Introduction to technology
2.1 Purpose
Technology education was introduced into the South African curriculum in recognition of the need to produce
engineers, technicians and artisans needed in modern society and the need to develop a technologically literate
population for the modern world. The subject stimulates learners to be innovative and develops their creative and
critical thinking skills. It teaches them to manage time and material resources effectively, provides opportunities for
collaborative learning and nurtures teamwork. These skills provide a solid foundation for several FET subjects as well
as for the world of work.
In the educational context, Technology can be defined as:
The use of knowledge, skills, values and resources to meet people’s needs and wants by developing practical
solutions to problems, taking social and environmental factors into consideration.
2.2 Specific aims
Technology as a subject contributes towards learners’ technological literacy by giving them opportunities
to:
• Develop and apply specific design skills to solve technological problems.
• Understand the concepts and knowledge used in Technology education and use them responsibly and
purposefully.
• Appreciate the interaction between people’s values and attitudes, technology, society and the environment.
The intention is to introduce learners to the basics needed in Civil Technology, mechanical Technology, Electrical
Technology and Engineering Graphics and Design. Additionally, learners gain an idea of the way engineers apply
scientific principles to practical problems. In addition, evaluation skills will be fostered and the introduction of product
design and production will be useful in other FET subjects that use these skills – such as Consumer Studies and
Design.
