Now is the time to act! 2020 is just around the corner. Here the Ministry of Education is busting some common myths around the new Digital Technologies and Hangarau Matihiko curriculum content in the National Curriculum.

The revised Technology Learning Area and Hangarau Wāhanga Ako – which schools are expected to be teaching by 2020 – and new curriculum content provides students with even broader opportunities to learn in and about digital technology informed by the new areas: ‘Computational Thinking’ and ‘Designing and Developing Digital Outcomes’(NZC), and Te Whakaaro Rorohiko and Tangata me te Rorohiko (TMA).

This is an exciting and new professional development journey for many educators around the country. However, with new learning comes many questions and it often can get confusing. The Ministry of Education has busted some common myths surrounding the new content to ensure that you are on the right path to incorporating it into your teaching. 

MYTH Digital Technologies curriculum content and e-learning are the same thing: using computers for learning. 

BUSTED Digital Technologies curriculum content is about creating technologies, not using them. E-learning is about using digital devices to support students learning. 

MYTH I am not a technology teacher, so this new content isn’t relevant to me.

BUSTED  How this new learning will be taught at your school is a local curriculum decision. Having a champion to support the change at your school makes a difference. School curriculum leaders should support other teachers to understand what the change means to them. 

MYTH There is a new Digital Technologies curriculum that is a separate curriculum document all together.

BUSTED The new Digital Technologies curriculum content is part of the revised Technology Learning Area within the New Zealand Curriculum. The new Hangarau Matihiko curriculum content is part of the revised Hangarau Wahanga Ako within Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

MYTH DT and HM curriculum content is not required for students in Years 9 and 10.

BUSTED In each of Years 1-10, students will have the opportunity to gain learning and experience in all technological areas part of the revised Technology Learning Area/Hangarau Wahanga Ako. 

Take advantage of the innovative range of professional support

The Ministry of Education has partnered with CORE Education, IT Professionals New Zealand, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Ernest and Young, and others to help schools bring this new learning to life and into the classroom. Some of the help includes:

123 Tech

123 Tech (123tech.nz) is New Zealand’s exciting digital challenge to get started with DT&HM in the classroom. Its aim is to guide teachers and students to help them solve problems in their local school or community using digital technologies – and have fun along the way! The Challenge is a great way to get started and be inspired about the new curriculum content and scope for learning. 

Kia Takata- a–Matihiko/Digital Readiness programme 

The National Digital Readiness programme (kiatakatu.ac.nz) has been developed to ensure teachers know what the new curriculum content is about and how to teach it. It includes helpful pikau/toolkits, face-to-face meet-ups, and an online community of practise. Sign up online and get going by doing the self-assessment tool to find out how ready you are.

Digital Technologies and Hangarau Matihiko for NCEA

DT and HM Online for NCEA (bit.ly/DTHMonline) are specialised online modules to assist teachers, kaiako, and students with NCEA. These activity guide modules support teachers at senior secondary levels, particularly those who are not subject specialists.

Technology Online

Last, head to Technology Online (technology.tki.org.nz) to find out more and get started on your learning journey! The site is dedicated to educators, students, and all those with an interest in technology education in New Zealand. It showcases examples of contemporary teaching and learning and provides curriculum support materials. 

If you would like more information, email digi.tech@education.govt.nz