In this study, we aim to investigate activities using models in a design project in three technology classrooms. Activities that use models are important for students' development of knowledge and skills connected to the design process. Nevertheless, few empirical studies have thus far examined how models and modelling are used in a classroom…

The purpose of this study was to develop a program that incorporates computational thinking into technology education classrooms and to investigate its effect on students. Software (SW) education and physical computing education are frequently addressed topics in technology education, but education about computational thinking (CT) lacks interest…

Design education and practices increasingly involve distributed collaboration. However, its effects on students' design processes, and on the nature of collaboration instruction, remain unclear. The aim of this study was to extend the present understanding of distributed collaborative design by comparing the design activities regarding…

Making as a design-centered learning activity has recently received significant attention in education. We use literacies--how individuals use representations to learn--to explore the STEM literacy practices of experienced designers and makers. Describing makers' representational practices in STEM contexts can inform the design of literacy…

The availability of digital tablets in preschools has increased significantly in recent years. Literature suggests that these tools can enhance students' literacy and collaborative skills. As society becomes increasingly digitized, preschool curriculum reform also emphasises the subjects of technology and science as priority areas of learning.…

This paper aims at analysing the effect of implementing a long-term STEM-based active learning course on students' motivation. First of all, a course that introduces science, technology and engineering concepts to students was designed. The key point was to provide the students with authentic learning activities based on real-world problems. The…

Design activities typically involve and culminate in the creation of models representative of new ideas and conceptions. The format is often dictated by the specific discipline, with ideas in design and technology education regularly being externalised through the use of computer aided design (CAD). This paper focusses on the realisation stage of…

This paper explores the issue of how students might learn about sustainability in technology--education classrooms and the relevance of problem-solving in that learning. One of the emerging issues in technology education research is the nature of problem-solving specified in curriculum documents and the kinds of learning activities undertaken by…

Describes a study of eighth grade students that investigated collaborative problem solving using social constructivism as the framework in a technology-based learning environment. Discusses results of videos of student activities that showed collaborative learning, working independently of the teacher, and the need for more teacher support.…