Technology and Values
The Components within the Nature of Technology strand
Characteristics of Technology
This component demands that students explore a range of different types of values. Analysing the history of technological development provides insight into the way that different values as held by individuals, as well as those that have been 'institutionalised', have influenced past technological decision making and how these in turn impact on the values of others.
Analysing the influences on the growth of Living Nature as a commercial entity in New Zealand, and the influences on the specific products developed by this company provide clear examples of how technological decision making brings together personal values and serves to reflect, and possibly change, the values held by others with respect to personal care and care for the environment.
This component also provides opportunities for informed debate of contentious issues concerned with technology and the complex moral and ethical aspects involved in taking a particular position. The influences behind past technological developments can be explored and analysed to develop understandings of issues of diversity, equity, and respect for others. Looking at examples from the past where such issues have been ignored as well as when they have been addressed, allows students to more clearly identify the importance of these issues in contemporary society. Clashes between indigenous people and colonising forces provide a number of examples of past and contemporary contentious issues. One of these is the devaluing of indigenous knowledge and customs particularly in regards to imposed technologies.
Exploring technological developments in the area of medicine allows students to explore how people's different religious, cultural and environmental values interact in complex ways, resulting in negative outcomes for some groups. It also allows for an exploration of how benefits can be derived for all if a more consultative and informed approach is taken where by alternative views and values are afforded respect.
The Gift of Rongoa (Learning Media Applications edition published in 2005) provides a good starting point for such discussions.
Characteristics of Technological Outcomes
This component provides opportunity to examine the fitness for purpose of technological outcomes in the past, and to make informed predictions about future technological directions, based on social and personal values, and potential technological advancements. Interpreting technological outcomes relies on an ability to identify the purpose for the outcome and the values that underpinned its development and continued presence. Examining a range of historical, contemporary and potential future technological outcomes provides opportunities for students to interrogate notions of what is valued as being 'fit for purpose' across people, time and place. It also allows for a critical review of the fitness of any purpose, and how this may change as the values of both designers and users evolve over time and place.
The History Makers (Learning Media Applications edition published in 2007) discusses examples of the way things are valued differently across time, and how different social and cultural values can influence what is seen as appropriate in contemporary situations.
