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For some time TEFA has been concerned about the use and misuse of terminology in relation to technology, technology education and information technology. The colloquial use of the term technology and the extensive use of IT in our society has lead to some confusion regarding the meaning of these terms and this is having negative impact on the understanding of Technology Education. TEFA undertook to contact all education systems and other interested stakeholders (see letter below) to alert them to potential problems and asking them to ensure their use of these terms is clear and consistent with the TEFA definitions. TEFA has been overwhelmed by the unanimous support of education systems across Australia. Responses included: ...consistent and clear use of terminology plays a vital role in the communication of quality teaching and learning programs... (Minister for Education, South Australia) Your advice regarding the nature of technology education is most timely (Queensland School Curriculum Council) Education Queensland will ensure that the matter of careful use of terminology is addressed (Office of the Minister of Education,Queensland) ...a copy of the recommendations contained in your letter will be forwarded to schools... (Minister of Education, ACT) ...the narrowing of the understanding of the term technology to mean computers and equipment is confusing...it is not supported in NSW (Minister for Education, NSW) ...the issue you raise is an important one...the Department appreciates the work done by TEFA in supporting and promoting the teaching of technology in Australian schools. (Education Victoria) ...the points you make are educationally sound and I have amended our Information Technology policy in the light of the clarification you request. (Queensland Independent Education Union) ...use of terminology by the Department appears to consistent with your proposal (Education Department of Western Australia)
As the peak teacher professional association for technology education in Australia the Technology Education Federation of Australia (TEFA) is concerned about the confusion of terminology in relation to technology, information technology and technology education. I am writing to seek your support to remove this confusion and ensure that, in particular, the education community is clear about the use of this terminology. In secondary schools, the technology learning area encompasses a wide range of school subjects including those within Home Economics, Industrial Arts,Media, Agriculture, Design, Technology Studies, Textiles and Design, Computing Studies and Information Technology (IT). "Technology is often used as a generic term for all the technologies people develop and use. It involves the purposeful application of knowledge,experience and resources to create products and processes that meet human needs." (A Statement on Technology for Australian Schools) Technology Education is not Information Technology. Information Technology is part of the curriculum of Technology Education, a type of Technology. Information Technology, as part of Technology Education, is a study within the learning area. Students learn Information Technology and Computing Studies as subjects in their own right. In addition, IT is also used across the curriculum to enhance teaching and learning as do other educational technologies (white boards, overhead projectors and the like). Over recent years the rapid development of Information Technology has had an increasing impact on learning (learning technologies) and educational administration systems. Many education systems have developed "technology" arms, referring to personnel who advise on and/or implement IT strategies. This use of "technology" leads to considerable confusion for the technology educator, implementing their various curricula. Further, it is common to find educational and other community leaders referring to "technology" when in fact they really only mean IT. The multiple uses of the word "technology" propagate unnecessary confusion. It increases the difficulties of relating to the educational and wider communities the nature of the technology learning area - too often Technology is thought of as only Information Technology. It is timely and appropriate that the government and education community clarified the use of these terms. We strongly urge you to consider a determination of policy, that the term Information Technology be used to refer to computers and related learning technologies. The term Technology be reserved for use when referring to all things technology, as defined above, in curriculum or out of it. Consistent and clear use of appropriate terminology in relation to technology education, technology and information technology will not only help our students, teachers and administrators, but would enhance the wider community understanding of these concepts. The Technology Education Federation of Australia asks that, within your areas of responsibility, you consider these issues. Your positive action in regard to these matters will greatly advance the understanding and implementation of Technology Education across Australia.
Ian Webb TEFA Chair 2 September, 1998
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