NST2602 Assignment 2: Exploring
Technology Education Concepts and
Applications
,QUESTION 1 PART 1:
Activity 1.2
2. Conceptual knowledge refers to systems concepts. It is concerned with the relationship
between items of knowledge. It is not merely factual knowledge but consists of ideas that
stimulate thinking skills for the technical activities.
Procedural knowledge refers to design, problem solving, system analysis (system approach),
optimisation, modelling, and strategic thinking (heuristic, algorithms, and metacognitions)
Similarities.
Both conceptual and procedural knowledge are categorized under the technological
knowledge applicable to Technology education and digitisation. The both form part of the
knowledge and skills relevant to the different field of technology such as Civil Technology,
Engineering Graphics and Design, Mechanical Technology, and electrical technology.
Conceptual knowledge stimulates thinking and procedural knowledge involves strategic
thinking and metacognition suggesting that both are related to the cognitive processes
involved in technological activities.
Differences.
Conceptual knowledge is primarily about understanding ideas, concepts, and the relationships
between them within technological systems and fields. Procedural knowledge is about
knowing how to perform tasks, solve problems and apply methods or strategies in
technological contexts. Conceptual knowledge provides the foundational understanding,
while procedural knowledge involves the application of this
understanding through processes like design, planning, and using specific techniques (like
heuristic discovery or following algorithms)
3. Algorithms are increasingly used to make decisions, and while they offer benefits, they
also present challenges.
Algorithms can quickly process huge amounts of information, leading to faster decisions.
They don't get tired or emotional, so their decisions are always consistent. Algorithms can
find patterns in data that humans might miss.
Algorithms might not fully grasp complex human situations, leading to decisions that lack
empathy or understanding. If the data used to train algorithms is unfair, the decisions they
make can continue or worsen existing inequalities. Many algorithms are like "black boxes,"
making it hard to see how they reach their conclusions, which can lead to distrust.
When an algorithm makes a mistake, it's not always clear who should be held accountable. As
algorithms take over decision-making, some jobs might disappear.
Algorithms are great for efficiency and consistency, but their limitations and ethical
implications need careful thought. The best approach might involve combining human
, judgment with algorithmic support. Ultimately, the future of decision-making likely lies in
humans and algorithms working together, using the strengths of both.
4. Heuristic and metacognition are both are both components of procedural in
Technology Education, falling under the umbrella of strategic thinking, focus on different
aspects of the learning and problem-solving process.
Heuristic is all about figuring things out by trying them. It is experimenting or learning
through trial and error. You actively explore and discover solutions.
Metacognition is about being aware of how your brain works, while learning or solving a a
problem. It means understanding your own learning process and adjust how to think about
reaching goals.
Heuristic is the action of discovering, while metacognition is the awareness of and control of
your own thoughts during discovery.
Activity 1.3
1.Durability refers to the ability of a building material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage
over time. It is critical property that determines how long a material will last under various
environmental conditions.
Malleability is the property of a material that allows it to be deformed or shaped under
compressive stress without breaking. This is important in construction for materials that need
to be formed into specific shapes or structure.
5. Plastics present a major environmental concern due to their energy-intensive, fossil fuel
dependent production and their non-biodegradable nature, which contributes to long term
waste and widespread microplastic contamination. Despite efforts to recycle, low rates and
the inherent non-recyclability of many plastic types exacerbate environmental degradation.
While promising biodegradable and recycled alternatives are being developed, their real-
world environmental advantages still vary highlighting the ongoing challenge of truly
sustainable plastic use. Recycled alternatives are being developed, their real-world
environmental advantages still vary highlighting the ongoing challenge of truly sustainable
plastic use.
Activity 1.4
1.Orthographic projection is a core engineering drawing technique for showing a 3D object
on a 2D surface. It works by projecting views of an object at right angles onto different plans
revealing its true shape. Typically multiple views (often 3) are used, and its crucial to include
the correct projection.
