[Yr7-10it] What to teach for year 8 IT?

[Christophersen, Paula P]

Dear colleagues
 
I would like to strongly endorse Roland's approach of using another domain(s) as the context for acquiring and applying ICT knowledge and skills. Processing real data for a real purpose leads to real learning. This is, in essence, an underpinning premise of VELS. Offering a standalone subject provides the opportunity for the ICT teacher to deliver a program that not only allows acquisition of specific/specialised ICT knowledge and skills, but it also fosters stronger relationships with teachers of other subjects, because it's their domain content that provides the learning context. It should be a partnership, however, delivery is through a dedicated 'ICT subject'. Typically you would work with different domains through a semester, maybe two each term. 
 
Another option is to take a theme or concept, such as 'building strong communities', 'developing innovative solutions to unique problems' or 'sustainability'. The contextual possibilities within each concept/theme is enormous, with the stimulus coming from all domains. Of course, this approach also warrants a high level of coordination with your colleagues.
 
Regards
Paula

________________________________

From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Roland Gesthuizen
Sent: Thu 12/07/2007 8:51 PM
To: Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Yr7-10it] What to teach for year 8 IT?


Why expand to trying out Squeak or GameMaker .. but instead of letting any one application tool drive their interest or the course, why not get them to brainstorm a project idea, design a model, build a prototype, try it out with their friends, document then respond to the feedback. Keep it fun and flexible, you can even draw material and inspiration from another study area or another interest. I have a lot of fun teaching environmental studies as a context with my year 9 class. 

Regards Roland


On 12/07/07, Stephen Yuen <byyuen at gmail.com> wrote: 

	Hi there,
	
	I'm teaching a year 8 info tech class next semester, and besides getting my students onto LOGO for the next three weeks, I'm stuck for ideas for what to teach for the rest of the time. Can anyone help? 
	
	Thanks!
	
	Stephen Yuen
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-- 
Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au <http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au/> 

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