Page 19 - The Caribbean Examiner 1-2020

THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINER

As a member of CARICOM, the This syllabus will also help learners focuses on the advancements
Caribbean Examinations Council® to develop some fundamental skills and and evolution of a modern digital
(CXC®) plays an integral role in regional competencies such as critical thinking, society based on technological and
Human Resource Development. Most creativity, problem solving, and the experiential innovation.
recently, in response to research ability to do research, communicate and The multidisciplinary nature of the
on emerging skills and careers collaborate. These skills will help them syllabus will also prepare students for
in high demand, the organisation to take a full and active part in social, further studies or immediate entry into
developed two new syllabuses. The cultural, economic, civic and intellectual the world of work through employment
courses will be introduced for learners life. Further, learners will acquire the or entrepreneurial ventures that
working towards certifications for the skills to create, use, remix, and share allow for the fusion of art, science,
Caribbean Certificate of Secondary content in a manner that is respectful technology and engineering on a
Level Competence (CCSLC®) and at of the rights of other users. blank canvas to create processes or
the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency CCSLC® is a competency-based products that can be commercialised.
Examination (CAPE®). programme comprising a core of The syllabus will also emphasise
The syllabus in Digital Literacy was subjects – English, Integrated Science, the design thinking principles which
introduced in schools in September Mathematics, Modern Languages, bring together what is desirable,
2019 and learners began to explore the Social Studies and now Digital Literacy. from a human point of view, with
subject as one of the requirements to Through this exposure to these core what is technologically feasible and
earn their CCSLC® certification. subjects the learner should acquire economically viable. This approach
The syllabus was guided by several the knowledge, skills, competencies, will also allow for the use of creative
factors which are of significance values and attitudes that are in keeping tools to address a vast range of
in this dynamic technological era. with the philosophical, psychological challenges from varied context.
Technological innovations influence and political perspectives embraced Central to the design philosophy is the
all areas of life, from the daily lives of by the Council, that are considered role of brainstorming and prototyping
individuals, to the work of business to be desirable in a secondary school where focus is placed on the three
and government, to interactions on a leaver. Learners can also gain additional ‘Rs’— doing it rough, rapid and right.
global scale. These innovations help benefit through special programmes, at The syllabus promotes engagement
meet basic human needs and provide the national level, that may be added as in the engineering design process
opportunities for improving the lives electives to the core. and the use of prototypes to
of people. The use of technology in Beginning in September 2020, accurately communicate the design
everyday life is second nature to the learners at the CAPE® level are ideas to all stakeholders involved.
digital natives that are presently in scheduled to be introduced to Design Consequently, within the authentic
classrooms across the region. These and Technology, a course of study which learning environment, teachers are
digital native learners must be prepared will provide opportunities for them to encouraged to use a range of teaching
to thrive in a constantly evolving be engaged in a process where they and assessment strategies to include
technological landscape and this new capture creative, innovative solutions rapid prototyping, brainstorming,
syllabus will contribute to meeting their that are functional and aesthetically probing questions and research, that
needs. pleasing while contributing to wealth will enable students to gain a level of
Additionally, the reach and rapid creation. Design is a discipline that independence and cooperative skills
evolution of digital technology demand focuses on the creation of a plan as they develop their practical skills
a curriculum that will enable learners or convention for the construction and apply the elements and principles
to become digitally literate, that is, of an object, system or measurable of design.
able to understand, work with, and human interaction. It encapsulates Through this study of Design
benefit from a range of digital media, designing of architectural blueprints, and Technology, students will also
software applications, and hardware engineering drawings, business and develop transferrable critical thinking,
devices such as computers, mobile manufacturing processes, circuit collaboration, communication,
phones, and internet technology. They diagrams, and fashion, textiles and innovation, artistry, digital, scientific,
must also have the ability to critically apparel construction through design environmental and solutions oriented
understand digital media content thinking and the application of the focused skills that are relevant to
and its applications and possess the elements and principles of design which aesthetic, economic, and socio-
knowledge and capacity to create with are common to most, if not all fields political development in the Twenty-
digital technology. and industries. Technology meanwhile, first Century.

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