Over the years, computer technology had been slowly introduced to many classrooms throughout Australia. With the ever-growing range of techological tools that can be used in the classroom, and the increasing demand for technology education for Australian kids, the teaching of technology has undertaken somewhat of a facelift. In the last seven years alone, the Australian Government has granted Australian schools (primary/seconday and government/non-government) a total of $34 million through the Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM). A large share of that money has gone towards providing Australian students with access to desktop computers, laptops, SMARTboards, the Internet and audiovisual technology, as well as resources in the field of Science and Mathematics.

In the early nineties, as the techno-boom in schools was still stirring, the Australian Education Council issued a book outlining the need for a greater push in the teaching of technology in Australian schools. It was unanimously believed that whatever learning occurs in the classroom will “prepare students for living and working in an increasingly technological world and equip them for innovative and productive activity” (Australian Education Council). As well as preparing students for tomorrow, the teaching of technology benefits students today as technological programs encourage students to generate innovative and productive ideas in their classroom and share them effortlessly. By understanding the technology today, these students will be able to utilise new technology tomorrow, as well as predict the direction of technology to greater prepare themselves.

In the past, the teaching of technology was largely teacher-directed, where the teacher guided students through programs to teach them the basics. Technology today calls for greater autonomous interaction by students to enhance their own understanding and self directed learning. Allowing students the opportunity to explore technology retains that sense of wonder in the unknown and a willingness to delve into unfamiliar terrain to investigate, explore and learn. Simulation and Modeling are two topics that can be utilised effectively by teachers who wish to either introduce students to technology in the classroom or encourage individual learning as both are highly interactive. In the past, simulation and modeling did occur, however, this was through, perhaps, dramatic roleplay in a Creative Arts lessons or through diagrams in a Science lesson. Simulation and modeling, in regards to technology today, follow similar principals, however, the technological and interactive aspects enhance and bring them to an advanced and modern platform.