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Information and Communication Technology Curriculum (ICT)
The first-ever Alberta Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Curriculum has been prescribed for the years 2000-2003. This curriculum "is not intended to stand alone, but rather to be infused within core courses and programs... as a curriculum within a curriculum, using the core subjects as a base." (Alberta Learning)
A Way of Doing Things
Through the ICT curriculum, students are to understand, that "although technology is often complex, it is simply a way of doing things" and they are to "determine which processes, tools and techniques to use and when to use them." (Alberta Learning)
RiverWatch ICT
It may come as a surprise to some that a hands-on field trip to a local river is infused with cutting-edge technology. RiverWatch uses a state-of-the-art web site to analyze and communicate environmental data.
- On-line data entry and charting is completed after students change into clean, dry clothing following a great day of collecting data on the river.
- A discussion bulletin board called "RiverTalk" provides students with access to expert advice and interschool discussions within the River Watch Web Site .
Beyond Replication
The ICT Program of Studies states "technology is best learned within the context of applications, activities, projects and problems that replicate real-life situations." RiverWatch and its associated web site go a step beyond this - RiverWatch does not replicate real-life, it is real life!
A Very Real Problem
River Watch students are using ICT to address a very real problem - "How healthy is our local river?" The web site acts as a tool to help students record field trip data, analyze data patterns and communicate their findings.
Seamless Infusion
Using on-line technology to prepare for a field trip and then assist with data collection, data manipulation and communicating findings is a fundamental feature that will be inherent in all next generation science field trips. The RiverWatch Web Site is a seamless technique to infuse technology into an active science program!
Click here to view the actual Alberta Learning document for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Curriculum K-12 (PDF format).
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