Week 2 - Policy, Curriculum & Educational Technology
How Current Policy and Digital Literacy Elements from the Australian Curriculum Prepare Students for Living and Working in Society Today
Current policies and the digital literacy components of the Australian Curriculum are designed to equip students with essential skills for thriving in a digitally-driven society. These policies and curriculum elements ensure that students are not only proficient in using technology but also understand its implications and can apply digital skills in various contexts.
Integration of ICT in the Curriculum
Newhouse (2013) discusses how the Australian Curriculum incorporates Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across various subjects. This integration ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of digital tools and their applications. For instance, students learn to use digital technologies to create, communicate, and manage information effectively. This holistic approach ensures that digital literacy is not confined to specific ICT classes but is a pervasive element across the educational experience, preparing students for diverse technological environments.
Digital Literacy Elements
The Australian Curriculum defines digital literacy as the ability to use digital technology, communication tools, and networks to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information to function in a knowledge society. This definition aligns with the skills needed in contemporary workplaces where digital competency is crucial. By focusing on these elements, the curriculum prepares students to be effective digital citizens who can navigate, analyze, and utilize digital information responsibly and ethically.
Policy Insights on Digital Readiness
Thomson (2015) provides insights into how current educational policies support the development of digital skills among Australian students. Policies emphasize the importance of equipping students with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. This includes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate using digital tools. The policies advocate for ongoing professional development for teachers to ensure they can effectively integrate digital literacy into their teaching practices.
Preparation for the Digital Economy
Both the policy insights and the curriculum emphasize the need for students to be prepared for the demands of the digital economy. This includes not only technical skills but also the ability to adapt to new technologies, think critically about digital content, and use digital tools to innovate and solve problems. By embedding these skills in the curriculum, students are better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of modern workplaces and society.
The current policies and the digital literacy elements from the Australian Curriculum play a crucial role in preparing students for living and working in today's society. By ensuring that digital skills are integrated across various subjects and emphasizing the importance of digital competency, students are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in a digital world. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are not only consumers of digital technologies but also creators and critical thinkers, ready to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.
References
Newhouse, C. P. (2013). ICT in the Australian curriculum.
Thomson, S. (2015). Policy insights: Australian students in a digital world #3. Australian Council for Educational Research.