Burns Reading

These questions in response to the following reading: Burns, J. (Ed.) (1997). Technology in the New Zealand curriculum: Perspectives on practice. Palmerston North, New Zealand: Dunmore Press.

1. What is a general description of what technology is?

Technology is the "means by which human beings have sought and provided for survival and enjoyment" (p. 15). It  therefore includes the the systems and processes of production, as well as the products which most people think of when they think of technology.

2. What are the differences between Science and Technology?

There are many differences between Science and Technology. Firstly, Science and Technology have different goals. Technology aims to interfere in and change the world, while Science seeks to explain both the natural and man-made world. Another difference is that scientific theory explains cases in general terms, while technology is more specific. Science is separated from the social context and practical aspects that characterise technology.

3. In what ways, if any are Science and Technology interwoven?

Science and Technology are interwoven. Existing technology is a precursor for scientific inquiry. Scientific understanding often comes after a new development in technology. Reciprocally, technological developments further science as they provide a means of investigating new hypotheses.

4. 'Technology is values free'. Do you agree or disagree with this statement. Justify your answer.

I disagree with the statement that technology is values free. "Since earliest times people have developed technology to meet basic needs of food and shelter, to maintain health and provide care for the very young and very old" (p. 16). People have evolved over time, and technology has evolved with us. It is no longer just a means of survival, especially in Western society. Technology is driven by the wants and needs of society, by what society values. New technology is developed and evolves to meet the ever-changing criteria specified by society, and is therefore very closely linked with values; the opposite of 'values free'.

5. In Figure 1.2 on p.27 of the reading, Pacey's (1983) conceptual model of three aspects that contribute to technology is shown. What are these three aspects and how do they contribute to our understanding of technology?

The three aspects of Pacey's model are cultural, organisational and technical.

 ]In the cultural aspect, people's beliefs and values are acknowledged. 

The organisational aspect is the way technological development is handled by society. 

The technical aspect is the knowledge and skills that contribute to technological problem solving.

Having these different aspects of technology allows for a better understanding of what technology is as it endorses the idea that technology is a process or environment that is socially constructed, not just a product.