Schools will teach digital technology

The school curriculum is in for a shakeup, with the Government proposing to shift education into a ‘‘digitally oriented system’’.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye announced yesterday that the Government would spend $40 million on raising teachers’ skills to deliver the new curriculum, which would involve all pupils from years one to 10 taking part in digital technologies education.

The new content will cover two key areas – ‘‘computational thinking’’ and ‘‘designing and developing digital outcomes’’ – which are likely to include computer programming, as well as ‘‘unique Maori content’’.

The Principals’ Federation applauded the announcement but said only 4000 of the country’s 100,000 teachers had the skills to put the vision into practice.

Kaye said the Digital Technologies-Hangarau Matihiki curriculum would break new ground but also acknowledged it could be controversial, given there were already concerns about the time children spent online.

‘‘Robotics, artificial intelligence and advances in connectivity are all revolutionising our world, including our businesses, industry and community.

‘‘From New Zealand’s work in movie-making to Rocket Lab launching rockets into outer space, world-class technology is playing a major role.

‘‘Our curriculum needs to keep pace with this fast-changing world. The new curriculum content sets out what students need to learn to become not just fluent users, but also skilled creators, of digital innovations and inventions.’’

The new content is expected to be available for use from January 2018, with a transition period of two years, and the new curriculum in full use from the start of 2020.

The ministry will consult on the changes before their introduction.

The initial consultation runs until the end of August.