A subject that combines Natural Sciences and Technology offered in the Intermediate phase. Natural Sciences include the knowledge strands Life and Living, Matter and Materials, Energy and Change and Earth and beyond. Technology knowledge strands include Structures, Processing Systems and Control. Natural Sciences and Technology have their unique goals, focuses, developmental methods and processes. These two subject areas are closely interrelated.
Published in Chapter:
Curriculum Development and Open Distance E-Learning for the 21st Century: Natural Sciences and Technology Education Modules
Elize M. Harris (North-West University, South Africa) and
Leila Goosen (University of South Africa, South Africa)
Copyright: © 2021
|Pages: 22
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-7653-3.ch011
Abstract
The purpose of the study reported on here was the curriculum development of suitable natural sciences and technology education modules, including practical investigations to complement the theoretical content of these for open and distance e-learning (ODeL) in the 21st century. In light of this purpose, the chapter will especially mention assessment practices and tools, curriculum development, multimedia use, student engagement, learning management systems, and multiculturalism and diversity in the online classroom. The objectives were related to establishing the aspects that must be considered during the curriculum development of well-designed natural sciences and technology education modules, which will include practical investigations, and that students should be able to have opportunities to reflect on their engagement with practical investigations to complement the theoretical content of the modules for ODeL purposes in the 21st century and demonstrate their pedagogical content knowledge after having successfully completed natural sciences and technology education modules.