How technology makes us human: cultural historical roots for design and technology education

McLain, M., Irving-Bell, D., Wooff, D. and Morrison-Love, D. (2019) How technology makes us human: cultural historical roots for design and technology education. Curriculum Journal, 30(4), pp. 464-483. (doi: 10.1080/09585176.2019.1649163)

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Abstract

In the context of curriculum change within English education, and beyond, this article explores the cultural historical roots of design and technology as an educational construct, distinct from design or engineering, which exist as career paths outside of the school curriculum. It is a position piece, drawing on literature from a wide range of sources from writing, largely, outside of the discipline.The authors revisit the original intentions of design and technology as a National Curriculum subject and, within the contemporary challenges, discuss the importance of technology, including designing and making, as an essentially human and humanising activity. The aim being to contribute to the theorisation and philosophy of the subject, where typically practitioners focus on practical and potentially mundane concerns.This article asserts that technological human activity is rooted in technological innovation and determinism, inextricably linked to social human activity. The aim is to add to the literature and provoke debate around the place and value of design and technology. The argument for retention of the subject, as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, is presented from a social and technological perspective; recognising the value of the subject as cultural rather than a merely technical or economic imperative.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Culture, design and technology, philosophy of technology, pragmatism, technology and society.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Morrison-Love, Dr David
Authors: McLain, M., Irving-Bell, D., Wooff, D., and Morrison-Love, D.
Subjects:L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1501 Primary Education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1603 Secondary Education. High schools
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2361 Curriculum
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Creativity Culture and Faith
College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Pedagogy, Praxis & Faith
Journal Name:Curriculum Journal
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0958-5176
ISSN (Online):1469-3704
Published Online:07 August 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 British Education Research Association
First Published:First published in Curriculum Journal 30(4): 464-483
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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