Changing computer curricula in Australia

From 1901, the eight Australian States and Territories accepted constitutional authority for school education. Hence, a nationally developed curriculum only arose in 2014, for optional adoption. Computers were initially included as a general capability to enhance learning in all subjects. This focused on Office-suite applications.

In 2016, the new Digital Technologies subject was added to the curriculum. This paper looks at its adoption and changes proposed in the 2021 Review. This paper looks at the changes in the public consultation draft. We reveal the answers to the following questions about the proposed update for Digital Technologies:

1. Will Australia abandon the general ICT capability (as per the UK) to provide greater focus on Digital Technologies?

2. Will Australia put a greater emphasis on coding/programming than the current meagre mention?

3. What do pre-service teachers think about the proposed changes?