[Yr7-10it] Captain, there be IT ahead

[Jim Bunn]

We've been without year 7 and 8 IT for the past two years. It was the dream
of the administration for years to fully integrate IT in the junior school,
and used the introduction of the year 7 - 8 Learning Centre to do it, saying
that it was mandated with the Learning Centre. IT still operates with
electives at years 9 and 10, and they are popular with the students. 

I yearn for IT to be put back into the curriculum, even lumped with all of
Technology as it used to be, but to have it as a domain of its own, that
would be pretty special.

Jim


Jim Bunn

Technology Coordinator
Hampton Park Secondary College
8795 9400
CCAI CCNA ITE1

bunn.jim.c at edumail.vic.gov.au 

-----Original Message-----
From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au
[mailto:yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Roland Gesthuizen
Sent: Sunday, 21 December 2008 11:36 AM
To: Year 7 - 10 IT Mailing List; eLearning mailing list
Subject: [Yr7-10it] Captain, there be IT ahead

One thing is certain for 2009, and it is very likely to be change.

There has been some disquiet brewing how many secondary schools have quietly
dismantled technology and IT areas of the curriculum, sometimes under the
broad aim to create 'integrated' subjects. In reality, the result has
sometimes been a poor caricature and does not provide any real scaffolding
to encourage students to take up IT or trade subjects. The reasons are of
course quite complex but this and other directions taken by schools have not
helped the skill shortages that are looming in both areas.

I note that QLD has just put IT and technology back onto the radar.
There will be 12 domains offered over 3 years (Years 10-12). These are
English, Maths, The Sciences, The Arts, HPE and Personal Development,
History, Geographical Studies, Human and Social Sciences, Design and
Technology, Business Studies, LOTE, and Information Technology. Each domain
will have a core and electives (specialist, extension and
transdisciplinary). With the senior phase now being Years 10-12, 'core' is
really Year 10. .. yes, you read this right .. IT will have it's own domain
- Information Technology.

Considering that some of the VELS was inspired by the New Basics program
from QLD, it is interesting to watch this development, those surrounding the
national curriculum and the future of the VELS in Victoria.
     http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/newbasics/

I am curious what others think of this or the grouping of core subjects and
domains that we have offer in Victoria?

Regards Roland
--
Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
--Margaret Mead
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