In search of possibilities for teaching about technology in basic education

Abstract

What has been, historically, the role of scientific and technological education in Brazil? What is the function of this type of knowledge in the basic education? Is it relevant to talk about technology in the school environment, or do technological resources serve only as didactic tools? How should teaching about technology be approached in the context of discussions about ethnic-racial issues? Building on these reflections, this work seeks to emphasize the importance of promoting, within the scope of basic education, teaching about technology that incorporates the ethnic-racial perspective. Thus, the main objective of this article is to map studies that deal with technology as a theme of study and/or school practices, in the context of scientific and technological education. As a secondary objective, we seek to identify academic studies that address technological education within the perspective of education for ethnic-racial relations. The Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD) was used as the research field. The conducted research found studies that address the need to promote a more robust technology education in basic education, with a rich theoretical framework and a plurality of approaches. However, studies that include the ethnic-racial theme in association with technological education and/or possibilities for teaching about technology are still rare. It is understood to be necessary to address the theme of technology in basic education with greater emphasis, especially in relation to education for ethnic-racial relations, as engaging in this joint debate in the school environment can promote new imaginative possibilities regarding understandings of progress, development, and social advancement.