Osaka International School

Middle/High School Course Descriptions

 Information & Design Technology

Aims                                                                                                                                                              

 MYP technology is designed to create a balance between the imparting of skills, the acquisition of techniques and knowledge, and the growth and awareness of the students’ personal responses.

 The aims of MYP technology are to:

• encourage an awareness of the impact of technology on society and the environment
• develop an appreciation of the international and intercultural aspects of technology
• provide a variety of technological information and ideas
• encourage curiosity, ingenuity, resourcefulness and discrimination
• stimulate self-confidence through the knowledge and application of technology
• develop practical skills through the creation of products/solutions
• promote effective, informed, appropriate communication
• foster responsibility for designs, decisions, actions and assessment
• promote effective cooperation and respect for individual differences when responding to technological challenges
• develop logical-thinking skills.

As well as the knowledge necessary to work towards these aims, the students will also acquire a number of skills:

Practical skills the ability to complete given tasks.

Analytical skills the collection, interpretation and use of information.

Organizational skills the planning of work and meeting deadlines.

Social skills the communication of ideas.

Objectives                                                                                                                         

The objectives of technology listed below relate directly to the assessment criteria, A–D. The objectives have been identified in relation to the design cycle which applies to all students’ experiences with information, materials and systems.

 A         Investigate

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• identify problems or needs
• formulate questions and a design specification
• use appropriate sources
• collect, select and organize information and materials
• compare and contrast information
• interpret information
• search for solutions or designs which could be adapted
• research the potential social significance of the product/solution.

B         Plan

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• judge, test and choose resources
• experiment and seek alternatives
• develop and synthesize ideas
• identify priorities
• predict outcomes
• create and communicate a logical sequence of work
• plan the use of time and resources.

C         Create a Product/Solution

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• use tools and equipment safely and efficiently
• follow a design specification
• monitor the quality of work
• use appropriate techniques, materials and equipment
• consider modifications to the design specification
• decide on the presentation of product/solution and techniques used.