Ontario updating high school computer studies and technological education curriculum
Posted December 12, 2022 3:54 pm.
Last Updated December 12, 2022 4:31 pm.
The Ontario government is updating their Computer Studies and Technological Education curriculum to help align with the province’s plan to place an emphasis on critical life and job skills.
The high school courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will be updated so students can learn more and better prepare for the “jobs of tomorrow.”
The two curriculum changes include a new computer studies curriculum, beginning with a new Grade 10 course called Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World, which will be implemented in Sept. 2023. A new technological education curriculum will begin with a revised Grade 9 and Grade 10 course that will be offered in Sept. 2024.
The Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World course will replace the current Grade 10 Introduction to Computer Studies course which was last updated in 2008.
The revised Technological Education curriculum, which has not been updated since 2009, will “reflect the advancements in automation across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, which has increased the need for a highly skilled workforce.”
These changes, according to the government, will help prepare students for careers in communications, the construction industry as electricians, plumbers, and the manufacturing sector.
“Our focus is to ensure our students have the most up-to-date curriculum that strengthens life and job skills leading to rewarding careers in technology and innovation, including in the skilled trades,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce in a release.
It comes after the province’s science and technology curriculum for elementary school students was implemented in 2022 along with the de-streamed Math and Science courses for Grade 9s.
“By modernizing STEM and skilled trade-related courses, we’re ensuring our talent pool continues to grow and that Ontario businesses continue to innovate and thrive,” added Vid Fedeli, the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
In the second quarter of 2022, there were close to 18,000 job vacancies for computer and information systems professionals in Ontario. The province also expects to face a shortfall of 100,000 construction workers over the next decade.