In South Africa, the two main methods are taught first – angle and third angle orthographic
projection. The primary difference between these methods lies in how the different views are
arranged on the drawing. First angle has its own arrangement; third angle projection
Technology Education Concepts and
Applications
,QUESTION 1 PART 1:
Activity 1.2
2. Conceptual knowledge refers to systems concepts. It is concerned with the relationship
between items of knowledge. It is not merely factual knowledge but consists of ideas that
stimulate thinking skills for the technical activities.
Procedural knowledge refers to design, problem solving, system analysis (system approach),
optimisation, modelling, and strategic thinking (heuristic, algorithms, and metacognitions)
Similarities.
Both conceptual and procedural knowledge are categorized under the technological
knowledge applicable to Technology education and digitisation. The both form part of the
knowledge and skills relevant to the different field of technology such as Civil Technology,
Engineering Graphics and Design, Mechanical Technology, and electrical technology.
Conceptual knowledge stimulates thinking and procedural knowledge involves strategic
thinking and metacognition suggesting that both are related to the cognitive processes
involved in technological activities.
Differences.
Conceptual knowledge is primarily about understanding ideas, concepts, and the relationships
between them within technological systems and fields. Procedural knowledge is about
knowing how to perform tasks, solve problems and apply methods or strategies in
technological contexts. Conceptual knowledge provides the foundational understanding,
while procedural knowledge involves the application of this
understanding through processes like design, planning, and using specific techniques (like
heuristic discovery or following algorithms)
3. Algorithms are increasingly used to make decisions, and while they offer benefits, they
also present challenges.
Algorithms can quickly process huge amounts of information, leading to faster decisions.
They don't get tired or emotional, so their decisions are always consistent. Algorithms can
find patterns in data that humans might miss.
Algorithms might not fully grasp complex human situations, leading to decisions that lack
empathy or understanding. If the data used to train algorithms is unfair, the decisions they
make can continue or worsen existing inequalities. Many algorithms are like "black boxes,"
making it hard to see how they reach their conclusions, which can lead to distrust.
When an algorithm makes a mistake, it's not always clear who should be held accountable. As
algorithms take over decision-making, some jobs might disappear.
Algorithms are great for efficiency and consistency, but their limitations and ethical
implications need careful thought. The best approach might involve combining human
, judgment with algorithmic support. Ultimately, the future of decision-making likely lies in
humans and algorithms working together, using the strengths of both.
4. Heuristic and metacognition are both are both components of procedural in
Technology Education, falling under the umbrella of strategic thinking, focus on different
aspects of the learning and problem-solving process.
Heuristic is all about figuring things out by trying them. It is experimenting or learning
through trial and error. You actively explore and discover solutions.
Metacognition is about being aware of how your brain works, while learning or solving a a
problem. It means understanding your own learning process and adjust how to think about
reaching goals.
Heuristic is the action of discovering, while metacognition is the awareness of and control of
your own thoughts during discovery.
Activity 1.3
1.Durability refers to the ability of a building material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage
over time. It is critical property that determines how long a material will last under various
environmental conditions.
Malleability is the property of a material that allows it to be deformed or shaped under
compressive stress without breaking. This is important in construction for materials that need
to be formed into specific shapes or structure.
5. Plastics present a major environmental concern due to their energy-intensive, fossil fuel
dependent production and their non-biodegradable nature, which contributes to long term
waste and widespread microplastic contamination. Despite efforts to recycle, low rates and
the inherent non-recyclability of many plastic types exacerbate environmental degradation.
While promising biodegradable and recycled alternatives are being developed, their real-
world environmental advantages still vary highlighting the ongoing challenge of truly
sustainable plastic use. Recycled alternatives are being developed, their real-world
environmental advantages still vary highlighting the ongoing challenge of truly sustainable
plastic use.
Activity 1.4
1.Orthographic projection is a core engineering drawing technique for showing a 3D object
on a 2D surface. It works by projecting views of an object at right angles onto different plans
revealing its true shape. Typically multiple views (often 3) are used, and its crucial to include
the correct projection.
In South Africa, the two main methods are taught first – angle and third angle orthographic
projection. The primary difference between these methods lies in how the different views are
arranged on the drawing. First angle has its own arrangement; third angle projection
