that computers and CAD with respective graphical software have an important role to play in supporting the curriculum.