Abstract:

What is TEC-MIX 123? It is a technological method of analysis and evaluation of human artifacts with the goals of achieving technological literacy. TEC•MIX 123 is a freethinking curriculum developed by the technology student and facilitated through the technology teacher.

The technological method is a way to discover the truth about technology. It’s a logical search for knowledge about any and all aspects of human technology. The scientific method is merely a logical procedure for problem solving. In simplified terms, it can be described as a circular activity: 1) question 2) observe 3) report 4) revise. Scientists have long taken pride in their objectivity. That is, their effort to report events “ as they are” rather than contaminated by feelings of the observer.

TEC-MIX 123 is an approach to technological literacy through the identification of an artifact's systems' signature. This is achieved through an analysis of all specific System Models that apply to any single or composite technological specifics of an artifact's origin and present day existence as it relates to it's history, mathematics and science, cultural, societal, political and environmental impacts. This is done by discovering an artifacts Super Systems Model, through its inherit technological systems.

TEC-MIX 123 provides:
Open-ended problem solving
Learners as instructional material developers
Teacher as facilitator
Few constraints and limitations on design yet model within the standards
Fidelity through objectives of standards based learning
Based on pedagogical constructivism
Evaluations based upon student performance and participation

The intended goal of this course for these students is to further their knowledge of the Design World by investigating and identifying multiple integration of technological systems inherit to any single or composite technological artifact and create cross-studies of those models into a unified, integrated super-systems model. In addition to identifying the unification of systems model, these students will identify and report math and science components, as well as the combined benefits and/or negative social impacts related to these super-systems model.

Beyond the study and impacts of individual technological system models as identified through studies of our Design World as part of the benchmarks and standards for Technological Literacy, this approach to the unification of systems models promotes a real-world approach for studies to examine and investigate the integration of those systems inherit in any single or composite technological artifact. The greater need for students to identify and create unification of systems models into super-systems models will develop a greater understanding of the overall complexities inherit in any one technological artifact. By identifying, developing and evaluating Tec-Mix123 model, students can create a better understanding of the complex mechanisms of the world.

Keywords:

Technological Method, Systems Model, Curriculum Development.