Aims of MYP Technology

1. “…the know-how and creative processes that may assist people to utilize tools, resources and systems to solve problems and to enhance control over the natural and man-made environment in an endeavor to improve the human condition…’. ~ UNESCO 1985 Aims of MYP Technology JLOwens 8/2010

2. Design Cycle INVESTIGATE Analyze at every stage PLAN EVALUATE CREATE A SOLUTION

3. The following skills will be required and honed: • Practical Skills – Completing given tasks • Analytical Skills – Collecting, interpreting and using information • Organizational skills – Planning work and meeting deadlines • Social Skills – communicating ideas and working in collaboration with others

4. Investigate • Brain Storming • Research Methods • Social & environmental impacts • Sources & Cultures • Recognize the technology • Historical & cultural implications • Specific situational needs • Simple & complex • Attitudes about it • AOI implications

5. Design • Sketch/write up multiple possible ways of creating the product • Measure against design specifications • Justification for final design choice

6. Plan • Managing Time & Resources • Review Plans • Acknowledge Sources

7. Create Product/Solution • Choose methods & tools • Follow plan (journal) • Adjust as necessary • Work cooperatively • Adapt to new ideas • Follow a schedule

8. Evaluate • Compare solution to original need • Access the aesthetic and practical qualities of the solution • Suggest improvements • Is it an efficient solution? • Reflect on their own involvement • Cultural impacts • Self evaluation on project

9. Assessing Technology

10. Criterion A: Investigate Maximum 8 Investigation is an essential step in the design cycle. In order for this step to be assessed, students must produce documented evidence of topic research and analysis in their design workbook.

11. Criterion B: Plan Maximum 8 Planning is of primary importance in the demonstration of the ability to organize both time and resources. In order for this stage to be assessed, students must document their work plan and justify their choice of alternatives in their design workbook.

12. Criterion C: Create Maximum 8 Creating products/solutions is the aim of all technology programs. In order for this stage of the design cycle to be assessed, students must submit a process journal as part of their design workbook with all amendments to the planning stage as well as the product itself. Note: Students will sometimes embark on very ambitious projects or ones which may encounter many unforeseen obstacles. The emphasis of MYP technology is on the exploration of its three branches and on the design process. Assessment involves the student’s engagement in the whole design cycle. In some circumstances a product or solution which is incomplete or does not function fully may still result in a good level of achievement for criterion C.

13. Criterion D: Evaluate Maximum 8 Evaluation is necessary in all technology projects. In order for this stage in the design cycle to be assessed, the student must provide documentation of the assessment of both the product/solution and process, and a form of self-assessment.

14. Criterion E: Attitude Maximum 4 This criterion focuses on an overall assessment of two aspects: the student’s personal engagement (motivation, general attitude, confidence, etc) the degree of personal independence in his/her work. By their very nature these qualities are difficult to quantify and the assessment should take into account the context in which the unit of work was undertaken.  The assessment should bear in mind the amount of encouragement that the student needed, the interaction between student and teacher, the student’s attention to deadlines and procedures, etc.