Information for parents about Technology Education
What parents are saying about Technology
In this project Matthew Baird worked with RML Automation to design and make an improved 'grabber' for client Tony Granger who is immobile from the waist down and in a wheel chair.
See Case Study BP621: Industry Mentored Client-based Project.
Christine Patterson, about her daughter Kate (Havelock North High School)
"Technology improved Kate's work ethic, her ability to solve problems and develop solutions. It also enhanced her eagerness to learn. Technology developed all of these attributes, which made her a very attractive prospect to her current employer. She has found that these skills developed and nurtured by technology have helped her tremendously in her current career as a banking consultant. Although on the surface, banking and technology seem light years apart, the skills and disciplines learnt during her time studying technology apply to many areas in various workforces. " Kate gained an Outstanding Technology Scholarship in 2006.
Mike Baird, about his son Matthew (St John 's College)
"We could tell at home that Technology had become Matthew's favourite class as he started talking about it more and more. Part of the appeal for him was being given a project that went from concept to design to manufacture and then actually seeing his product put to serious use. This was hugely satisfying for him. The project management skills he gained will be of value to him no matter where his career path goes. Technology took Matthew out of the classroom as he was given mentors from industry that supported him with materials and expertise. This industry contact later grew into a summertime job. Matthew's technology class helped him make a decision for his current tertiary studies in mechanical engineering."
Janne Shaw, about her son Tim (Morrinsville College)
"The Technology achievement standards that my son did in Year 11 were fantastic. Tim tackled the tasks set before him with much enthusiasm. This included having to research and design a street luge, build it, critique the end product and how he achieved it. The best part was seeing Tim and his fellow students race their luges, and share in their success!
The achievement standards required the students to look at their mistakes and come up with solutions, a skill essential for success in all areas of schooling and life. The project taught Tim how important it is to research his project well, to think through the feasibility of the design with the resources he had available and to come up with solutions where possible. This required persistence as often the second and third solutions were not the answer.
The thought processes and skills learnt in these technology standards have proved to be very valuable in other subjects. I highly recommend this subject if you want your son or daughter to learn how to think through problems, create solutions and then to apply it. These are all skills required for success in today's world.
Geoff Steel, about his son James (Wellington College)
"For James, Technology opened up new worlds for him: the emphasis on the client, the overall design and production process, the materials and workshop skills, and even project management not to mention having to create a portfolio gave James skills that other subjects like physics, maths or English did not expose him to the same extent. Also big plus for James was that he had to show initiative and choose and follow through on his ideas, not some one else's. To see these succeed was a big confidence booster for him".
Jayne Poloie, about her son Joseph (Wellington College)
"Joseph has had a keen interest in art/ design/technology from a very young age. He loves the challenge of dealing with clients and trying to fulfil their wishes. I would seriously recommend encouraging your son/daughter [in Technology Education] if they enjoy any type of drawing/ painting/ designing/building because it has great potential and rewards."
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