Computer education in Australian schools: Enabling the next generation of IT professionals

This report examines computer education in Australian schools, drawing on ACS survey response to the 2020/21 Australian Curriculum review (ACS, 2021). It also includes recent research on computer education in Australia and internationally.

The report covers the development of computer education in Australia, changes brought about by the Australian curriculum, and the introduction of Digital Technologies as a compulsory subject in primary and lower secondary schools.

It discusses the different approaches schools are taking to implement the curriculum and the challenges they face in establishing a new subject. Key areas of focus include the confusion between Digital Literacy and Digital Technologies curricula, the lack of emphasis on coding, the potential for developing thinking skills, and the impact of the compulsory curriculum on senior secondary computing subjects and tertiary pathways.

The report unpacks barriers to implementation and provides details on support mechanisms, particularly in initial teacher education and ongoing professional learning.

Overall, it offers a snapshot of computer education in Australian schools in early 2022 and presents 55 recommendations to organisations that can contribute to advancing Digital Technologies education.