Discerning technological systems related to everyday objects: mapping the variation in pupils' experience

Authors: Svensson, Maria¹; Ingerman, Åke²

Source: International Journal of Technology and Design Education, Volume 20, Number 3, August 2010 , pp. 255-275(21)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Understanding technology today implies more than being able to use the technological objects present in our everyday lives. Our society is increasingly integrated with technological systems, of which technological objects, and their function, form a part. Technological literacy in that context implies understanding how knowledge is constituted in technology, and in particular how concrete (objects) and abstract levels (systems) are linked. This article has an educational focus concerning systems in technology education. Using a phenomenographic approach, the study explores pupils' experiences of technological systems as embedded in four everyday objects. We identify five qualitatively different ways of understanding systems, ranging from a focus on using the particular objects, over-focussing on the function of objects, seeing objects as part of a process, and seeing objects as system components, to understanding objects as embedded in systems. As a conclusion, we suggest an educational strategy for teaching about systems in technology education.

Keywords: Technological systems; Technological objects; Artefacts; Understanding technology; Technological literacy; Teknisk bildning; Technology education; Phenomenography

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10798-009-9084-x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Education, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 300, Gothenburg, 405 30, Sweden, Email: maria.svensson@ped.gu.se 2: Department of Education, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 300, Gothenburg, 405 30, Sweden

Publication date: 2010-08-01