This is the beginning of a project which can produce an agreed model for information technology in Australian Schools. Based on the nationally developed Profiles of other curriculum areas, it will produce by a comprehensive guide showing how computers can be used across the curriculum by students throughout their schooling careers. Because information technology equipment in schools varies in type and quantity, and because technological changes and societal expectations change so fast in this area, the document is being generated electronically. Therefore a high degree of consultation and subsequent modification is expected.

The initial stage has been to produce a grid for planning. Members of the computer discussion group at the University of Tasmania have put together a framework, and some initial ideas of how it might be used. We would be interested in your comments, both of the framework and the current contents. It suggests student learning outcomes when computers are used in the ways indicated by the Strands.

This grid was devised by the Computer Education Discussion Group, including Lynda Ireland, Matthew Cooper, Andrew Fluck, Belinda Griffiths and Charlotte Kupsch.

Operations and computer components Essential skills for operating computer equipment. A pre-requisite for the other modes of use, which give increasing confidence and an awareness of the limitations of information technology. Students learn both physical dexterity, clear pronunciation and logical thinking skills in this area.

Publishing The computer is used to create or file information that is usually transferred to paper. This mode has an important role to play in raising students' self-esteem. For example, images could quite easily be put on paper using a pen or pencil, but the computer increases the accuracy the student can achieve. In a similar way, word-processors help students to organise their thoughts and present text in a conventional form analogous to the printed material in the world around them. When computer tools are used in combination to manipulate text, pictures, sounds, numerical and other data, the student is displaying competency in the publishing mode.

Communicating This mode is typified by computer mediated communication. Initially this is between individuals who may already be known to the student. As confidence grows, the student may begin to branch out over the world, responding with appropriate 'netiquette' to persons who are not initially known to the student. A developing confidence and care will be reflected in the type and extent of news-groups and other discussions students join.

Researching When used for research, the computer is used to access information and other resources. Using a computer in this way, students develop questioning skills. They solve problems by stating them and re-shaping them to fit different resource frameworks.

Problem Solving In the problem solving mode, the student is able to examine and build models of situations. Students would generally begin by using simulations or control systems created by others. For example, an adventure game might simulate an event in history, or the growth of a town. Students will soon be able to construct simple models of the world around them and implement simple control systems for vehicles constrained to low speed in two dimensions. As they progress, they will be able to work with more sophisticated mathematical models, and begin to predict events.

Independent Learning In the Independent Learning mode, the student will expect to learn new knowledge or skills. Initially the teacher will select appropriate diagnosis or drill software for the student. As familiarity grows, students will engage in more comprehensive learning using computer systems which the teacher will use to manage and track achievements. Eventually students will become adept at stating their own learning needs, and will select and use computer systems which suit them.

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