Techno-philosophical and techno-pedagogical implications of a nonformal technology and design education model to empower youth: T3 foundation’s DENEYAP technology workshops program

Abstract

This mixed-methods analysis explores the DENEYAP Technology Workshops program, launched by the T3 Foundation in 2017, which aims to develop scientific thinking and problem solving at the intersection of teaching technology skills and design thinking among 4th- and 9th- graders through nonformal learning. The study sought to investigate the program’s techno-philosophical and techno-pedagogical formation. Data collection involved qualitative interviews with founders (n=20) and program developers (n=20). Additionally, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the program from multiple perspectives, lesson plans (n=11) were analyzed to assess the curriculum, whereas classroom observations (n=5) offered insights into instructional methods and learner engagement. The findings obtained through theories such as technology, pedagogy and content knowledge; technology philosophy; and design thinking reveal that the harmony between leaders’ and instructional teams’ visions, and the presence of a solid techno-philosophy in a technology and design education program lead to considerable success; the program’s collaboration with official and unofficial institutions provides incalculable benefits; empathizing (needs analysis) stage at design cycle is crucial and yields critical insights; and the program fosters interest and competency in techno-scientific thinking skills among learners. Conversely, indicating areas in need of improvement in the program, continuous trainer professional development is pivotal; infrastructure and material provision are essential, and there is a lack of quality assurance in assessment practices, in other words, the test stage at design cycle. This study of the innovative, practical and skills-based program points to the critical role of nonformal learning in preparing the next generation for a technology-driven future through the intersection of technology and design education immersed in a strong and rigorous techno-philosophical and techno-pedagogical design.