Digital Technologies: Challenges and Observations

Cynthia C. SelbyC.Selby@soton.ac.uk

cselby@bayhouse.hants.sch.uk

Drivers for Change

• Disapplication of ICT Programme of Study (KS3-KS4)– Effective Sept 2012

• Computing replaces ICT in the new National Curriculum (KS1-KS4)– First teaching Sept 2014

• Ofqual changes Post-16 qualifications– First teaching Sept 2015– Linear A-Levels, stand-alone AS-Levels– No January assessment

• Academies, Independents, and Free Schools are exempt 2

Key Stage 3: Challenges

• PoS includes only one line item which could be interpreted as IT/digital skills

• Will require creativity from a planning perspective to maintain digital skills coverage while delivering Computing

• May drive digital skills to a cross-curricular delivery mechanism

• Replacement for NC Levels not yet seen

3

Key Stage 4: Challenges

• ICT and Computing become “options” at Y10 and Y11

• School infrastructure– Network , software, budgetary constraints

• Pupils’ attitudes– Perceived value of content– Sound bite learning

• Digital skills still in demand by employers (CBI)

4

Post-16: Challenges

• HE perception– Computing A-Level not required for studying

Computer Science at HE• School infrastructure– Network , software, budgetary constraints

5

How are digital skills taught in schools?

• KS3– Timetabled lessons (~1 hour per week)

• KS4– Options in ICT or Computing (~2 hours per week)– Cross-curricular in subjects

• Post-16– Short courses (1 or 2 hours per week)– Key Skills Qualifications (ICT)

6

How is digital technology used to deliver education?

• VLE – Available across whole school• BYOD - Bring your own devices• Twitter for current affairs• Specialist devices may be available– 3D printers– CNC machines– Large format or specialist printing

7

How does students’ informal learning of technology feed into the formal school context?

• Use of camera for images of white board• Use of SMS for evidence of team working• Establishing Facebook group for exam revision• Use of self-help forums (TSR)• Nonchalance toward data protection,

intellectual property, and personal security

8

How does digital technology shape young people’s learning?

• Are short attention spans a reality?• The myth of multi-tasking• The skill 21st Century students really lack

9

How does digital technology translate into post-compulsory education career choices?• Perception of ICT• Not relevant to my job• “Fashion thing”• CBI survey highlights digital skills deficit• Teenagers' 'mismatched' job ambitions– 52% of 13-16 and 46% of 17-18 job aspirations lie in

only 3 of 25 occupational categories • Culture, Media and Sports occupations• Health professionals• Business, Media, and Public Service professionals

10Links on notes.