The theme for the PATT42 conference is:
Transforming Technology Education: Bridging Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (AEDI)
​
This theme emphasizes the critical need to innovate and adapt technology education to create inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning environments. It challenges participants to explore how technology education can address systemic barriers and foster access to opportunities for all learners, regardless of background.
It invites discussions and contributions on:
-
Inclusive curriculum design and pedagogy.
-
Equity-focused technology integration.
-
Strategies for increasing diversity in STEM and technology education.
-
Initiatives that empower underrepresented groups in technology fields.
-
Transformative practices that bridge societal gaps through education.
The theme aims to inspire educators, researchers, and policymakers to collaboratively redefine the future of technology education.
Strands
​​​​​​
Strand 1: Promoting Equitable Access to Technology Education through Inclusive Curricula
Focus
This strand investigates curricula designed to promote equitable access to technology education, with a specific focus on technology educational goal, processes and content. Its primary objective is to ensure that all students—regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, gender, race, or ability—have the opportunity to acquire technological knowledge and engage in technological practices.
Through this research strand, we aim to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive technology education landscape, ensuring that every student is empowered to succeed in an increasingly technological world.
Key Topics
-
Improving access to resources and tools in rural and marginalized communities.
-
Promoting gender equity in technology education.
-
Ensuring inclusion of students with disabilities in technology education.
-
Integrating Indigenous and diverse cultural knowledge into technology curricula.
Aligning educational objectives, purposiveness, content, and processes with epistemological and/or political orientation
Strand 2: Transforming Pedagogical Approaches for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Focus
This strand emphasizes the transformation of pedagogical practices to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in technology education. It examines how teaching methods and approaches can shape students' attitudes toward technology education while fostering an inclusive environment that supports learners from diverse backgrounds.
Key Topics
-
Implementing culturally responsive pedagogy in technology education.
-
Developing strategies for creating inclusive classroom environments.
-
Applying differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
-
Providing professional development for teachers to integrate EDI principles.
Addressing implicit biases and stereotypes in technology education.
​
Strand 3: Future-Oriented Technology Education for Global and Social Change
Focus
This strand investigates the structural frameworks of technology education aimed at addressing the pressing global challenges that influence contemporary society and educational systems. Key issues include climate change and the technological revolution, particularly the transformative impact of advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI). It emphasizes the critical role of technological innovation in promoting sustainability, social justice, and economic equality, equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate and influence the future landscape.
Key Topics
-
Promoting technology education for climate action and sustainability.
-
Fostering socially responsible and ethical technology use.
-
Preparing students for future workforce needs in a changing world.
-
Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in technology education.
-
Adopting interdisciplinary approaches to technology education for real-world problem-solving.