Teaching Design and Technology Online
By the time you read this we will have been under lockdown for 49 days… who would’ve thought? Two weeks became 3 weeks then it was extended again or was it the other way around?
When we started online teaching most of us felt lost and must have watched the various “how to” videos at least 50 times. Now however, 49 days in, it’s old hat. Teaching Design and Technology has made me realise that things are always changing, and people are always looking for innovative ways to produce new products.
When reflecting on the situation in which we find ourselves today, I cannot help but think that Design and Technology will play a huge role in the future. For example, think about all those Zoom meetings you have attended. Now, as you know, you can change the background, but how professional is that Eiffel Tower in the background? Is that the look you want when hosting that all important board-meeting? I see that there is a South African company that sells professional-looking office and boardroom backgrounds. They can even recreate your actual office so you and your staff can feel right at home. Isn’t it amazing what Design and Technology software can do?
In Design and Technology, students are taught to improve the design of an existing product or design a something completely new altogether- the aim being to create something which will make our daily lives that little bit easier. My students are busy designing health care facilities made from shipping containers, vertical farming installations, fold-away study tables and an eco-friendly school, to name just a few of the exciting projects we have underway.
I am sure that we are all looking forward to seeing their final designs.
Julian Harrison
Design and Technology Teacher
The President’s Award
We are delighted to announce our partnership with The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment (TPA). Blouberg International School will register all the Year 8 students of 2020 for the Bronze level of the President’s Award programme.
The Award offers young people skills, experience and a credible reference with evidence that a young person has shown that they are willing to prepare themselves for a purposeful future by investing in their own development. Employers look for skills and experience, but ‘formal education’ is not a substitute for skills and schooling is not a reliable signal of capabilities.’
“The Award develops each individual uniquely with achievements that cannot be measured on paper. It teaches real-life skills like work experience, interpersonal expertise and self-discipline” – Azhar Booley
It is internationally acknowledged that the completion of one or more levels of the Award suggests to an employer or a scholarship adjudicator that the individual has gone beyond the minimum in preparing themselves for the world of work and further learning, providing greater insight into the individual’s character and capacity to achieve in whatever circumstances they find themselves in.
The President’s Award creates opportunities for young people to develop their character, discover their purpose and determine their futures. The Award is designed to reward perseverance and inspire individual action through challenging, but non-competitive activities.
The Award brings together practical experiences and life skills, it builds confidence, encourages physical health and recreation; and motivates young people to engage with their communities.
There are many benefits to doing the Award. The award is gained through individual improvement and achievement, which means that disadvantaged young people and those with special needs are able to participate fully! It’s a process, not a prize. The Award is earned through regular effort, commitment and improvement.
For more information visit: https://presidentsaward.co.za/
Riaan Vosloo
High School Teacher