[Year 12 IT Apps] some study design input..

Mon Feb 16 16:19:11 EST 2009

Hi Paula and study design team,
It is clear to me that many teachers, myself included, when it comes to assessing outcomes, develop their own individual criterion. Perhaps, if a clear set of guidelines(template?) to developing outcome specific criteria could be included in the new study design.
It has become a clear concern, last year was an excellent example, of staff struggling to teach/prepare/assess 3 outcomes for each unit, perhaps consider the option to follow the year 12 format of only 2 outcomes,  in slightly greater detail/depth, per semester. This will also allow consistency with the year 11/12 formats.

On the introduction of any new topics...
Can we get informed EARLY of any new topics needed to be taught to allow for any upskilling we may need to do in order to do justice to the new topics.

The problem of schools budgets and software licence costs for any new programs..classic case is the now defunct FrontPage and its replacement.(still to be addressed at my school for instance)

Finally, do we really need to cover every topic in the time window available...some of us battle to do justice to the topics already in the design.

As I think of 'specifics' I will post them to you either direct or via the lists....

...Speaking of which, I just thought of a big offender...does the term "Virtual collaboration" ring a bell?  Clarity and definition plus some clear examples and HOW to implement this with various software available to all of us (Catholic, independent and state systems). This is probably more vital to the newer teachers of the syllabus than those like myself who have 'worked it out the hard way'.

Another area I feel probably needs greater detail is exactly what needs to be taught or not taught..."Project Management"...and how to do the calculations, plus a key list of PM terminology(industry standard terminology) needed, not just what the publisher of a text gives you. Particularly for those without an operations management background or mathematical background. 

Happy with the databases content...(once I got my own skills up to par!)
Happy with the spreadsheet content...

The programming content for Unit 2 OC1 needs to be made clearer in its specifications. eg. "Demonstration of improved learning"...sorry, but this is just too vague in its definition and leaves the window for 'improved' rather wide open. (given not all IT teachers come from a 'programming' background...some are from operations, others management, others marketing etc (me? Ops/middle management/low end programming - but interested in automated systems and industrial applications). 
Mind you, some are also fresh from uni with no industry bg at all!

I feel lucky in that I had some industry experience prior to teaching so this helped me 'adapt' as a teacher...

Oh, just thought too...
How to make the link from a VELS study (7-10) environment to the VCE given that students may come from a school where the VCE is the first time they meet some of these new skills(Perish the thought of the poor teachers of these kids!). Its far-fetched but nevertheless, possible!

As I think of more, I will post 'em.

Cheers,

Kent.

Kent Beveridge,
I.C.T. co-ordinator
St. Brigids Catholic Sec. College
 http://www.stbc.vic.edu.au/ <http://www.stbc.vic.edu.au/> 
Horsham Ph (03) 5382 3545
kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au
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________________________________

From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Christophersen, Paula P
Sent: Mon 2/16/2009 10:22 AM
To: Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List; Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List; yr11it at edulists.com.au
Subject: [Year 12 IT Apps] Reminder: feedback on study design

Dear colleagues

Last week I posted a message inviting you all to comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the study design. This information will be considered by the Review Panel, which is charged with the responsibility of developing a revised study design.

Suggested areas for comment include:

o        suitability of outcomes

o        workload

o        clarity of language

o        nature of content

o        level of student interest

o        balance between theoretical and practical components. 

What do you like and don't you like about the study? We want to hear both the strengths and weaknesses of the current study, because we are mindful of developing a revised study which supports continuity of good practice with a touch of innovation.  

You can either post your comments to the list, or directly email them to me. The panel needs to hear your thoughts!

Regards

Paula

Paula Christophersen

ICT Curriculum Manager

VCAA

41 St Andrews Place

EAST MELBOURNE 3002

(03) 9651 4378

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