Introduction to the digital technologies

Have you heard about the changes to our curriculum in New Zealand? If you were not aware, major yet fantastic changes were made to our curriculum that involved the technology curriculum area. These included the introduction of progress outcomes 'computational thinking for digital technologies' and 'designing and developing digital outcomes'. It is expected that by 2020, all schools in New Zealand are to be teaching the content whether it be stand alone, or integrated. 

Of course, integration across all other curriculum areas is best to ensure meaningful integration and learning opportunities. But the reality of this can be easier said than done. Especially with the other 100 things we need to do in the classroom every day! If you haven't yet heard about these changes, or checked the new changes made follow the link here. 

Explained simply:
Computational thinking for digital technologies is all about students being able to express problems and formulate solutions in ways that means a computer can be used to solve them. Algorithmic thinking skills are important in this section. 
Designing and developing digital outcomes is about students becoming experts in using different technologies to create digital content for the web, interactive digital platforms and print. Also understanding how and who systems are made for; becoming confident manipulators of data and its outcome. 

I have posted a few times about the digital technologies in the classroom so check out my past blog posts on my website by typing in 'digital technologies' into the search bar to bring these up. I am also working on a long term plan that unpacks the progress outcomes for teachers looking for ideas on how they can implement these into their classrooms. Stay tuned for that!

View lots more ideas about digital technologies from Kia Takatū ā-Matihiko below too. 

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