AIM AND APPROACH OF THE CURRICULUM

The aim of the Information Technology K to 12 curriculum is to help students develop information literacy and the lifelong learning patterns they need to live and work effectively in an information-rich technological society. To achieve this, the curriculum provides a framework for students to learn how to solve problems using information technology.

Reporting on Information Technology

As in all subject areas at the Kindergarten to grade 10 level and courses at the grade 11 and grade 12 level, teachers must use the prescribed learning outcomes as the basis for reporting to parents on student performance in information technology.

Information technology is an integrated area of study from Kindergarten to grade 10, so teachers of these grades do not need to report on it as a separate subject. However, teachers should include written comments specific to information technology when reporting on other subject areas. In grades 11 and 12, reporting follows the normal procedures for senior-level courses.

Evolving Information Technology

In this IRP, information technology tools refers to the tools and resources in common use at the time this document was prepared. It is expected that as new tools and resources are developed they will be used and taught in the schools to reinforce the concepts in this curriculum.

If teachers use resources such as local area networks (LAN)s, wide area networks (WAN)s, the World Wide Web, or the Internet, they will need to have them authorized (according to district and provincial policies) before using them in the classroom.

Information technology tools and resources include computers, multimedia, and related technologies used for local or global communications. The chart on the following page lists some specific tools.

Overview
Grades K to 3 Students become aware that information technology is all around them. They become aware of its role in their lives and explore familiar information technology tools. Using these tools, students enhance group interaction and communication, and develop confidence in handling information. Activities are based on classroom themes and their own experiences and interests.	In grades K to 3, students: identify information technology tools that are useful in their daily lives use information technology tools independently and in groups demonstrate an awareness that information can be collected, organized, and presented in a variety of ways consistently apply suitable and safe use of information technology tools
Grades 4 to 7 Students gain an understanding of the personal, community, and global consequences of information technology tools and develop a concern for their responsible use. They begin to appreciate the impact information technology has on individuals and society. Students become more proficient at accessing, gathering, organizing, and presenting information by using information technology tools to create solutions to relevant problems.	In grades 4 to 7, students: use a variety of information technology tools, applications, and production processes apply problem-solving skills to meet an information need practise using a variety of information technology tools demonstrate a willingness to manage resources and information demonstrate an awareness of the protocols and ethics involved in the use of information technology
Grades 8 to 10 Students become more sophisticated in their use of information technology tools. They develop stronger information literacy skills and continue to learn about various careers that use and apply information. They consider the cultural, ethical, and legal implications of information technology.	In grades 8 to 10, students: use a variety of information technology tools to access information apply information technology to all walks of life, including education and recreation, and to future careers identify and describe various information technology tools related to careers demonstrate an understanding of ethics and acceptable use of information when accessing and processing information develop simple programs for the computer demonstrate an understanding of safe ergonomic strategies for the use of information technology apply information technology tools in research
Grades 11 and 12 Students use sophisticated information technology tools to increase and refine their skills, knowledge, and abilities to solve complex and varied problems. Students prepare for postsecondary and career opportunities through relevant and meaningful experiences within their school and community.	In grades 11 and 12, students: demonstrate an understanding of the integration and use of information technology tools in the workplace use information technology tools to increase productivity and to enhance communications demonstrate an ability to draw conclusions about the impact of multimedia communications on society demonstrate a mastery of media to convey or enhance their own messages demonstrate an awareness of the power of networked communities demonstrate an understanding of the networking problems that are common to their own LANs and their community's WANs identify the potential of the Internet in their daily lives analyse information received from the Internet use the Internet as a tool for their own communication requirements

Previous Page Next Page

  BC Ministry of Education Home Page