[Yr7-10it] Optimum year level to introduce specialist IT subjects

[Phil Callil]

Hi all,

This is a oldie but goodie:  which year level is the best year level to introduce specialist IT subjects?  Eight years ago, we abolished stand alone classes in Years 7 and 8.  The idea was to put computer skills into mainstream subjects.  We had Year 7 and 8 IT classes that were taking up 90% of Computer Centre bookings.  Computer skills were being taught out of context and in isolation. Other subjects could not get into the Computer Centre and were at a distinct disadvantage in that they could not progress the integration of computers into their subject areas.

Has this worked?  Well, as we all know, computer integration is patchy.  However, it has succeeded in pushing most subject s along that "continuum of improvement", to the point where we have had to substantially increase the number of class sets of laptops and desktops - and teachers still complain about not enough access.

I believe strongly that Yr 9 is the optimum year but I have a number of IT teachers who believe Yr 10 is the best year to build a pathway to VCE IT.  Recent research indicates that Yr 9 and perhaps even Yr 8 is the optimum year.  Local research due to be released in February indicates that there is a move away by universities and industry who previously believed that it did not matter if senior high school IT was taught or not.

What do you think?

Best wishes



Phil Callil
Faculty Head IT 
Xavier College
9855-4163


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