What is the abstract of the article?
The aim of the research is to examine how technology is communicated in technology education in relation to humans, society, and nature in a preschool class. According to the Swedish curriculum for a preschool class, pupils should be given the opportunity to explore, ask questions and discuss technology and how the choices of people affect sustainable development. Teachers make different choices about, for example, content and what they do and do not say. These choices have an impact on how pupils perceive technology as part of the world and are called companion meanings. In terms of data, sound recordings and field notes from four technology lessons in a preschool class were used. The data was analyzed, with a focus on what types of companion meanings emerge in conversations between teachers and pupils. The analysis of companion meanings was based on two themes: Subject Language and Subject Focus. The results of this study demonstrate that pupils learn companion meanings of various types: for example, technology is something positive and unproblematic. Other types of companion meanings gave the pupils opportunities to reflect on how the technical choices of humans affect nature. Different kinds of companions’ meanings offer different ways for pupils to relate to the surrounding environment.
Was the study experimental or non-experimental? Explain, tell us what made that clear.
Non-Experimental. The method they decided to use to conduct this study was taking two preschool teachers and 15 students. Observation sessions were conducted to gather information. All observations were documented and recorded over a few various times. There wasnt any planning on how these observations wre gonna go about and the data was collected in real time as they occur within the classrooms.
Was the research qualitative or quantitative? Again, explain.
The research was qualitative. The reasoning behind this is because we were presented so,e data but the way the research and sample were described and was completed was the observation that was first-handed as well as focus groups and participant-observation which all fall under the umbrella of qualitative research.
What was the population studied? Why do you say that?
The population studied was teachers and preschoolers.
What sample was used for this study? Explain.
In the article and research, it states the sample was showcasing different companion meanings and different relations between humans, society, nature, and technology within technology education in preschool classes.
What was the method of measurement?
The measurement scale used I would say was Nominal. “To strengthen its reliability and validity, transcripts and field notes were read numerous times.” within the study.
What was the method of analysis?
The method stated in the article that they used for this study was having two preschools teachers, and 15 pupils aged either 6 or 7. The teachers participating in the study were chosen based on the fact that they teach preschool classes in the fields of science and/or technology. The observation study happened through a few sessions and the data was documented with sound recordings during lessons.
What was the conclusion of the study?
The conclusion or summary of the results was that “humans are inspired by nature and develop technology, while nature and technology in this context are described as the object.”
Why is this study useful to you? Explain in detail.
I found this article randomly but found the whole topic and area of what they were studying interesting. This study focused on how technology is communicated in technology educations and the relationship this has within a preschool class. The type of companion meetings that are formed by teachings. Depending on the information that is being taught and what is being said and presented by the teachers will affect how this information will be digested by students. I think this concept is interesting and should be further investigated, as technology evolves every day and is a concept that will not be going away anytime soon.
What would be the next logical step in extending this study?
I think since this study was conducted on preschoolers, I think it would be interesting to keep this data in mind and conduct similar studies with different age groups. With all of the collected data from various classrooms and age groups, it would be interesting to compare and contrast this. The information could be eye-opening to see how different age groups and how technology is presented and understood in technology education within these different classrooms.
Johansson A-M. Examining how technology is presented and understood in technology education: a pilot study in a preschool class. International Journal of Technology & Design Education. July 2020:1-16. doi:10.1007/s10798-020-09584-z https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=bcd1a784-2e63-4dde-9773-d882143e7b0d%40sdc-v-sessmgr02&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=144494060&db=aph
Hi Natalie, I loved reading your journal article review around how technology is presented and understood in preschool classes. The choices surrounding content and what is said within the classroom definitely plays a role in how students perceive technology and the world around them. Furthermore, you did well in explaining the next logical steps for this study. I would be interested in seeing this study being conducted at an elementary, secondary and tertiary level. The comparison between the different levels could provide more insight on the development of students. How information is presented does the determine how well it is digested by the class. With that said, I wish there was more elaboration on the conclusion of the study.
I think an analysis of technology and preschool-aged children to be unique post others wouldn’t think to look into. The article helps to clarify certain questions regarding what specifically is the importance of such an experiment, and justifies why the researchers think the way they do. Overall, the article provides useful insight into the works of technology with preschool kids. In addition, it explorers deeper meanings behind this lesson into understanding how to better incorporate technology into our lives and education. All of this is helpful for understanding the development of humans as well as better means of development of technology for these purposes.
I’m a little confused as to the purpose of the article and the meaning of ‘companion meanings’. I understand it has something to do with technology and future sustainability. But I’m a little unclear as to how and why they chose the age group that they did. It also seems like a small number of kids to research. I agree that it would be interesting to see on different age groups and maybe get a broader selection of students to research. Explaining why you liked the article did clear it up a little bit more as to what the purpose of the article was.