Are we ready for it?

So, it seems important, and like a great curriculum to implement. But are we, as teachers, ready for it?

There’s a great organisation called CORE Education, who provide amazing PLD, resources, and research. They recently did a study around the preparedness of teachers, students, and whanau for implementing and supporting the digital curriculum.

It was a harsh reminder of the gap between introducing a new curriculum and implementing it in the classroom.

This is a summary of their findings;

Question: ‘How well do people understand the changes?’

• The vast majority of user groups do not have a strong awareness and understanding of the curriculum changes and their intent.
• People want to be able to unpack the curriculum and learn more about the vision and rationale.

Question: ‘What levels of confidence and ability do people have to implement the new curriculum content?’

• The majority of teachers and kaiako saw potential benefits in the new curriculum but have little to no confidence to implement the changes.
• Everyone reported they would need support and guidance to build confidence.
• The majority of kaiako and teachers held a misperception that the new curriculum is about digital fluency, as opposed to being about producing digital outcomes.

Question: ‘What supports can help to ensure successful implementation?’

• Teachers and kaiako all identified, tailored, and practical professional learning and development is critical for successful implementation.
• Majority believed they do not have the time, resources, or knowledge to begin implementing the curriculum.
• They need clear and consistent PLD to ensure teachers are enthusiastic, confident, knowledgeable, and skilled in digital technologies.

I feel like this report outlined how eager kaiako and teachers are to learn and implement the digital curriculum. But, it also showed how lacking we are in support and guidance.
We need;

• Curriculum materials that are easy to understand and access
• Targeted and practical PLD that is clear, consistent and ongoing.

That’s our aim with this platform. To provide online courses that provide practical PLD, and digital resources that are easy to understand and access.

So let’s start unpacking the digital curriculum.