[Year 12 IPM] ICT in the Essential Learning Standards

[Bill Kerr]

I think the problem with ICT in the curriculum is more dramatic and 
conceptual than the "interdisciplinary nature" of ICT.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.
-- 
Bill Kerr
http://billkerr.blogspot.com/
http://intranet.woodvillehs.sa.edu.au/kerrbi/index.htm

On 6/23/05, Christophersen, Paula P <
christophersen.paula.p at edumail.vic.gov.au> wrote:
> 
> 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 *apply *ICT knowledge and skills to:
> 
> · develop understandings (ICT for visualising thinking)
> 
> · demonstrate understandings (ICT for creating)
> 
> · share understandings (ICT for communicating)
> 
> in other areas of learning.
> 
>  How they actually *acquire *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. 
> 
>  I'm very happy to respond to any queries you may have regarding this 
> matter.
> 
>  Regards
> 
>  Paula Christophersen
> 
> ICT Curriculum Manager
> 
> VCAA
> 
> 41 St Andrews Place
> 
> EAST MELBOURNE 3002
> 
> (03) 9651 4378
> 
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