NZACDITT (New Zealand Association for Computing, Digital and Information Technology Teachers) was pleased with the Minister of Education’s announcement that Digital Technologies is to be formally integrated into the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa in Years 1-10. This has the potential to have significant impact on teaching and learning programmes by empowering schools to develop pathways to prepare students for Digital Technologies careers and also design innovative cross-curricular future focused learning opportunities.

The six strands of Digital Technologies under the Technology Learning Area of the curriculum to be introduced (Algorithms, Data Representation, Digital Applications, Digital Devices and Infrastructures, Humans and Digital Technology, and Programming) are the core foundation knowledge and skill areas that are essential for New Zealand students to become productive and innovative members of our society.

This announcement is a major step forward for Digital Technologies education and builds upon what was started in 2010 with the introduction of Digital Technologies at NCEA Levels 1 to 3. However, there are barriers to the practical implementation of the curriculum changes that will need to be addressed if the changes are to be successful and have the necessary impact. The shortage in supply of Digital Technologies teachers who are adequately trained to deliver to curriculum learning objectives must be addressed through creating initiatives and pathways to become a Digital Technologies educator. Current in-service teachers will need to be supported through professional learning and development in the new learning objectives, as well as through development of quality teaching resources that support these strands. Funding to support the implementation of these new strands is critical to the success and support change.

Furthermore, the Technology Learning Area is not currently given adequate or equitable coverage in Years 1-10 as compared to other learning areas. The addition of Digital Technologies learning objectives puts further pressure on an already crowded curriculum. Without significant support for innovative and cross-curricular approaches to learning, which will ultimately better equip our students for the real world, it is likely that the new Digital Technologies strands will not have sufficient coverage to enact the intended change.

NZACDITT is looking forward to working with the Ministry of Education to support the integration of this important and significant change to the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

Julie McMahon
President, NZACDITT

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