Kpe Koeno Gravemeijer

Science and Technology Education for the Future

Our current society is deeply influenced and shaped by artefacts, ideas and values of science and technology, for example in health care, energy, transportation and communication. Also, issues such as pollution and nuclear energy become objects of public debate. In their jobs, professionals are confronted with an increased use of information and communication technologies and the need for flexibility and life-long learning. ‘Non-sciencejobs’, such as nursing, increasingly require an understanding of science and technology.

Nurses’ and Technicians’ Communication and Learning at the Boundary

Our society is deeply influenced and shaped by artefacts, ideas and values of technology. Technological developments sometimes replace human work, but can also inform human work by making information more accessible and usable (Levy & Murnane, 2005; Kent, Noss, Guile, Hoyles, & Bakker, 2007).

Preparing Teachers to Teach Robotics in Primary Schools

Science and technology play an important part in present-day society. People need some degree of scientific and technological literacy to cope with the challenges and possibilities of the many products, devices and processes available. Robotics is a good example of this. For many people it is a black box. The way it functions is hidden under its superficial appearance, which may be that of a coffee machine, a squeaking baby doll, or a thermostat. People may learn to push the right buttons but remain unaware of what goes on underneath. Suchignorance may alienate people from technology. Primary schools can play a decisive role in preparing children for their future, yet science and technology do not have a strong focusin primary education.