The interdisciplinary nature of technology education: a means of promoting 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' activities

Abstract

Because the interdisciplinary nature of technology education facilitates its integration with other school subjects, che first aim of this study was to explore and illustrate the possible link between information technology (typewriting) and technology education. Secondly, the study attempted to determine learners' experiences in respect of the development of thinking skills by means of an interdisciplinary approach. This project was developed within a qualitative paradigm and with fourteen grade 10 pupils. It was evident chat a link between the two abovementioned fields can be successfully established and that education can promote the type of meaningful learning which empowers learners to be independent, courageous and responsible in talcing decisions. Purposeful learning opportunities must therefore be created in order to enable learners to participate in 'minds-on' activiries.