The purpose of education is to train students to tackle problems in their surroundings. The issues of education differ from conventional approaches to education and learning because students work on their projects from problems’ definitions rather than the concept of the project (Flowers 1998, p.20). According to the writer that the problem is a requirement or desire that has to be fulfilled. The significance of using problem-solving strategies to education and learning is that learners learn about the various ways to solve issues. After a variety of ways to handle technological design issues are decided upon the most efficient method is chosen and implemented.
The author provides two primary reasons for why many products created such a way do not meet the needs of the market. Thus, he proposes solutions to the current problems. The first is that “…technology professionals or students designers create a small number of the products that are available today to satisfy the needs of consumers” (Flowers 1998, p.21). To support this claim the author asserts that the vast majority of products are designed so that they are able to be sold on the market. The identification of a problem or necessity is not needed since consumers can be altered to adapt their preferences to the existing product. The consequence of this for education and learning is that the technology-based education systems should not just train students on methods to develop new products, but also on the mechanism to change the habits of consumption of individuals.
Thus, students of technology require training on how to convince customers to buy products through sales, so that they are able to buy specific products, even though they do not require these items. Furthermore, the writer is satisfied that at times, instead of altering products using technology to address specific issues changing the system by changing a policy is the most desirable approach. This may affect my work since it suggests that instead of focussing on teaching students to discover solutions to practical and technological problems using tangible solutions they should also be taught to manage design problems in a way that is intangible. This includes the means that provide tangible solutions that can bring about the desired change, or to fulfill a need that is emerging through the development of the necessary policies.
Based on the arguments above It is clear that individuals have little control over their surroundings. This is the Taoist way of thinking about technological advancement and education. In accordance with Taoism philosophical principles, “…some other belief systems do not place humans in a fight with nature” (Flowers 1998, p.22). Technology must be utilized in a way that promotes peace between the human race and the cosmic realm. In fact, any attempt to use technology in a way that is not respectful in relation to the environment could end up destruction of the entire universe.