The 2020 digital learner - a qualitative change?

1www.technologyenhancedlearning.net

The 2020 digital learner: A qualitative change?

Professor Neil WittDr Anne McDermott

2

The influence of digital technologies in creating a new context for Higher Education


Are we there yet?

3

• A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

www.technologyenhancedlearning.net

National curriculum in England: computing

programmes of study



programmes of study…… to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world

…… provides insights into both natural and artificial systems.

…… pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming.

…… to create programs, systems and a range of content.

…… ensures that pupils become digitally literate

…… to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology

…… at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

5

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:



programmes of study

can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation

can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems

can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems

are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology


It’s not just schools…..

8

• https://www.youtube.com/v/1qwbVGUeW2w?version=3&start=60&end=91&autoplay=1&hl=en_US&rel=0



https://www.youtube.com/v/1qwbVGUeW2w?version=3&start=60&end=91&autoplay=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

https://www.youtube.com/v/1qwbVGUeW2w?version=3&start=60&end=91&autoplay=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

9

•aspires to give children an understanding of ideas and principles rather than knowledge about a particular piece of software. •there is no set syllabus but a set of expectations about what all children should know about computer science, information technology and digital literacy at Key Stages 1,2,3 and 4 (ages 5 to 16 years). •as schools are left to decide how to meet those expectations, this will not be a homogenous experience.


The impact of the 2014 computing curriclum


• In the 21st century digital competence needed by– learners– teachers– professionals– everybody (>90% jobs require IT competence of some degree)

• Seven separate‘literacies’ contribute to 3 areas– Content Production– Content Consumption– Professional and Academic Practice

Digital Skills


Digital Skills Revisited

✔

✔

✔✔

✔

12

• Our 2020 cohort will have different – Hopes– Experiences– Skills– Attitudes– Expectations

Are our curricula ready for this?


Computing curriculum


Supporting the Student Experience

Through Digital Technology

14

• Acknowledges the paradigm shifting nature of the Digital Age and the fundamental need for virtually all of the UK population to have at least a basic level of digital skills; others will need a much higher level of knowledge.

• It calls for the government to construct a Digital Agenda to achieve objectives related to access, skills, cybersecurity, schools, FE, HE, careers guidance, employers and local networks.


Supporting the Student Experience

Through Digital Technology

15

Student Expectations


Need to ensure

Value for Money

Meets employability agenda

Students have access to Information, Advice,

Guidance

Increased Graduate

contribution

Likelihood of increase in

complaints / dissatisfaction

16

Impact of technology?

• Students willing to use, and expect their devices to be used to support their learning experience.

• An urgency in developing services that meets the students’ needs and expectations.

• Assume that academic staff can/will support their use of technology



Are you ready?

18

• We need to acknowledge our incoming cohorts have digital skills and practices• What do we need to do in HE to build upon

these?• What changes do we need to make to curricula

and personal development?


Supporting the Digital Learner

The 2020 digital learner - a qualitative change?

Education

Transcript of The 2020 digital learner - a qualitative change?