Introduction
Our design and technology resources help students develop their knowledge of English language technical terms and helps them develop their speaking, reading and writing skills. The resources consist of design and technology theory, animations and exercises.
Design and technology theory
Design and technology theory in our D&T packages is explained using appropriate terminology and it is illustrated with photographs, graphics and animations that help students understand and learn. The language of design, mechanisms, plastics technology, structures, safety, tools, manufacturing, moral, cultural and environmental issues may be developed and learnt using our Multimedia Design and Technology Education resources.
Animations are used to aid understanding of both D&T theory and exercises, e.g. the animations in our Tools Module are used to help students learn the names of over 120 tools. Knowing the names of tools and equipment enables students to express themselves in a scholarly manner.
Design and technology exercises
Students' knowledge of the names of D&T tools, processes and principles may be developed and tested using our interactive tests with feedback and score, e.g. the mechanisms interactive tests. Differentiation is achieved by having two versions of the tests, multiple choice tests and tests with input fields.
Our software products include other exercises that help to develop students' literacy including:
- reading, writing and analysing design briefs
- reading and writing design and product specifications
- researching and evaluating information
- planning and recording plans using text and diagrams
- presenting design proposals using annotated sketches and formal drawing methods
- reading and understanding designs presented using formal drawing techniques
- evaluating ideas and designs and presenting evaluations textually
- developing and modifying ideas and designs through discussion, mental modelling and modelling using graphic, ICT and physical modelling.
Conclusion
Multimedia Design and Technology Education software products help students develop their English language literacy as well as their design and technology capability. The process of learning design and technology involves learning the language of design and technology. Our design and technology theory, animations and exercises encourage the development of scholarly written, verbal and graphical communication.