Learning all about it : an exploration of the structure of information technology education and of what students can be expected to know about information technology within the context of the learning area technology

Abstract

The thesis documents the development of the learning area technology within the context of the New Zealand Curriculum Framework. It investigates the structure of information technology within the learning area technology and provides comment about the appropriateness of this structure. The thesis also explores student knowledge about the nature of information technology, student understanding of the impact of information technology, student understanding of the uses to which information technology can be put, and student awareness of the range of information technology. A multi method approach was taken to gather data during the research project. A discussion document and questionnaires were published and distributed to two different groups for comment. The first group included individuals from the academic and industry sectors, while the second involved a random sample of Wellington teachers across all achievement levels. A trial of units of work focusing on Technology education for the technological area information technology was implemented with a standard two class, a form one class and a form six class. Interviews were held with students in each of these classes focusing on the assessment of their knowledge, understanding and awareness of the aforementioned topics. Finally a survey of principals and Boards of Trustees was undertaken to ascertain the importance which they gave to learning about information technology. The results of the research indicate that there is an expectation among employers and associated interest groups that students leave school with a broad knowledge, understanding and awareness of information technology. Boards of Trustees and principals also rate these topics as important, although not quite as important as the development of skills in the use of a range of information technologies. The results provide insights into what students can be expected to know about information technology at each of the eight achievement levels for technology education.