Mrs Julie McMahon — Head of Department, Technology
Mr Baydon Harris — Teacher of Textiles
Mr Tim Armstrong — Teacher of Design & Visual Communication
With its focus on design thinking, Technology education supports students to be innovative, reflective and critical in designing new models, products, software, systems and tools, to benefit people while taking account of their impact on cultural, ethical, environmental and economic conditions. Technology subjects encourage risk-taking, lateral and divergent thinking, the development of multiple solutions to problems, trialling and experimentation, teamwork, and the management of resources effectively and efficiently.
Transforming and shaping how we live. Studying digital technologies develops the computational, problem-solving and design thinking skills that are necessary to design the software, websites and web applications that are essential to our daily lives. Students will develop an understanding of computer science principles that underlie all digital technologies. They’ll learn core programming concepts so that they can become creators of digital technology, not just users. In addition, they focus on the design of quality, fit-for-purpose digital solutions.
Students are challenged to apply critical thinking within a design process, to find solutions to a variety of practical problems. As part of the design process students learn to apply skills, such as freehand and technical drawing alongside tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, Archicad with laser cutting and 3d printing. DVC gives students a foundation of design skills that are applicable to a multitude of tertiary design courses including architecture, interior, landscape, graphic and industrial design.
Textiles develops these thinking skills by allowing students to experience fashion competitions where they showcase their work to a wider community. Textiles also allows for future career planning by connecting students with tertiary options and industry knowledge by showcasing what Dunedin fashion has to offer.