The main purpose of this study was to explore the influence of a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme on the classroom practices and professional development of Technology Education teachers. Clarity was sought on how those Technology Education teachers who had participated in the CPD programme were influenced by the outcomes of the CPD programme in terms of their classroom practices and professional development. Although the school set-up and its management structure was not part of the outcomes of the CPD programme, the researcher felt that it was also important to highlight and describe from teachers’ point of view the nature of support (if any) that the teachers received from their respective schools to enhance their professional development and growth. A qualitative approach to research, in the form of multiple case studies was used in this study. Purposeful sampling was applied to select the three teachers who participated in this study. Data was collected using multiple qualitative data collection strategies and instruments that included the use of once-off semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and documents analysis. Findings from this study revealed that those Technology Education teachers who participated in the CPD programme under review in this study had their classroom practices and professional development, to some extent influenced by the outcomes of the CPD programme. Teachers confirmed that most of the teaching strategies they apply in their classes were adopted from the CPD programme under review. Teachers acknowledged that they had acquired new teacher Technology Education-specific teacher knowledge which in turn helped their learners to learn effectively in class. There is also evidence from the results of this study that suggest that teachers had been greatly motivated by the CPD programme to improve their Technology Education-specific teacher knowledge. However, teachers still lacked the ‘drawing skills’ that are critical to procedural knowledge. Further, the study revealed the need for the development of structured classroom activities that will assist novice Technology Education teachers to deal with the dynamics of the subject with much ease. Lack of effective curriculum management and support in schools were highlighted as inhibitors to the professional development and growth of Technology Education teachers. / Dissertation MEd--University of Pretoria, 2014 / gm2014 / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / Unrestricted

Syftet med uppgiften är att få kunskap om hur pedagoger uppfattar och ser på teknik i förskolan. För att undersöka detta har jag formulerat följande övergripande frågeställningar: Hur resonerar, uppfattar och ser pedagoger på begreppet teknik?, samt Hur arbetar pedagogerna med teknik i förskolan? Som metod har jag valt semistrukturerade kvalitativa intervjuer som tolkas utifrån fenomenologisk teori och sex pedagoger vid sex olika verksamheter i en kommun har intervjuats. Pedagogerna i studien ser teknikämnet som något positivt och tycker det är kul, men framför att många i deras arbetslag finner en viss rädsla för ämnet. Teknik behöver inte vara svårt och går att fånga i vardagen på förskolan, men det svåra är att medvetandegöra för barnen att de arbetar med teknik. Av studiens resultat framkommer att teknik på förskolorna framför allt är bygg- och konstruktion med olika strukturerade och ostrukturerade material, och att aktiviteter sker främst spontant och äger rum året runt både inomhus och utomhus.

