SA NCS:Electrical Technology
Introducing the Subject
DEFINITION
Electrical Technology focuses on the understanding and application of electrical and electronic principles and the technological processes inherent in the production of products, services and systems in order to improve the quality of life.
PURPOSE
Electrical Technology will expose learners to the relevant knowledge and skills, taking cognisance of the following outcomes:
- understand the social contribution of Electrical Technology with regard to economic growth, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and as a tool for change, improving the quality of life and providing solutions that are responsive to individual and community needs;
- identify and solve problems in the Electrical Technological environment using critical and creative thinking, in order, among others, to develop the creative potential of learners;
- communicate effectively using verbal, written, visual and graphical communication as well as mathematical
- skills as applied to Electrical Technology;
- organise and manage activities responsibly and effectively;
- collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate relevant information;
- use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the rights and health of others, with particular reference to managing the impact of Electrical Technology on natural resources, cultural values and socio-economic development; and
- demonstrate an understanding of the ethical considerations, values and attitudes which relate to Electrical Technology.
Learners will be prepared for career pathways and additional education and training opportunities by:
- applying knowledge and skills in Electrical Technology;
- developing entrepreneurial skills;
- exploring education and career opportunities; and
- learning to be sensitive to the rights of others, including those with disabilities and those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
SCOPE
Electrical Technology affords learners the opportunity to carry out practical projects, experiments and real-life tasks using a variety of processes and skills. The subject Electrical Technology is organised to include:
- technology processes and communication methods;
- safety;
- tooling;
- measuring instruments;
- principles, generation and application of electricity;
- protective and switching devices;
- electronic and digital systems;
- society, technology and the environment;
- occupational safety for industry;
- SABS code of practice 0142; and
- ISO standards.
In order to ensure mobility between National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels, progression to Higher Education and access to careers in Electrical Technology, the subject includes but is not limited to:
- the application of mathematical, physical, electrical and electronic principles;
- engineering and technology problem solving, basic design and graphics;
- the concepts of electrical, electronic and digital systems;
- effective technical, supervisory and general management principles;
- language presentation skills including terminology, style, structure and graphical support; and
- knowledge of codes, practice and legislation.
EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER LINKS
At the General Education and Training level, the Technology Learning Field is an integrated study covering a wide range of technological areas. Technology is organised around the following themes:
- Society and environment;
- Technological capability, knowledge and understanding; and
- Processes and skills.
The General Education and Training Technology Learning Area encourages learners to engage in investigating, designing, making, evaluating and communicating solutions. At the Further Education and Training level, learners will be equipped with the basic knowledge and skills needed to ensure competence and confidence within the Electrical Technology environment.
In the Further Education and Training band, training and practice is integrated to allow learners the opportunity to exercise and reinforce technical skills and apply acquired knowledge in order to provide orientation for career pathways such as:
- electrician;
- auto-electrician;
- electrical fitter;
- electrical engineer;
- electronic engineer;
- electrical draughtsperson;
- electrical or electronic technician;
- electrical or electronic technologist;
- academic in the field of Electrical Technology; and
- electronic mechanician.
These career pathways also offer new scope and opportunities for people with disabilities (e.g. deaf learners) to be economically independent.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcome 1: Technological Processes and Communication
The learner is able to understand and apply technological processes related to Electrical Technology ethically and responsibly, and to communicate the findings through the use of the appropriate terminology and communication methods.
In this Learning Outcome learners develop the ability to identify, design, develop and evaluate processes and products related to Electrical Technology (known as the technological process), and to communicate the findings through the use of appropriate electrical and electronic terminology.
Learning Outcome 2: Principles and Practices
The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, principles and practices related to Electrical Technology by organising and managing own activities responsibly and effectively considering the interrelatedness of systems as a context for problem solving.
This Learning Outcome is comprised of electrical and electronic principles and practices.
Learning Outcome 3: Society, Technology and the Environment
The learner is able to adapt and deal with changing job markets, consumer attitudes and international benchmarking related to Electrical Technology, through critical engagement with social, economic and environmental influences, in order to progress to `world citizenship'.
This Learning Outcome seeks not only to create awareness in learners about non-discriminatory access to
employment and services, but also to prepare them for the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities
available through the economic integration of national and international economies.
ACRONYMS
AC -- Alternating Current
AIDS -- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AM -- Amplitude Modulation
CASS -- Continuous Assessment
CPU -- Central Processing Unit
dB -- Decibel
DO -- Developmental Outcome
FET -- Further Education and Training
FM -- Frequency Modulation
GET -- General Education and Training
HIV -- Human Immunodeficiency Virus
IKS -- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
ISO -- International Organization for Standardization
LCD -- Liquid Crystal Display
LED -- Light-Emitting Diode
LDR -- Light-Dependent Resistor
NCS -- National Curriculum Statement
NQF -- National Qualifications Framework
OBE -- Outcomes-Based Education
OHS -- Occupational Health and Safety
PLC -- Programmable Logic Controller
RLC -- Resistance, Inductance and Capacitance
SABS -- South African Bureau of Standards
SABS 0142 -- SABS Standard for the Wiring of Premises
SAQA -- South African Qualifications Authority
SI -- Systeme International
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