Technology experts call for better tech education in schools to help students thrive in digital world

Technology needs to be taught as a fundamental subject in schools — like English and maths — a leading academic believes, as teachers grapple with educating the next generation in the ever-changing space.

A new report, by the Australian National University and Australian Computer Society released on Tuesday, shows growing concerns amongst educators over their ability to keep pace with changing technological trends.

The report reveals over two-thirds of teachers who responded to a national survey say they were struggling to implement the existing digital technologies curriculum, while only one-quarter of respondents reported having enough support to address these challenges.

This has led to low student engagement in the classroom and fewer pupils pursuing technology careers with the number of Year 11 and 12 students studying tech subjects falling in recent years.

ANU Tech Policy Design Centre founding director Professor Johanna Weaver said technology’s importance in our lives would only grow for future generations.

“We need to stop teaching tech like it is a bolt-on and start treating it as fundamental, like English and Maths,” Professor Weaver said.

“The good news is there are policy levers that the Federal and State governments can pull today to better support teachers.

“Without this support, we risk widening the digital divide and creating a society where the next generation of Australians are not equipped to navigate the increasingly complex digital world.

“New and potentially disruptive technologies become available every day and we want all Australians to understand the safety, privacy, and security implications, and be empowered to harness the best of technology to shape a positive future.”

The report argues better support for teachers will help Australia meet future technology workforce demands and prepare all students with the skills to adapt to new technologies in the increasingly developing digital economy.

“It is critical that we prioritise educating our next generation in digital literacy and digital technologies because it is the best way to prepare these young people for the world that lies ahead,” ACS ICT Educators Committee Chair Sharon Singh said.

“Engaging them in digital technologies and empowering them as early as possible and throughout their school education can also lead to more Australians pursuing further education in technology fields and into a technology-focused career, becoming a part of Australia’s future technology workforce.”