"We're moving away from learning computer programming because it teaches critical thinking skills and towards ensuring that students have the skills to become employable when they leave high school."
Larry Bloom
IT 11/12 teacher, North Surrey Secondary School
"The Forum was really worthwhile. It was good to see the struggles that the teachers are facing as well as those faced by the industry and post-secondary institutions. We challenged each other and learned a lot from each other."
Shannon Clement
Newbridge Networks
"It is really great to hear people who really care talking about the things that really matter in education, and to hear the IT industry people echoing back the same concerns and challenges."
Chris Gilmour
Administrator, South Hill Education Centre
Director of Wired Women
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Research has shown that the IT sector has a growing demand for entry level labour. Educators have been grappling with the task of designing an IT course that would meet the Ministry requirements for graduation, while facilitating the transition from high school graduation to IT employment. With this goal in mind, teachers, administrators, Ministry of Education personnel and industry representatives gathered at the
Information Technologies Forum lay the groundwork for change.
The participants were divided into groups, and asked to discuss questions addressing the context, content, conditions for the implementation of IT 11/12 change. What emerged was a merging of differing opinions from a variety of different sources.
The CONTEXT of change examined what the industry was requiring of its employees. Industry representatives stressed the importance of employability skills (teamwork, project management, individual work skills, etc.). Much of the conversation then came to rest with demonstration of technical competence. The value of vendor certification in proving technical know-how was discussed. Although most participants could see
the value in such certification as a show of commitment and a step towards employment, they were quick to note the limitations. These credentials are
recognized by few post secondary institutions, fail to demonstrate many of the soft skills required by employers and do not negate the need for experience.
Shaping the CONTENT of the IT 11/12 to meet industry skill requirements centred on providing proof of the graduate's skill base. Two options were examined: vendor certification and student portfolios. The suggestion of offering certification raised many issues. Which vendor's certification would be used? Would this be part of graduation, or an enrichment activity completed outside of class time? Much enthusiasm was
expressed about using student portfolios to demonstrate IT and soft skills. Portfolios would allow the student to express their creativity, competence and project management skills.
Consensus was more difficult to obtain when discussing the CONDITIONS needed to implement change. This round of discussion underlined the need for further consultation, and a continued organic approach to assure that all of the stake holders are supportive. What became clear, was that change is still far from being a step-by-step implementation process.
The Forum closed with possibility of a pilot project being launched to develop experience in implementation of these changes. More than a few attending teachers expressed a desire to have their school involved with the pilot. What remained unclear was what shape such a pilot would take. Having reached consensus on many of the key questions, a number of issues remain unresolved. Future forums and round table talks will
have to give shape to the next step.
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