There cannot be Technology Education without Respect
In a laboratory, words like 'please,' 'thank you,' and 'you're welcome' are essential. The use of technology should be a vehicle for good principles, inclusive behaviors, and sustainable actions (as should be the case for any other subject). We cannot allow learning about technology to take precedence over living ethically, fairly, and sustainably. It would be like having the opportunity to teach history for the first time (history is taught to derive messages, such as the importance of peace and diplomacy), and then letting conflicts slide and thinking, 'Well, arguments happen.'

​

Cultivating a Technological Culture for everyone

We live in a world permeated by technology in every sector and many aspects of our daily lives. That's why it's up to us to lay the foundations for ethical, fair, and inclusive living in a world where technology is all around us. It's one of the first times in history that technology has become so widespread, and that's why we are responsible for establishing common rules for a new society. Education, culture.

 

Technology is interdisciplinary and can be "integrated"
An example? Robotics encompasses mechanics, electronics, and computer science. As such, it lends itself well to conveying and making various topics captivating. From geography to orientation, from music to painting, from physics to mathematics, from history to foreign language studies, from critical thinking to design... and more. The WOW effect of novelty that characterizes technology and robotics should not be seen as a threat to other areas but as a way to reevaluate and shed new light on techniques and practices from the past. Like 3D printing aiding archaeology or laser cutters promoting new digital artisans.

​

Technology speaks its own language: numbers, mathematics, computational logic, mechanics, electrical circuits... and we live in a technological world, whether we like it or not. We are surrounded by technology that supports us in many professions, which can be used as a tool to help others. Technology is now an integral part of our lives, so it's crucial for everyone to understand its language. Not just those who will make technology their profession. We should all have the opportunity to discover how technology works and understand how to use it to its full potential. And if technology one day does everything... what is left for us to do? What we do best, be human. Digital skills today are as essential as knowing how to read, write, and do math.

​

Participants are at the center

Whether they are girls or boys, teachers, educators. They have the priority. Everything is designed with them in mind (Montessori). Every workshop is designed to provide the best possible experience for those who will benefit from it. Every single aspect of the workshop is designed and thought out. For example, if there are 8 glues on the table in a workshop for 12 participants, it's not an oversight. It's a studied attempt to encourage sharing and avoid waste. If there are recycled or partially used papers on the table, they are there on purpose, to teach that you can have fun and learn by reusing materials.

In the workshops, you "do" and "get your hands dirty" (hands-on). Workshop participants are the protagonists, learning by being active creators and builders (Papert, 1986). In the workshops, ideas are exchanged, and inspiration is drawn from others. If mistakes happen, it's not a problem; you must try and be allowed to make mistakes to learn. Obstacles are faced with positivity and together. In the workshops, you don't just watch; you ask questions and seek answers to solve problems, then give life and shape to ideas to share them (Munari, 1992).

​

Open mind

In Tata's workshops, there are no prejudices or preconceptions. She believes that everyone can try, make mistakes, get involved, and have fun! Without the frustration of having to achieve impossible goals or perfection. Each workshop is dynamic, adapting in the moment to the people it encounters, their curiosity, their insights, and creating a positive experience that seeks a compromise between objectives, support, and freedom of expression (Resnick, 2017). The workshop is willing to change words, doesn't expect or need prior knowledge. Everyone can participate!"