Quick Reference
to the Curriculum Areas and the Computer Applications

The curriculum areas are specified as the B.C. IRP mandates. These descriptions have been copied from the appropriate B.C. IRPs, which are now available on-line from the website: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/ .

List of Six Curriculum Areas - as defined by B.C. IRPs

 Information Technology (IT)
(nb. No longer a mandated area)
a.Foundations (using IT in all areas)
·Knowledge
·Skills
·Attitudes
b.Process (using IT to solve problems)
·Selecting appropriate IT
·Organizing
·Modifying
c.Presentation (using various media)
·Communicating Ideas

Social Studies
a.Applications of Social Studies
b.Society and Culture
c.Politics and Law
d.Economy and Technology
e.Environment

Science
a.Life Sciences
b.Physical Sciences
c.Earth and Space Science

 Mathematics
a.Number
b.Patterns and Relations
c.Shape and Space
d.Statistics and Probability

Language Arts
a.Comprehend and Respond
·Strategies and Skills
·Comprehension
·Engagement and Personal Response
·Critical Analysis
b.Communicate Ideas and Information
·Knowledge of Language
·Composing and Creating
·Improving Communications
·Presenting and Valuing
c.Self and Society
·Personal Awareness
·Working Together
d.Building Community

Personal Planning
a.The Planning Process
·Personal goals
·Monitoring Progress/Adjusting Goals
·Problem-Solving
b.Personal Development
·Healthy Living
·Mental Well Being
·Family Life Education
·Child Abuse Prevention
·Substance Abuse Prevention
·Safety and Injury Prevention
c.Career Development

 

List of Various Applications - Computer Technology

1. Text processing tools
a.Word processor (including a simple report or document, see also 6c)
b.Keyboarding (where primary objective is typing)
c.Spell-Checker (used in conjunction with word processor)
d.Outliner (document structuring and planning, used with word processor)

2. Instructional Software
a.Problem Solving Programs (primary objective is thinking skills)
b.Tutorial Programs
c.Drill & Practice Programs (not in game format - see also 5b games).
d.Software accompanying a Textbook
e.CD-ROM research
f.Internet research (search engines, directories, catalogues etc.)
g.On-line instructional websites

3. Analytic & Information Tools
a.Databases
b.Spreadsheets
c.Chart/Graphing
d.Calculator (as part of computer)
e.Lab Interfaces (scientific probes connected to the computer)
f.Statistical Programs

4. Programming and Operating Systems
a.Operating Systems (Mac Os, Win)
b.LOGO, Microworlds (LOGO)
c.Cocoa
d.HyperTalk
e. HTML

5. Games & Simulations
a.Simulations (eg SimCity)
b.Instructional Games (eg spelling & math practice in a game format)
c.Recreational Games or Entertainment Programs

6. Graphics & Operating Tools
a.Ready-Made Art (eg clip-art)
b.Painting or Drawing
c.Desktop Publishing (a complex report with graphics, planned layout etc.) ( see also 1a - simple reports)
d.Drafting, Computer-Aided Design
e.Music Composition

7. Communications
a.Within-School Group collaborative projects (intranet)
b.School-School (Internet)
c.School-Home Communications
d.E-mail, Keypals etc
e.On-line databases
f.On-line services, Ask-an-expert

8. Multimedia
a.Videodisc
b.Robotics
c.HyperCard
d.HyperStudio
e.Digital Chisel
f. PowerPoint
g. HTML webpage construction

* Note: The list of computer applications, divided into eight groupings, is based on the Sheingold and Hadley study (1993).

 Return to Questionnaire Part B