Conceptions of technology in physics teachers’ training courses

Abstract

There has been an increased emphasis on technology in the educational context. However, is not clear what technology is. Frequently, people think technology as applied science or as an artefact, like a computer or a smartphone. Technology is rarely seen as a process or the relationship between technological innovations and social, economic, and historical aspects. Nevertheless, are teachers prepared to discuss technology in the classroom? This article presents a qualitative analysis of the conceptions of technology in physics teachers’ training courses. To this purpose, Pedagogical Projects of 19 undergraduate courses are analysed. Analysis indicates that conceptions of technology criticized by the literature are present in those documents, such as technology as applied science, technology as an artefact, linear model of technological development, and technological determinism.

Keywords

• concepções de tecnologia
• física e tecnologia
• educação tecnológica
• ensino de tecnologia