The Curriculum Through ICT Program
Ideas Bank

Teaching ICT Skills in the Community
Years 3 - 7Years 7 - 10Years 10 - 12

THE TASK

Students investigated the need in the community for ICT skills training. They then devised, delivered and evaluated an adult learning program designed to meet this need.

Students discussed ways of recruiting participants and researched adult learning styles. They devised phone call plans and formal letters before making contact with senior citizen "buddies" who had expressed interest in participating. This process enabled students to identify specific learning needs and tailor the learning program to the buddy's needs.

After delivery of each teaching session, the students requested feedback from their buddies and completed a self-reflection sheet. Written feedback was also provided by the teacher.

In addition to meeting explicit learning outcomes, the program was designed to nurture relationships with the community and to portray youth in a positive light. It started with a group of senior citizens and developed to include parents.

ICT ENRICHMENT

  • The Internet proved essential to research adult learning styles and to locate online tutorials that would support the students to design their learning programs.
  • Word processors and concept mapping software made it easy for students to create, review and refine their learning programs.
  • Setting up and using web-based email accounts enabled the participants to engage in purposeful communication.
  • Teaching ICT skills was highly effective as a method in which students could make an authentic contribution to community needs.

ASSESSMENT

  • Task assessment sheets provided to students identified the skills and understandings (aligned to the outcomes) that would be monitored.
  • Students self-reflected on each session.
  • The learning outcomes were monitored continuously, "over-the-shoulder" and this information was also used in written feedback to the students.
  • Teacher feedback ensured that students knew exactly what was expected of them, allowing the teacher to act as a supportive facilitator during sessions.

LEARNING AREA OUTCOMES

Technology & Enterprise
Technology Process
 Systems
Enterprise

English
Listening
Speaking

Society & Environment
Active Citizenship

Learning activity developed by Lisa Currie.
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