Characteristics of technological outcomes
Technological outcomes are products and systems developed by means of technological practice for a specific purpose.
A technological outcome:
- is evaluated in terms of its fitness for purpose
- can be described in terms of its physical and functional natures
- must be interpreted in relation to the social and historical context in which it was developed and used
An outcome’s proper function is its intended and/or socially accepted purpose. Alternative functions are successful functions that have been discovered or developed by users. Outcomes that do not successfully fulfil their intended functions are malfunctions.
Related resources
Indicators of progression
Indicators of progression
The indicators of progression describe the knowledge, skills, and understandings that students should be demonstrating in the Characteristics of technological outcomes component of the Technology learning area.
Indicators are provided for each level of the curriculum and are accompanied by guidance for teachers.
Video
Year 1–2 technologists design for a purpose
In this video students investigate hats that were developed by people for a purpose. They look at the physical and functional nature of the different hats.
Teaching snapshots
Linking technology and literacy
Teachers at Waitaki Valley School used kits of technological outcomes to explore the physical and functional attributes of the objects.
Student led projects in digital technologies
Students chose their own digital technologies projects to suit their interests. The students' projects involved understanding characteristics of technological outcomes.
Technology in the School Journal and Connected
“Iris and Dog Star”, School Journal, level 3, May 2019
This story is based on the diary of Iris Marshall who sailed on yacht from New Zealand to Nouméa with her parents and a family friend.
Use this story to explore the characteristics of technological outcomes involved in yacht design and onboard the yacht.
Characteristics of technological outcomes: Key ideas (Word 2007, 31 KB)
Acknowledgment: This paper is derived from an earlier version by Dr Vicki Compton and Cliff Harwood.