I think the problem with ICT in the curriculum is more dramatic and conceptual than the "interdisciplinary nature" of ICT.<br>
<br>
Software is a medium for storing / transforming knowledge - there have
only been a few such mediums in human history: machines, books, DNA,
stuff like that. Software is the latest and arguably the fastest, most
efficient, most flexible, evocative etc. yet. <br>
<br>
ICT, for want of a better descriptor, cannot just be added onto the
existing curriculum or integrated with it because software - the whole
phenomenon of "being digital" - represents a brand new way of doing
everything. <br>
<br>
At this stage only the enthusiasts "get it" and they are the people
found here, on ICT lists. They are a minority in schools but will carry
the message into schools as best they can. Our numbers will grow, there
is no doubt about that.<br>
<br>
In the meantime, School (big S) will try to adapt and constrain the
computer to make it fit the existing curriculum through sheer inertia,
silly buggers and other means. Nothing new there.<br>
<br>
No solution is adequate because we are in the middle of a paradigm
shift but the best available solution for government would be to give
the ICT enthusiasts as much power and encouragement as possible. Sooner
or later it will happen, in the meantime the policy from the hierarchy
could make a big difference but I don't think the hierarchy "gets it"
either. <br><br>
Maybe in India and China the hierarchy does get it, they seem to be
powering along while the West is scratching it's head wondering why.<br>
-- <br>
Bill Kerr<br>
<a href="http://billkerr.blogspot.com/">http://billkerr.blogspot.com/</a><br>
<a href="http://intranet.woodvillehs.sa.edu.au/kerrbi/index.htm">http://intranet.woodvillehs.sa.edu.au/kerrbi/index.htm</a><br>
<br><div><span class="gmail_quote">On 6/23/05, <b class="gmail_sendername">Christophersen, Paula P</b> <<a href="mailto:christophersen.paula.p@edumail.vic.gov.au">christophersen.paula.p@edumail.vic.gov.au</a>> wrote:
</span><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div><p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lately there has been some discussion about the 'interdisciplinary'
nature of the ICT domain and its status in the Essential Learning Standards.
Being a member of the Interdisciplinary Learning strand does not preclude ICT from
being offered as a dedicated subject. Being interdisciplinary means that in
their learning, students will <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">apply </span></b>ICT
knowledge and skills to:</span></font></p>
<p style="margin-left: 11.35pt; text-indent: -11.35pt;"><font face="Symbol" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;">·<font face="Times New Roman" size="1"><span>
</span></font></span></font><span dir="ltr"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">develop understandings (ICT for
visualising thinking)</span></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 11.35pt; text-indent: -11.35pt;"><font face="Symbol" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;">·<font face="Times New Roman" size="1"><span>
</span></font></span></font><span dir="ltr"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">demonstrate understandings (ICT for
creating)</span></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 11.35pt; text-indent: -11.35pt;"><font face="Symbol" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;">·<font face="Times New Roman" size="1"><span>
</span></font></span></font><span dir="ltr"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">share understandings (ICT for communicating)</span></font></span></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">in other areas of learning.</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">How they actually <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">acquire </span></b>these
knowledge and skills is up to the school. For example, the locus of learning
may be in a dedicated ICT subject where students would develop/acquire ICT
knowledge and skills using authentic data and information pertaining to other
domains. OR, other schools may construct a learning environment where the acquisition
and application of ICT knowledge and skills occurs in non-ICT classes. The
choice is yours. The Essential Learning Standards document does not mandate how
students will acquire the ICT knowledge and skills, but it does state the standards
that must be demonstrated at progressive levels of learning. </span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">I'm very happy to respond to any queries you may have
regarding this matter.</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Regards</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Paula Christophersen</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">ICT Curriculum Manager</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">VCAA</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">41 St Andrews Place</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">EAST MELBOURNE</span></font><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> 3002</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">(03) 9651 4378</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></font></p>
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