AITSL

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Virtual visit to Taronga Zoo

Subject – Digital Technologies

Year Level – Year 3/4

Strand – Digital Technologies knowledge and understanding

Sub Strand – Representation of data

4.2 Recognise different types of data and explore how the same data can be represented in different ways

Link to resource – https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/taronga-zoo-wild-australia/id743275084?ls=1&mt=8
NOTE: This link does not enable you to download the resource as it is one that you would download on an iPad. This website just gives you the information about what you can do on the app. This app is free.

Links to other learning areas
English – students are able to create posters based on the information they collect using this app.

Science – As students will be asked to look at the appearance, habitat and diet of the animals this links in closely with biological sciences.

Classroom Activity – Depending on the availability of iPads in the classroom, this activity could be completed during  learning rotations in small groups. Depending on the capability of the students in the group, the teacher may have to scaffold the students during this task with the collection of information.  The students would be expected to choose one animal from the zoo and then take notes on their habitat, their appearance and what they eat. The students are then asked to create a poster that describes these aspects.

How to use the resource – If you can’t find the app, Taronga Zoo Audio Tour is just as good. There is a list of animals on the home page, once you select an animal it takes you to a different page where there is an audio file, containing information about the animals appearance as well as other things. You can then click into ‘more info’ where you will find other useful information.
 

 

A new technologies curriculum for Australian Schools

Australian teachers now have a new technologies curriculum for foundation to year ten F-10. This curriculum draws together the subject areas of design and technology and digital technologies. It addresses is a need for all students to become more confident, creative users of technology. Technology is such a vital part of our daily lives and the business world. This new curriculum has two strands

1.) knowledge and understanding

2.)processes and production skills.

There is a focus on systems thinking considers  the interconnected layers or aspects of a whole system before looking at isolated elements. The key factor in systems thinking is that  an action or disruption in one part or element of a system will influence and impact on the other layers. This connects to the cross- curriculum theme of sustainability.

Design thinking and design processes have been introduced  to explore the processes and thinking strategies used by designers as they engage in creative practices. There is a focus on students being actively engaged in authentic design projects which link across all areas of the curriculum. I am looking forward to seeing your responses and how you tackle this complex area of technology in your teaching.