[Yr7-10it] Re: [Year 12 IPM] ICT in the Essential Learning Standards

[Tony Forster]

I see the VELS as an opportunity to expand the creative use of ICT in
schools rather than a threat to the teaching of ICT.

The VELS stresses the need for developing generalised skills rather than the
learning of specific information in a rapidly changing world. It is the
ability to learn which must be learnt. It talks of "deep understanding of
the subject matter" and reducing "the crowding of the curriculum to give
students time to explore the underlying concepts of tasks and problems they
are set".

Creative use of ICT such as game programming (or the 3 in 6 competition) is
closely aligned with the values of the VELS. Constructivist learning in
which students take an active part in their self directed learning is
strongly supported by the VELS.

I give detailed reasons in a word doc at :
http://www.freewebs.com/schoolgamemaker/#vels
why I believe that Constructivist activities like game programming can
deliver most of the outcomes of the VELS in one class.

Tony Forster
http://edrington.haileybury.vic.edu.au/computerclub