Ever since Digital technologies was developed and being delivered in schools there has always been an issue for Auckland teachers. It will not be considered an academic subject because it does not appear on the University of Auckland's Table A and Table B.
What is this Table A and Table B?
For entrance to some University of Auckland qualifications, you need to have completed subjects listed in Tables A and B below. Check the subjects required for your proposed programme against the 'Discretionary Entrance: Subject, credit and other requirements' table below.
Remember, a minimum of four subjects in total is required. Some programmes have no Table A or Table B requirements (eg, Bachelor of Arts)—in that case, you are free to choose any subjects from the NZQA list approved for University Entrance.
| Table A | Table B |
|---|---|
| Classical Studies English Geography History History of Art Te Reo Māori OR Te Reo Rangatira | Accounting Biology Chemistry Economics Mathematics Physics |
I do realise that not everyone goes to Auckland University. That there are other Universities, http://oneteachersview.blogspot.co.nz/2015/09/an-open-letter-to-nz-universities.html and how they treat Digital technologies.
However, this post is more about the announcement
Digital Technologies being recognised at Auckland Uni
Hot off the press, we've just heard that:
Digital Technologies will likely soon be accepted as a "Table B" subject for admission into the University of Auckland, pending Council approval and the provision of satisfactory curriculum data. It has made it through Senate and we're confident it'll eventually be enacted.
This means that, subject to final ratification, the University of Auckland will be finally recognising Digital Technology at NCEA school level as suitable for meeting the academic requirements of entry into many restricted-entry courses.
As you may or may not know, Table B contains the "academic" subjects that are accepted by Auckland University for restricted-entry courses. It currently consists of the main maths subjects, the traditional sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), accounting and economics. Parents often see this as a defacto "worthy academic subjects" list, rightly or wrongly.
Big ups to Tim Bell and others who have pushed for this along with IITP for a number of years, and for strong support from the Auckland University Computer Science department and Science faculty.
Now I wonder when we will see this...
| Table A | Table B |
|---|---|
| Classical Studies English Geography History History of Art Te Reo Māori OR Te Reo Rangatira | Accounting Biology Chemistry Economics Mathematics Physics Digital technologies |
Computer skills recognised as key for tertiary study
08 December 2015
Success at NCEA level in a new computing related achievement standard now counts towards admission to the University of Auckland and is endorsed for study across the University, it was announced today.
Up to now, NCEA Level 3 credits in Digital Technologies have not been included on the list of subjects considered best preparation for study at university level, particularly in science and engineering.
Dean of Science Professor John Hosking says today’s decision acknowledging digital skills and knowledge as increasingly important across a wide range of study areas marks an important change for students, parents and schools.
It sent a clear signal to schools on what the University considers the most suitable preparatory subjects for admission to many Bachelor programmes, he says.
“Literacy in computer technologies and a fluent understanding of the digital world not only provides a strong foundation for tertiary study but the University recognises that it has become a core employable skill.
“I welcome the addition of Digital Technologies to the list of subjects we believe are of prime academic importance for success at tertiary level.”
The addition of NCEA Digital Technologies has been welcomed by the IT industry.
“This is a very significant step towards transforming Digital Technologies into a strong academic area with the potential to attract top students into related areas,” says Institute of Information Technology Professionals CEO Paul Matthews.
“It’s also a critical step in addressing high-level shortages within the industry and signally the importance of tertiary study in this field.”
Recent changes in the computing curriculum for NCEA, in consultation with universities, has resulted in a revised curriculum for Digital Technologies. The new curriculum progresses from Level 1 studies to Level 3. Level 3 NCEA Digital Technologies includes database creation and management and an introduction to networking and programming skills
The University’s Department of Computer Science has a new Stage 1 course which builds on the Digital Technologies curriculum and allows students entry to an accelerate pathway if they have completed NCEA level 3 in the subject.
“The Faculty of Science will be strongly recommending Digital Technologies for all science students,” Professor Hosking says.
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