ICT in VELS

ICT supports knowledge building among teams and enables team members to collaborate, inquire, interact and integrate prior knowledge with new understanding. 

The use of ICT Domain of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards, are vital in this technology driven ages, not only so students can familiarise and develop working skills to use the broad array of technologies students have access too, but can assist them in their learning of other subjects.

The ICT Domain of VELS is broken down into 3 key sections…

1.    ICT for Visual Thinking:  In the ICT for visualising thinking dimension students use ICT tools to assist their thinking processes and reflect on the thinking strategies they use to develop understanding. (VELS)

Students are able to use different ICT Technology to allow them to put their learnt knowledge in class and represent key concepts and ideas graphically. For example, students may be asked to show their understanding of a particular area of study or key concept, they now have the option to show this information a number of ways, including using Mind Maps, Graphic Organisers, Charts and Graphs etc. all of which can be developed through the use of ICT Technology, showing how this vital resource can help build knowledge and allow students to interact and evaluate their learnt (and prior) knowledge in a visual way – Something that many student find as an effective way of learning.

2. ICT for Creating:  The ICT for creating dimension focuses on students using ICT tools for creating solutions to problems and for creating information products. Through the selection and application of appropriate equipment, techniques and procedures, students learn to process data and information to create solutions to problems…and explore relationships and processes related to all areas of the curriculum. (VELS)

ICT can act as an interface between the student and the developing high order thinking that allows them to solve problems, understand and interact with the information, and be able to express their understanding in a creative way, so the learning is meaningful to them.  

3. ICT for Communication: The ICT for communicating dimension focuses on students using ICT to present ideas and understandings to audiences and support knowledge-building among teams. (VELS) Student are able to collaboratively develop work and discuss their learning in a safe and equal learning environment. Imagine where we would be without the use of Communication Technology education! Think about distance education programs. This element of the ICT Domain in VELS is vital.