What is TechnologyUK?

During the last few years I have been teaching a broad range of subjects that come under the general heading of "Technology". The subjects have included Data Communications, Internet and Multimedia Technology, Systems Analysis and Design, Networking, Computer Programming and Electrical Principles. Useful information can be found on most of these subjects on the Web and in text books. The text books, however, tend to be heavyweight affairs that cover one particular area of a syllabus. If students wish to purchase all of the recommended text books for a two year course (for arguments sake, let's say a BTEC National Diploma) they will have to spend rather a lot of money which they probably can't afford. Of course, libraries can provide some of the books, but usually have only a limited number of copies, and may not have the one book you really need, when you need it. The Web, on the other hand, offers millions of pages of information on everything under the sun, but finding accurate, reliable materials can be time consuming, simply because of the sheer volume of information out there. After all, anyone with Internet access and a modest amount of knowledge can now publish their own material on the Web. Whether they actually know what they are talking about is another matter.

With these things in mind, I decided to publish my own web pages covering some of the material I have taught over many years. I originally did this using my own personal web site as a vehicle, but as the project grew, it became increasingly apparent that it should really have its own domain and a somewhat more appropriate domain name. So here it is - TechnologyUK.net. It will continue to grow, and will hopefully provide a useful resource for students undertaking technology-related courses (and, of course, anyone who is just interested in technology). My aim in presenting these pages is to provide resources that will be useful to students at A-level and above, since most of my teaching has been for courses at NQF Level 3, which the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Website describes as:

Competence which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy, and control or guidance of others is often required.