[Design and Technology] Keeping you up to date

[Peter Niass]

Thanks Lorraine, 
 
This latest release of the Federal Governments thoughts on the Future of
Schooling in Australia is almost devoid of references to the role of
technology in Education. It says that we are doing pretty well in Maths &
Science (about equal 5th on PISA standardised tests) but this is for 15 year
olds ability. It does not focus on the 19th place we get for student
satisfaction and engagement in Maths & Science. Our 15 year olds are capable
enough, but they are so turned off Maths, Science & Engineering that they do
not persue it as a career in university. 
 
This report should look at the declining numbers of qualified Maths, Science
& Engineering graduates we are producing to focus on the real problem. 
 
The report clearly shows that Finland has streaked ahead of the rest of the
world, but the report attributes this to 
"In their reforms in the 1990s which resulted in them moving to the
forefront of

student achievement, they abandoned uniformity in curriculum content and
moved to basing their teaching

and learning on rigorous curriculum standards while allowing schools
flexibility in the content of the curriculum

in achieving these standards.14 Strong school leadership and an outstanding
quality of teaching is what then

delivered the world's best student results."

They may well have adopted rigorous curriculum standards and and a flexible
content, but the report fails to mention that they also invested massively
in technology for schools. 

 
 
Cheers, 
 
Peter

-----Original Message-----
From: destech-bounces at edulists.com.au
[mailto:destech-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Tran, Lorraine I
Sent: Friday, 4 May 2007 4:56 PM
To: Design and Technology Teachers' Mailing List; Systems and Technology
Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: [Design and Technology] Keeping you up to date



Dear Colleagues 

 

You may be interested in looking at the following documents released
recently:

 

The Future of Schooling in Australia report is available at
www.education.vic.gov.au/about/news/newsalerts/adelaidedeclaration.htm 

Note Cross disciplinary learning area list includes technology (ICT and
design) as part of a broad and comprehensive curriculum (page 28).

 

The STATE GOVERNMENT launched its 2007-08 BUDGET this week. The brochure
over viewing components relevant to education highlights an 'engaging vision
for Victorian education' and 'a new generation of schools'. See
www.education.vic.gov.au/about/publications/budget/budget2007.htm

Note $50m to redevelop 30 technical wings at Secondary schools and to renew
equipment at all secondary schools. (I presume government schools.)

 

Regards, Lorraine.

 

 

Lorraine Tran

Curriculum Manager, P - 12 Design and Technology

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)

41 St Andrews Place

East Melbourne 3002

http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au

 

Email: tran.lorraine.i at edumail.vic.gov.au

Telephone: (03) 9651 4407

Mobile:       041 933 1630

 

The VCAA provides curriculum and assessment for prep to Year 12. The VCAA is
a statutory body directly responsible to the Minister for Education and
Training and serves government and non-government schools. 

 



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