Downes on State of Learning in Canada Report
Stephen Downes comments (http://www.downes.ca/cgi-bin/page.cgi?post=45475) on the report from the Canadian Council on Learning entitled “REPORT ON LEARNING IN CANADA 2008” (pdf). I found the following excerpt from the report interesting:
While most Canadians receive a solid foundation of formal education, many lack sufficient competencies to succeed in an increasingly complex and uncertain future. Employers seek employees with a more sophisticated array of capabilities, beyond the basic job requirements.These skills include: decision-making, teamwork, problem solving, entrepreneurship, leadership, information and communication technology (ICT) skills, the ability to communicate effectively and a desire to learn (p. 41).
Notice the list of skills? As a technology teacher, I was struck with how these skills fit so perfectly into the technology curriculum. I have noticed the last few years a shift in educational priorities away from the technology curriculum. Recently, a skills-based curriclum (akin to a new and improved industrial arts) has been integrated in the Newfoundland and Labrador school, which is a great start. My concern is that we may be pushing computer technology skills aside assuming that our students already know the basics. My question is what are the skills that high school chidren already have? What are we assuming and is it accurate? I have my own opinions about this but I would like to hear from you so please comment.
