Design and technology curriculum development in initial teacher education through partnership with local industry

The paper discusses the development of a specialist subject study course in Design and Technology with Computer Studies through a partnership project funded by the Economic Awareness in Teacher Education Project at Goldsmiths'. The aim of the project was to build on the student teachers' experience of conducting personal research to expand their awareness of local industry in the context of information technology. The material presented shows the range of computer control applications explored by the students with support given by ourselves and the local Education Business Partnership Education Officer. Also addressed by the presentation are the implications for initial teacher education curriculum courses with regard to: National Curriculum technology and curriculum themes; developments in teacher education; developing partnerships with the community including industry and commerce.