“Thinking technologically can be summarized as the ability to see, in any subject or field, the possibility of using, through knowledge or thought, the tools and techniques of new technologies.” (MEN, 2004)
At the Instituto Pedagógico Nacional, the Technology and Computer Science Department seeks to develop students’ skills and competencies in order to strengthen technological thinking, enabling them to adopt a critical perspective and propose possible solutions to problems, needs, interests, or desires, thus responding to the demands of society.
The teaching of technology focuses on introducing a series of basic concepts related to each of the thematic axes proposed for every grade level, allowing students to apply them through model replication, situation analysis, and the creation of prototypes that respond to a proposed problem or project. Computer science, on the other hand, is related to information management and digital literacy in the use of specialized software to strengthen attentional processes, laterality, visuomotor synchronization, simulations, word processing, multimedia, and programming languages.
The department’s thematic axes include computational thinking, design, graphic expression, movement and control, management, technology, and society. These are developed throughout students’ school lives and are grouped according to skill sets. The department also works to ensure that students develop competencies that allow them to solve technological problems in their environment; reflect on the benefits and impact of technology within both local and cultural contexts; demonstrate technological literacy through the appropriate use of tools, artifacts, products, and systems; appropriate concepts and principles related to systems, structures, processes, resources, and materials; use different means for searching, managing, organizing, and analyzing information; and take advantage of Learning and Knowledge Technologies (LKT) to simulate, model, organize schematics, analyze data, develop symbolic mastery, logical processes, support learning processes, and strengthen skills.
Currently, the department offers different intervention spaces in addition to regular classes that strengthen students’ learning processes. These include workshops and projects.