Post 3

POST 3: Explanation of how a depth of curriculum knowledge also supports the decision making process relating to ICT use in the classroom, with reference to a learning moment in phase two of your project. (400 words)

A depth of curriculum knowledge is vital to all aspects of teaching. Without an intimate knowledge of your subject it is not possible to deliver true intellectual quality, significance, and deep understanding in lessons delivery. It is also vital know specific strategies in terms of delivering curriculum content in the classroom. This combination of knowing what to teach and how to teach it is what separates average classroom practitioners from excellent ones.

One major aspect of this combination of understanding relates directly to the application and integration of technology in the classroom and into programs as a whole. With the amount of information (both accurate and otherwise) available to students at the click of a button, a depth of curriculum knowledge does not just support the decision making process when incorporating ICT into the classroom, but is absolutely essential for it. 

In relation to my particular decisions when developing my online artefact I needed to incorporate both my knowledge of the Stage 4 geography curriculum to ensure I was using information I knew to be accurate, and my experience of teaching Year 7 classes to ensure activities I planned would be engaging for that age group. With this in mind I chose to incorporate an online educational role playing game in which students had to oversee a virtual catchment system over a simulated period of 100 years to see if they could find a balance between economic growth and ecological sustainability. While this game was enjoyable, it was also very relevant to the Stage 4 geography syllabus and had real world significance. However, to understand this, and make an assessment on its suitability to a that particular stage of development, I had to call on my knowledge of the geography curriculum and my own experience as a classroom teacher.