Week 5- Planning 

Part A

National Geographic for kids is an exceptional website that can be game changer in a primary school setting. It offers reliable and relatable resources, fun facts and high-quality academic content suitable for all year levels from Prep to year six. For students in Stage 2 (year 3 and 4) this website can spark enthusiasm for education with interesting concepts that can be explored through STEM and STEAM disciplines. It embeds digital literacy and integrates Key Learning Areas (KLA’s) with Crocc Curricular Priorities (ACARA 2020).

The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework connects educators’ ideas with their pedagogy, behaviour strategies, and technology, enabling effective teaching across different cognitive levels and multiple ages. This framework captures the essential qualities of teaching knowledge required for integrating technology while addressing its complex and situated nature. Digital Literacy, as a general capability, can be fundamentally incorporated within this framework, providing exceptional benefits to all learning types and needs.

According to Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)[2017], educators must understand their students and how they learn (standards 1.2 and 2.1) to incorporate appropriate content before planning and implementing technology (standard 3.3). National Geographic for kids aligns with all three categories, making it exemplary resource for all learners. The inclusion of educational technologies in the classroom enhances 21-st century teaching and learning experiences and remains an integral aspect of teacher education (Luu & Freeman, 2011).

Blannin (2020) explores how teachers integrate technology into teaching and learning for various reasons, such as promoting student engagement, teaching 21st century skills, utilising best practices for hands-on interactive learning, diversifying instructional methods, and conducting research and communication activities.

Part B

Primary

In a world that is increasingly digitalised and automated, it is critical for the strength and sustainability of the economy, the environment, and society, that digital solutions are purposely designed to include user empowerment, autonomy and accountability (ACARA, 2020). For grade 1 (year 1 and 2) the eSafety website is an engaging resource that both extends and supports children’s learning needs. It demonstrates the element of managing operations and the sub-element of protecting content for young learners. This resource incorporates AITSL standards 1.2 and 2.1, which emphasise that educators must know their individual students and understand how they learn.