Enhanced innovative learning through the purposeful development of effective blended teaching and learning environments supported by a variety of interfaces is a strategic focus of the NWU and specifically the Faculty of Educational Science. There are several emerging models to ensure effective online and blended learning but the prominent model that has attracted attention is the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework developed by Garrison, Anderson and Archer in 2000. The CoI framework is conceptually grounded in theories of teaching and learning in higher education and is consistent with John Dewey’s work on community of inquiry. CoI is deeply rooted into pragmatism as is evident in Dewey’s argument where he explains the idea of extracting meaning from experience. The focused of this study was on blended learning in a graduate teacher training course in Technology Education. The content of Technology as a subject is derived from other disciplines such as science, engineering and design. Due to the unique features of Technology as a subject, it was of great value, within this applied discipline, to investigate the unique patterns and relationships occurring among CoI presences in such a module of a teacher training graduate course. The purpose of the study was to:  develop an understanding of how the three presences (teaching presence, social presence and cognitive presence) in CoI enhance online learning;  investigate the extent of CoI in a blended mode of delivery within a TE graduate course; and  develop, implement and evaluate a module for a graduate course in Technology teacher training for a blended mode of delivery, based on requirements for the development of CoI. A design-based research methodology approach was followed for this study and included qualitative and quantitative methods in a multi-strand design. Design-based research is intrinsically linked to, and developmentally nourished by, multiple design and research methodologies, which utilises many data collection and analysis methods and which makes it suitable for a mixed method research. Findings from the literature review on the value of CoI for the effectiveness of online learning indicated that blended learning is dependent on the ability to facilitate a CoI. It is through the application of the principles for CoI that a successful transition from a face-to-face to a blended mode of delivery for the applied subject TE was possible. Findings with regard to the extent to which CoI manifested itself in this Technology graduate course indicated that teaching presence manifested itself to a good extent in the TE undergraduate course. The main findings that were of concern with regard to teaching presence included: insufficient clear instructions and communication, feelings of isolations and disconnectedness, lack of immediacy and the inability to connect online feedback to lecturer expertise. Although social presence did manifest itself to some extent in the TE undergraduate course, it was the hardest to establish out of the three presences. The main issues arising from the manifestation and existence of social presence included: insufficient sense of belonging in the online environment, students didn’t feel comfortable expressing themselves affectively as well as uneasiness to communicate, interact and participate online with other module participants. Finally, cognitive presence did manifest itself to a satisfying extent in the TE undergraduate course. Findings suggest that there was a not sufficient structured triggering events to create a sense of puzzlement which suggests that more activities must be included that will encourage reflection and therefore will improve the movement through the cognitive inquiry process. Other findings from the study indicated that students experienced time management and the coordination and management of group activities as challenging. These challenges experienced by students reflect a lack of self-regulation skills in learning presence. Other challenges included that students experienced in the online environment of blended learning included: accessibility, lack of technology skills and the newness of blended learning. Design principles for the manifestation and existence of CoI for effective learning within a TE graduate module were establish for teaching presence, social presence and cognitive presence. The research contributed to the field by reporting on the process of how CoI can be enhanced in a blended learning environment for a complex subject such as Technology, and by providing evidence based guidelines for the design and implementation of blended learning with CoI principles as guidelines. / PhD (Curriculum Development Innovation and Evaluation), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Enhanced innovative learning through the purposeful development of effective blended teaching and learning environments supported by a variety of interfaces is a strategic focus of the NWU and specifically the Faculty of Educational Science. There are several emerging models to ensure effective online and blended learning but the prominent model that has attracted attention is the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework developed by Garrison, Anderson and Archer in 2000. The CoI framework is conceptually grounded in theories of teaching and learning in higher education and is consistent with John Dewey’s work on community of inquiry. CoI is deeply rooted into pragmatism as is evident in Dewey’s argument where he explains the idea of extracting meaning from experience. The focused of this study was on blended learning in a graduate teacher training course in Technology Education. The content of Technology as a subject is derived from other disciplines such as science, engineering and design. Due to the unique features of Technology as a subject, it was of great value, within this applied discipline, to investigate the unique patterns and relationships occurring among CoI presences in such a module of a teacher training graduate course. The purpose of the study was to:  develop an understanding of how the three presences (teaching presence, social presence and cognitive presence) in CoI enhance online learning;  investigate the extent of CoI in a blended mode of delivery within a TE graduate course; and  develop, implement and evaluate a module for a graduate course in Technology teacher training for a blended mode of delivery, based on requirements for the development of CoI. A design-based research methodology approach was followed for this study and included qualitative and quantitative methods in a multi-strand design. Design-based research is intrinsically linked to, and developmentally nourished by, multiple design and research methodologies, which utilises many data collection and analysis methods and which makes it suitable for a mixed method research. Findings from the literature review on the value of CoI for the effectiveness of online learning indicated that blended learning is dependent on the ability to facilitate a CoI. It is through the application of the principles for CoI that a successful transition from a face-to-face to a blended mode of delivery for the applied subject TE was possible. Findings with regard to the extent to which CoI manifested itself in this Technology graduate course indicated that teaching presence manifested itself to a good extent in the TE undergraduate course. The main findings that were of concern with regard to teaching presence included: insufficient clear instructions and communication, feelings of isolations and disconnectedness, lack of immediacy and the inability to connect online feedback to lecturer expertise. Although social presence did manifest itself to some extent in the TE undergraduate course, it was the hardest to establish out of the three presences. The main issues arising from the manifestation and existence of social presence included: insufficient sense of belonging in the online environment, students didn’t feel comfortable expressing themselves affectively as well as uneasiness to communicate, interact and participate online with other module participants. Finally, cognitive presence did manifest itself to a satisfying extent in the TE undergraduate course. Findings suggest that there was a not sufficient structured triggering events to create a sense of puzzlement which suggests that more activities must be included that will encourage reflection and therefore will improve the movement through the cognitive inquiry process. Other findings from the study indicated that students experienced time management and the coordination and management of group activities as challenging. These challenges experienced by students reflect a lack of self-regulation skills in learning presence. Other challenges included that students experienced in the online environment of blended learning included: accessibility, lack of technology skills and the newness of blended learning. Design principles for the manifestation and existence of CoI for effective learning within a TE graduate module were establish for teaching presence, social presence and cognitive presence. The research contributed to the field by reporting on the process of how CoI can be enhanced in a blended learning environment for a complex subject such as Technology, and by providing evidence based guidelines for the design and implementation of blended learning with CoI principles as guidelines. / PhD (Curriculum Development Innovation and Evaluation), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Published Article / The study addresses a concern in higher education and specifically in Health Sciences and Technology regarding integrated and authentic assessment with an outcomes-based approach. From the information generated, an assessment model is proposed for application in Health Sciences and Technology. By applying the Delphi technique, a validated assessment model is presented for assessment in outcomes-based education and training in Health Sciences and Technology. The process and product of the research should add value to the assessment of learning in the outcomes-based approach in higher education with specific reference to Health Sciences and Technology.

