Solar Powering the way forward

Some interesting observations about the future for Solar power as a source of energy.  The comparison is being made with the computer chip; increase in power and reduction in cost over time.

Whereas alternatives such as "clean coal" and "next generation" nuclear have yet to be costed in reality, solar provides real-time evidence of its reducing costs and increasing capacity.

The figures cited in this science alert [Solar power's steep learning curve]  indicate that in california during the 1980s the cost reduced on average 11% per year from 25cents/kWh [energy] to around 12 c/kWh.

IT it also cited that prices from 1980- 1995 for Photovoltaic energy dropped 35%, wind power 18% in contrast to Coal at 3% per year.

"In both concentrating solar power and solar photovoltaics, three factors are at work. The first is research and development of better technology. The second is manufacturing economies of scale. The third is the drive toward ever larger installations. Taken together, the three create a juggernaut of lower prices."

Peak oil and Technology Education for a sustainable future

Technacy predicts that a change in one part of the technological dynamic creates or forces a shift in the other elements.  So, if a change in the Eco-resource is forced upon a technology system both the; tools instuments and devices and The Knowledge, values and organisation of Agency must necessarily experience a shift and adaptation.

The video below cited on a Post Carbon institute site article, discusses oil as a dominating eco-resource. Special mention is made of the way trade [a purpsoe.context factor] is organised, operated and  fuelled [ie. the economy]. If our whole technological civilization is fueled on oil, and oil becomes more and more expensive- what can we expect to give in the agency, tools, instruments devices, and what purpose/context factors need to be re-evaluated. 

SO; Some decisions need to be made in how we educate young minds about technology. A technology curriculum in schools might somehow prepare children for a new way of thinking to cope with the probable changes ahead.  Industrial arts, Industrial technology, Food and textiles technology classes will need to 'de-materialise' their learning, teach systems thinking and complexity, foster critical thinking, show the relevance of economic activity to technolgical occupations, assess knowledge about values and attitudes embedded in technologies and their designs, and teach about sustainable decision making  -  somehow.  

Peak everything: see original source here.

http://www.whatawaytogomovie.com/

New international publication

Work, Learning and Sustainable Development

You can read an overview of the book here

Technacy makes an appearance in Chapter 10:  Technacy Education: Understanding Cross-cultural Technological Praxis  by Kurt W. Seemann