History vs Technological advancement (a collision of modern thinking and product of an old world)

Ok I know this is probably out of left field, but to me it represents everything that is important about technological thinking and the skills we are trying to impart to our young minds. James Harris from Taipa Area school, up in the far North of the North Island, New Zealand, sent me a link to a spectacular resource that he had come across.

Vatican City, Sistene Chapel

Within it depicts a modern problem 'how to add lighting to the Sistene chapel' given that electricity and lighting could destroy the classical works of art that are painted all over the structural interior of the building by Michealangalo.

The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art.

A real problem/opportunity that required technological design and critical thinking skills to develop an outcome to meet the very specific set of specifications.
If you are looking for a case study to inspire then I would go no further than this.

I found this youtube clip to be inspiring and thought provoking, I hope that you enjoy the piece as much.

Optimising the safety context of the classroom workshop

I have dedicated this issue of the blog to

On the premise that it is something that technology teachers both consider in our practice and yet constantly struggle to create a successful, sustainable approach.

There is a shift in responsibility for health and safety as the New Zealand legislation is being reviewed and an added component is around the expectation that the PCBU (Person conducting business) in the role of the school this would be the principal would:

But the relative context of the classroom throws out the norms of what is considered good practice from industry, as our clientele are often not reasoning adults, there are no mandated controls (only guidelines)  and there is often overcrowding within the working space. http://technology.tki.org.nz/Technology-in-the-NZC/Safety-in-Technology-Education

In the interest of using inovative technological approaches to learning. I have shared a link to a basic youtube video demonstrating safety requirements in a workshop.

A big thank you to Steve Clark from Kerikeri high school who has shared his workshop safety checks and unit planning risk assessment sheets for others to peer review on the northern technology cluster VLN site. 

The purpose of the safety review at Kerikeri high school was in Steve's words to "Simulate a real life workshop experience for students, to prepare them for the workplace." while these documents are being trialled and reviewed to streamline the operation I am sure he would welcome some constructive feedback from colleagues. http://www.vln.school.nz/resources/view/918581/steves-safety-resources

In order to view these resources you will need to join the VLN and then the group if you havent already.

In response to first publishing this blog I have been sent some further resources focusing on textiles/materials technology from Natasha Bagley at Selwyn college, which I have also shared via the VLN. www.vln.school.nz/resources/view/918616/natasha-bagley-selwyn-college-soft-materials-safety-resources

It is a really positive sign that so many are willing to share through this space. If anyone has some examples of Health and safety protocols in a food or biotech room I would appreciate having a complete set.

 To finish off, I thought I would share a bit of humour. while visiting a school this week and passing through a year 12 BCT (Building & Carpentry trade class) I asked one of the four females present why she had choosen the class, her answer put me in my place by challanging my preconcieved assumptions! 

"I choose this class to surround myself with boys and male ego's so that when I join the Army next year as a rifleman (woman) I will be able to cope with all the crap they give me, as I dont have any brothers at home!"

The Theory of Everything - Technological existence

What is an idea without follow through?

At the begining of 2015 I reflected on the work that I had undertaken in 2014 in the area of technology curriculum PLD to teachers within Auckland/North area. I quickly made a evidenced based assumption that geographical location was a barrier to teachers getting together as a learning community. 

As part of my learning for the year I am going to undertake an Inquiry using Timperley,  Kaser & Halbert's spiral of Inquiry framework to build a sustainable online collaboration space for technology teachers.

Stage 1 = The scanning phase. To do this I thought I would ask teachers their opinions directly through a google form, compile the information to challange my assumptions and then trial some ideas.

I will share my Inquiry with you as I go through the steps, for two reasons. 1 - modeling an Inquiry in practice, 2 - To create sustainable and effective change in this area.

So please if you think I am harrassing you, be mindful that it is for a greater good and hopefully will end up being of value.

 Collaborative Share Space

Another point of Interest is the hope that through my blog I will share stories of technology teachers and the work/inquiries that they are undertaking within their schools that will inspire and connect teachers. So if you have something you would like to share please send me an email at n.price@auckland.ac.nz

Top Scholar - DVC

Jane Sun Waterhouse

- Epsom Girls' Grammar School

"Jane’s light product was inspired by the adaptability of chameleons.  

She explored the way they changed to blend into their environment as well as the way they used their tail to wrap around trees.  Her Photoflex light product is aimed at having many uses in daily life.  It is designed to cling to the arm of the user enabling comfortable use in many circumstances.  

It utilises the latest technology in materials and light production to create a product that will be fit for a variety of purposes. Jane aimed to create an innovative lighting product that would provide a great user experience. 

 Her work demonstrates outstanding ability in using sketches, models and digital media to explore, evolve and communicate her design ideas." Megan Dunsmore (HOD Technology, Epsom Girls Grammar)

What an inspirational piece of work!

NZQA - Facebook Alert

Scrolling through the endless stream of notifications to my Facebook feed. That I might add, I rarely check. I came across an alert from NZQA to inform me that they have published the chief moderators newsletter for 2015. I vaguely remember signing up for this last year, thinking that would be interesting to see how many times it gets used. However. I did receive it and it was full of the relevant information. 

(This wouldn't be a real blog without the gratuitous Cat Meme, please forgive me!) 

Having a look through it I noticed three things of interest that I thought I would share with the Technology community.

1. There are new and updated exemplars as well as clarifications for Technology Level 1 NCEA standards. Level 2 and 3 will be following later this year.
2. NZQA are offering three themed best practice workshops. Assessor Judgements, Connecting with contexts & collecting evidence.
3. There are explicit instructions for online moderation submissions.

If you would like further information or wish to link straight to the supporting documents, please follow the link here: 

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/technology/moderator-newsletters/february-2015/

Aspirational Excellence - Top Technology Scholar 2015

Top Scholar in Technology 2014 Briar Patel (17) from Aquinas college, Bay of Plenty

Who designed and implemented a educational tool to help children learn to cross a pedestrian crossing, in a fun interactive way. 

Worth a read as it an interesting project..........

2015 - Year of the Goat Teachers!!!

http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/goat.asp

Wow, I have to giggle.... for once teachers being recognised for their outstandingly positive qualities.

Try to remember these qualities that underpin us,  as the term starts to drag on and students are not so forthcoming with their work.....

I have set this picture as my positive affirmation/goal for 2015! Do you have one?