Open submission to the National Curriculum Consultation

Senator Kate Lundy looks at the ICT skills underpinning the 4 core topics of English, mathematics, science and history. "Technology is an area of continual growth and change, and today technology underpins the foundations of government, education, commerce, personal relations and every other aspect of modern society. It is through the clever applied use of technology we are seeing serious innovation in every sector and it is where we will continue to see new economic and social opportunities. Technology skills therefore are a vital part of our ability as individuals and as a nation to be productive and innovative. Technology grants us the means to sustain important connections with people, business and government, as well as the tools for self determination through education opportunities, employment and social networks, engagement with government and a plethora of yet to be imagined uses. Given the context where 79% of Australian children access the Internet (5 – 14yrs old), and almost every Australian uses an extensive amount of technology in their workplace, technology skills are vitally important to every Australian. Given also the context of the many Federal government initiatives focused on technology and access for all Australians, including the National Broadband Network and the Digital Education Revolution, ICT skills should be a core focus for the education sector. Significantly, ICT skills can make a real difference in quality of life and the opportunities available to individuals and their families. When you consider that government services, health information, education and job opportunities are increasingly being delivered online, a citizen not being sufficiently skilled may mean a social equity gap for them and their family. In addition, if a child or adult does not have sufficient ICT skills and confidence in the online medium, they may be more susceptible to cybercrime such as identity theft or online fraud." Read more &gt