A Brief History of the Pupils' Attitudes Towards Technology (PATT) Conference

The Pupils' Attitudes Towards Technology (PATT) Conference series commenced in 1983 in the Netherlands, spearheaded by researchers Jan H. Raat and Marc de Vries as part of the "Physics and Technology" project. The conference was established with the primary aim of exploring students' attitudes towards technology and understanding how these perceptions could impact their learning and engagement in technological subjects. Over the years, the PATT Conference has evolved into a prominent international event, drawing educators, researchers, and policymakers from across the globe. It serves as a vital platform for presenting cutting-edge research, sharing best practices, and engaging in meaningful discussions about the future of technology education. Each year, the conference is hosted in different countries, showcasing its global reach and significant influence in the field. The most recent gathering, PATT41, took place at Nanjing Normal University in China from October 22-25, 2024. Looking ahead, the upcoming PATT42 in Montreal (2025) promises to continue this tradition, providing an exciting venue for innovative discussions and valuable networking opportunities among participants. This evolution reflects the ongoing commitment to enhancing technology education and fostering a deeper understanding of students' attitudes towards technology worldwide.

 

Here are a few anecdotes and interesting points about Marc De Vries and the PATT conferences:

1. The Origin Story: The first PATT workshop was held in 1983 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Marc de Vries, along with Jan H. Raat, initiated this workshop to explore students' attitudes towards technology. This small gathering laid the foundation for what would become an influential international conference series.

2. PATT Conference Official Language: Marc de Vries often humorously asserts that the official language of the PATT Conference is "broken English." This light-hearted claim reflects the diverse international backgrounds of the conference participants, who come together from various countries and cultures to discuss technology education. Marc's perspective on "broken English" serves as a reminder that the essence of the PATT Conference lies not in perfect language but in the exchange of ideas and the shared passion for improving technology education. This approach fosters an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to contribute, regardless of their language proficiency.

3. The Ten Commandments of PATT: Marc de Vries humorously outlined the "Ten Commandments of PATT" to guide the conference's culture. These include principles like "Thou shalt not apologise for thy English," "Thou shalt treat thy colleague attendants almost as family members," and "Thou shalt sincerely intend to come back to the next PATT conference". These commandments reflect the conference's emphasis on inclusivity, collegiality, and ongoing engagement.

4. Global Reach: Under Marc de Vries' influence, the PATT conferences have been held in various countries around the world. This global reach has helped foster a diverse and international community of technology education researchers.

5. Anecdote from New Zealand: During PATT-27 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Marc de Vries drew a humorous parallel between the conference and the historical voyages of Abel Tasman, the Dutch explorer who discovered New Zealand. He joked about the miscommunications between Tasman and the Maori, likening it to the challenges and successes of international collaboration in technology education.