The development of a technology short course in South Africa

Abstract

In January 1994 a non-government organisation (NGO) in South Africa began to develop a technology course for secondary school pupils in South Africa. The course was originally intended as an enrichment course for pupils on an extra-curricular Saturday school programme. It was to be delivered to pupils in senior secondary school as a first introduction to technology. It soon became apparent that there was significant interest in implementing the course in schools. There was also·a willingness by industry and by the ministers of education in the new South Africa to support a move into schools. This article will discuss the development of the course framework and highlight some of the aspects affecting technology in South African schools.