Notwithstanding the possibilities offered by FET subjects in the field of Technology, the selection of these subjects is not very common which results in a shortage of skilled trade workers, impacting negatively on the country’s economic growth. The researcher was therefore interested to establish the determinants affecting Grade 9 learners’ selection of subjects in the field of Technology for the FET Phase in the Sedibeng area. By means of a literature and empirical study the aforementioned was investigated. In the literature study, which provided the foundation for the study, the rationale and value of Technology education and its infusion in the South African school curriculum were explored. This was followed by an examination of possible factors impacting on learners’ subject choice. The literature study was concluded by providing a concise outline of subject choices in the field of Technology as specified by the Department of Basic Education. The empirical study was based on a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design. The research consisted of two parts. A quantitative survey, using self developed questionnaires, was conducted in 17 schools among 10 Grade 9 Technology teachers and their learners (n=388) in two districts of the Sedibeng area. This was followed by a qualitative, phenomenological study in which three Technology subject facilitators working in the same area were interviewed. By applying a factor analysis, the quantitative research results revealed that central and peripheral factors affecting Grade 9 learners’ selection of subjects in the field of Technology for the FET Phase in the Sedibeng area could be distinguished. The central factors included the following: competent, compassionate teachers, the personal and developmental value of the subject, stimulation and the distribution of information regarding the subject. The range of subjects for the FET phase in the field of Technology offered by schools, the complexity level of subjects in the field of Technology, personal interest in a subject and future prospects offered by a subject constituted the peripheral factors. The qualitative findings were used to clarify, refine, explain and extend the quantitative results. The research participants in this part of the study indicated that much could still be done to enhance the competence and compassion of Technology teachers, that the value of Technology education should be better justified and that the availability and quality of resources in the field of Technology education deserves attention. There is thus evidence that much must still be done to make the selection of subjects in the field of Technology more attractive to learners.

Notwithstanding the possibilities offered by FET subjects in the field of Technology, the selection of these subjects is not very common which results in a shortage of skilled trade workers, impacting negatively on the country’s economic growth. The researcher was therefore interested to establish the determinants affecting Grade 9 learners’ selection of subjects in the field of Technology for the FET Phase in the Sedibeng area. By means of a literature and empirical study the aforementioned was investigated. In the literature study, which provided the foundation for the study, the rationale and value of Technology education and its infusion in the South African school curriculum were explored. This was followed by an examination of possible factors impacting on learners’ subject choice. The literature study was concluded by providing a concise outline of subject choices in the field of Technology as specified by the Department of Basic Education. The empirical study was based on a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design. The research consisted of two parts. A quantitative survey, using self developed questionnaires, was conducted in 17 schools among 10 Grade 9 Technology teachers and their learners (n=388) in two districts of the Sedibeng area. This was followed by a qualitative, phenomenological study in which three Technology subject facilitators working in the same area were interviewed. By applying a factor analysis, the quantitative research results revealed that central and peripheral factors affecting Grade 9 learners’ selection of subjects in the field of Technology for the FET Phase in the Sedibeng area could be distinguished. The central factors included the following: competent, compassionate teachers, the personal and developmental value of the subject, stimulation and the distribution of information regarding the subject. The range of subjects for the FET phase in the field of Technology offered by schools, the complexity level of subjects in the field of Technology, personal interest in a subject and future prospects offered by a subject constituted the peripheral factors. The qualitative findings were used to clarify, refine, explain and extend the quantitative results. The research participants in this part of the study indicated that much could still be done to enhance the competence and compassion of Technology teachers, that the value of Technology education should be better justified and that the availability and quality of resources in the field of Technology education deserves attention. There is thus evidence that much must still be done to make the selection of subjects in the field of Technology more attractive to learners.

