IT curriculum plan falls short of industry wishes

The Government plan for digital technology to be formally included in the New Zealand Curriculum has not found favour with all associated with the IT industry.

Education Minister Hekia Parata said yesterday the incorporation of digital technology was the first change to the curriculum since its introduction in 2007 and reflected the Government's commitment to championing 21st-century practice in teaching and learning.

"It will ensure we have an education system that prepares children and young people for a future where digital fluency will be critical for success.''

The decision was an outcome of the Government's science and society strategic plan, A Nation of Curious Minds: Te Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara.

From now until the end of 2017, the Government would consult, design new curriculum content and develop achievement objectives, she said.

Institute of IT Professionals chief executive Paul Matthews said the minister stopped short of truly transforming tech education in schools by refusing to create a proper focused home for digital technologies in its own learning area. She also failed to provide significant additional funding for professional development for teachers.

"Experts have made it clear both are necessary to achieve the educational transformation needed to prepare students for today's digital world.''

The institute welcomed the introduction of digital technologies and computational thinking down to year 1 and saw it as an important step forward. But the lack of movement on the structure and position of digital technologies in schools was a lost opportunity, Mr Matthews said.

Orion Health chief executive Ian McCrae said it was disappointing to have waited so long for so little.

After six years of waiting, a 12-month review process and seven months of deliberation by Ms Parata and her ministry, all there was to show for it were some minor changes, including a pledge for more consultation.

"What the tech industry asked for is digital technology to be separated from woodwork, metalwork, cookery and sewing and to become a separate learning area. That hasn't happened,'' he said.

NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller called the announcement a great step forward, although only a first step.

"Now we look forward to hearing how the Government plans to invest in supporting teachers and school leaders so they have the skills and resources to prepare the future workforce.''

NZTech believed coding was an essential skill. Since 2014, the principles of computer programming had featured in England's curriculum for children from the age of 5 or 6. But it was only one of several skills needed in the digital world.

If young New Zealanders wanted to lead a project or organisation in the 21st century, significant computing knowledge would be essential, Mr Muller said. 

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