ICT Curriculum

1. What is the ITC Curriculum?

1.1. A broad curriculum in Alberta meant to implement the nature of technology into the classroom.

1.2. It is not meant to stand by itself like other curriculums, rather to be infused in other classes. This can be accomplished with computer projects, classroom SMART boards, cell phones, web searches and quests, etc.

1.3. The ITC Curriculum provides rationales and outcomes for K-12 students and it encourages students to become familiar with an array of technologies that they will encounter in the workplace and their futures.

1.4. The Alberta ICT program of studies emphasizes technology as a ‘way of doing things’ – the processes, tools and techniques that alter human activity. As a curriculum it specifies what students from Kindergarten to grade 12 are expected to know, be able to do, and be like with respect to technology. This ICT curriculum provides a broad perspective on the nature of technology, how to use and apply a variety of technologies, and the impact on self and society.

1.5. Teachers will use a variety of technologies to enhance the learning inside the classroom. Appropriate computer-based software tools are: • word processing • database • spreadsheet • draw/paint/graphics applications • Internet browser • email • multimedia applications • clipart/media clips.

2. How is the ITC Curriculum Structured?

2.1. The ICT curriculum presents these concepts within three interrelated categories: • communicating, inquiring, decision making and problem solving • foundational operations, knowledge and concepts • processes for productivity.

2.1.1. Communicating, inquiring, decision making, and problem solving examines the ability for students to think critically while using the web. It also requires students to manage information on the web and using sources responsibly.

2.1.2. Foundation operations, knowledge and concepts is about understanding the nature of technology. It examines the moral and ethical use of technology and the safety issues surrounding telecommunication and multimedia technology.

2.1.3. Processes for productivity is about the knowledge and skills acquired required too perform tasks using technology. This could include:text composition; data organization; graphical, audio and multimedia composition and manipulation; media and process integration; and electronic communication

2.2. The contents of the ICT curriculum include: • general outcomes • specific outcomes • illustrative examples • assessment framework. There is a progressive sequence of skill development throughout the grades.

3. If you could add or change the ITC curriculum in any way what would it look like?

3.1. The ITC curriculum does need to be updated in order to enhance the classroom setting. Technology can drive the learning in a classroom and can create a very inclusive classroom.

3.2. I would recommend focusing less on word processing and data bases, because it is very assumed that the students will be required to use these regardless of other ITC consideration. I also believe there should be an enforcement on making webpages, secure social networking sites, and safe sharing using the cloud and the internet.

4. The ITC curriculum was created over 10years ago do you think the connect in it is still applies to education today?

4.1. The ITC curriculum still has its place in education today. It encompasses databases, email, word processing, and spreadsheets. It provides a framework to integrate technology in the classroom. By having an ITC curriculum in place it ensures teachers are moving away from a traditional style of teaching and provides the students an opportunity to use technologies that they will encounter in their everyday lives.

4.2. Although I believe the ITC curriculum applies today, it is not as necessary now as it was 10 years ago. Before, because teaching with technology was not as prominent, it was important that teachers had a resources to facilitate the learning. Now, I believe with the resources that we have, the SMART boards in our classroom, and the increase in computers to student ratio. The ITC curriculum still applies but I believe a few changes will need to be made to make it more relevant.