Investigating Potential for New Media & New Technologies in Design & Technology Undergraduate Education This research explores potential for New Media and New Technology (NM & NT) in the Design School at Loughborough University. Using action research to investigate potential, this research develops a new way of managing inquiry based on Susman and Evered s five cycles of action research (Susman and Evered, 1978). In particular, it extends the double- helix metaphor (Dick, 2000) for action research. This new way of conducting action research looks at educational and IT- based aspects; in particular, developing strategies, guidelines and materials for implementing video podcasting (Vodcasting) and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) into Design School undergraduate modules. In looking at potential, the research involved 6 lecturer s interviews and thematic analysis. Findings suggest that limitations to the current uses of NM & NT related to lecturers lack of skills in NM & NT and scepticism about what the benefits might be. Some recognised potential for NM & NT to manage module administration. One lecturer wanted to stop students using dubious sources from the Internet for assessment on a Sustainable Design module. This led to using RSS to resolve this problem in a mobile learning scenario. In this research, 98 D and T students were surveyed to identify current uses of mobile technology. Results suggested that students would like module content streamed to their mobile device. Lecturers too could see benefits for NM & NT, if they stopped lecturers from having to repeat themselves to students. This led to using Vodcasting to resolve this problem in a mobile learning scenario. Video observational data was collected from 6 students using RSS to perform mobile learning tasks for a Sustainable Design module. The findings suggested that the technology at the time of study was not quite up to the task, although some NM & NT learning resources relating to Sustainable Design were found by students using RSS. Similarly, video observation data was collected from 4 students using Vodcasts to design electronic circuits. Findings showed more technological competence with this technology and students suggested future modules where this type of NM & NT would have further educational potential. Through exploring potential, this research develops new strategies, guidelines and materials for design and technology educators. This research reveals the educational benefits of Vodcasting and RSS in labs and workshops, and concludes that there is potential for NM & NT in D and T education.

This thesis explored the potential of engaging gifted and talented learners in an online community of inquiry promoted by the use of asynchronous discussion forums. It employed a mixed-method, case-study approach where non-participant observation of online interactions and focus group meetings with the tutors contributed to the qualitative analysis of how the members realised participation in the forums. Quantitative analysis of membership data and online questionnaire responses revealed member characteristics of the sample members and patterns of active (vocal and silent) participation. Analysis was inductive and interpretive, informed by an original synthesis of the theoretical perspectives of two theories: the online learning theory suggested by Garrison, Anderson and Archer (2000); and the cognitive and affective domains for learning skills, proposed by Bloom et al. (1956) and Krathwohl et al. (1964). Content analysis of over 3000 messages posted or read by approximately 4500 members revealed community-based and ability-based characteristics that enabled the group to deal with social stigma, co-construct knowledge and promote meta- learning skills. The study concluded that participation in online discussion forums held the potential to address several of the needs identified by research for gifted learners: The need for the company of like-minded and similar ability peers; the need to develop higher order thinking skills; and the need to become independent learners. In this online network, the gifted learners could receive communal support from other members and tutors who acted as 'mentors' and role models for honing interpersonal and thinking skills such that they were motivated to pursue their interests to their full potential.

The aim of this thesis is to explore the meaning of technical knowing in primary technology education. This is done by identifying and describing ways of knowing in relation to specific content (so-called objects of learning) of the school subject of technology. The purpose is to contribute to the body of teachers’ professional knowledge concerning primary technology education. In this thesis, the subject of technology is seen as representing technical knowledge traditions, characterized by specific ways of developing knowledge. Moreover, the knowledge is to a great extent embedded in actions. This perspective on technical knowing challenges the traditional distinction between theoretical and practical knowledge.   Data were generated through two Learning studies conducted in primary schools.  Learning study is a classroom-based, interventionistic research approach, in which teachers collaborate with a researcher, focusing on specific objects of learning, that is, on what the students are supposed to learn. In the studies, the capability to evaluate the fitness for purpose of technical solutions, and to construct a linkage mechanism allowing for transferring and transforming movement were examined. Students’ actions were video-recorded in order to document verbal and physical expressions of knowing. The data were analysed using phenomenographic analysis, resulting in descriptions of specific ways of knowing in terms of complexity, as well as critical aspects to discern in order to develop the knowing. The findings from the first study describe knowing in terms of discerning functions related to different types of users, as well as aspects of the construction in order to realize functions. The second study identified technical knowing as a specified analysis of the construction in terms of location and separation of joints in relation to different functions. These findings were then used to identify technical knowing in video material generated within another teaching context. The results suggest that knowledge concerning knowing of specific objects of learning related to the evaluation and construction of technical solutions is partly generalizable. In addition, the specified knowledge concerning the meaning of the object of learning generated during the Learning study process was described. This knowledge is suggested to be an important knowledge product of Learning studies. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 4: Submitted.</p>