Schools can already teach digital technologies, but it has now been formalised as part of the curriculum. Photo / iStock
Schools can already teach digital technologies, but it has now been formalised as part of the curriculum. Photo / iStock
Digital technology will be formally made part of the New Zealand Curriculum - the first change since 2007.
Education Minister Hekia Parata said the change would prepare school students for a future in which "digital fluency" would be critial.
The change is a recommendation of the Government's science and societystrategic plan "A Nation of Curious Minds".
"The information technology sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in New Zealand, with a demand for skilled graduates. This step will support young people to develop skills, confidence and interest in digital technologies," Ms Parata said.
Schools can already teach digital technologies, it has now been formalised as part of the curriculum.
Consultation will be held until the end of the year, to design new curriculum content, with changes fully integrated into the New Zealand Curriculum for next year.
The Institute of IT Professionals, a technology industry professional body, said today's announcement was welcome.
However, IITP chief executive Paul Matthews said Ms Parata had stopped short of creating a digital technologies learning area, and hadn't provided extra funding for professional development for teachers.
