ICT C3THE CORE DIGITAL SUBJECT

History of ICT

u ICT has been in schools as a core subject for the past 25 years

u ECDL was introduced as the core of the subject around 1999

u Leads up to ECDL Certification (Level 2)

u ICT was reviewed on a bi-yearly basis on the changes in ECDL

ICT C3

u The C3 – Computing Competency Certificate

u Started being researched in 2012

u A committee of all stakeholders

u MEDE

u MITA

u UOM FoE

u UOM FICT

u MCAST

u Teachers

u COC

u Crimsonwing

u 6PM

u MUT

u St Martins Institute

Realisation of Core Document

u In 2014 the core research document was published entitled “Computing: A Core entitlement to all”

u Research document gave an overview of the education system to satisfy the following research questions:

u Why is the population following Computing and other STEM subjects decreasing

u Why is there such a big gender discrepancy in Digital Subjects

u What can be done to give a holistic approach to digital education and reduce fragmantation

Main Issues

u ECDL as core subject framework

u Private Certifications

u Unrealistic expectations of Information Technology

u Product Specific Training, no Fundamentals

u Total lack of computational thinking, problem solving and relevant skills

u Dependency on SEC and the slow reaction times

u Fragmentation of subject

LOF as an implementation vehicle

u The Learning Outcome Framework was used as a vehicle for implementation.

u Same core group of experts for ICT , Computing, VET IT and Digital Literacy

u ICT to transform into a core digital fundamentals for all citizens

u Computing to focus more on Computer Science & Programming

u VET IT to focus more on practical skills such as hardware

Homegrown Certification

u The ICT team with MEDE management decided to be independent on the core ICT C3 subject and apply for an independent certification

u DLAP, ICT C3 certified in 2018 for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 certifications (O’Level standard)

u Certification is given at the end of Year 11 which includes performance and marks from all 5 years of study.

u The C3 Certification is the first certified program in Malta to have a blended learning element.

Course Structure

u ICT C3.1 (Year 7 – Form 1)

u ICT C3.2 (Year 8 – Form 2)

u ICT C3.3 (Year 9 – Form 3)

u ICT C3.4 (year 10 – Form 4)

u ICT C3.5 (year 11 – Form 5)

u Each year is based on a 60% practical aspect and 40% summative end of year assessment

Course Structure

u Each Year of C3 includes two ongoing assessments (coursework) and 1 end of year assessment

u The year is split into 30% Coursework 1, 30% Coursework 2 and 40% End of year assessment

u Each Year the certification requires 10 hours of self-study by the learners.

u A video list is issued at the start of the year.

u The 10 hours of self study are split into 3 hours of videos and 7 hours of research and further investigation.

u The summative end of year assesses the theoretical aspects of the subject and the knowledge gained by the student during self-study.

Course Content C3.1

u Basic Skills and Lab Safetyu Input, Output and Storage Devicesu Digital Systems – Use of Computersu Types of Computersu Role of Females in Computer Historyu Different roles in Digital Industryu Basic introduction to IoTu Digital Footprints and E-Safety

u Coursework 1: Digital Music Creation and Basic Animationu Coursework 2: into to coding with a VPL and robotics

Course Content C3.2

u The Objective world and computational thinkingu Creating mind maps to develop ideasu Detail of different types of computersu The effect on social networking on everyday lifeu Continuation of IOTu Coding using Scratchu Continuation to coding: Sequence, iterations, conditionals and variables.u 3D Printing

u Coursework 1: Create a simple website using a WYSIWYG editoru Coursework 2: Create a simple game using a VPL

Course Content C3.3

u Operating Systems , both desktop and mobile devicesu Video Editingu Scripting in HTML 5.0u BioMechanical and Digital Ethicsu Encryption and Decryptionu Impact of Social Media on Digital Crimes

u Coursework 1; Create a video of a school activityu Coursework 2: Create a simple website using HTML

Course Content C3.4

u Simple 3D Modelling

u Audio Editing with waveforms and software editors

u Reducing the digital divide

u Shifting characteristics of Ai and Robotics in the film industry over time reflecting on today’s landscape and future job opportunities.

u I can ethically consider the role of robots in society

u Coursework 1: Create a 3D Model of your school

u Coursework 2: TBD

Course content C3.5

u Shorter Year

u Collaboration

u Research Methods

u Bring together all the knowledge of 4 years.

u Coursework 1: Create a product to solve a real-work problem in a collaborative environment

u Coursework 2: Research and present an original product to solve a real-world problem.

Course Content Overview

u Revising each year on Teacher feedback

u No homework or home assignments

u Auditing and Moderation

u Distribution of C3 – Church and Independent Schools

u Change Management and Change Resistance.

Certification Details

u Overall Grade A – Fu Grades A – B – Level 3

u Grades C – D – Level 2

u Grades E – F – Level 1

u Grade per Year C3.1.3.2,3.3,3.4 & 3.5 (with individual grades)

u Transcript of all coursework and summative for each year.

Teacher Training Schedule

u June 2018 – C3 Year 7u June 2019 – C3 Year 8 / 7u June 2020 – C3 Year 9 / 8u June 2021 – C3 Year 10 / 9u June 2022 – C3 Year 11 / 8

u Training is given in 4 centres 3 in Malta and 1 in Gozou Open for State, Church and Independent Schools.u 5 Half-Days, 3 days for the following year and 2 days revision of previous

training.

Sample Feedback for Year 7

Issues which still persist with C3

u 1 lesson of 40 minutes / week

u Maximum of 19 active lessons from 29

u Full compliment of students: max of 24 students per class (Half Compliment from Year 9)

u Computer labs have a max of 16 computers

u Teacher training is extremely restricted to 22 hours per year

u Teacher demographics are mixed, some have no digital certifications except for ECDL

u Lack of HR, both support HR and new teachers.

Thank you