InnovatED

Description

The focus of the unit is to encourage creativity, support collaborative learning, (beyond the classroom), enhance problem solving skills, provide feedback/reflection from peers, self and staff and to explore the use of ICT to enhance work outcomes. InnovatED can be chosen as an ongoing subject for the whole year to finish projects if timetable permits.

Unit Topics

This unit runs over one semester and will have two components, where students will follow an investigation of their own choosing and explore a local or global issue/challenge as a class. Students will have the opportunity to choose their own enquiry. They will need to formulate questions, develop a plan, interact with community members to gather information and collaborate with others to develop the final product. The course is very student driven and is based on a project based learning model, which allows the student to take ownership of his/ her learning and develop the skills needed for success in the 21st century.

Skill Development

• Research skills and practices
• Creativity, artistry, curiosity, imagination, innovation, personal expression
• Perseverance, self-direction, planning, self-discipline, adaptability, initiative
• Oral and written communication, public speaking and presenting, listening
• Leadership, teamwork, collaboration, co-operation, facility in using virtual workspaces
• Information and communication technology (ICT) literacy, media and internet literacy, data  interpretation and analysis.

Possible Assessment Tasks

Students will be involved in creating an Individual Project Proposal for an area of their choosing. This could be anything from taking an online course in an area of interest, organising a local school activity, creating an artwork installation or designing a new invention. The whole class project will be decided on by the teacher and will foster collaborative, communication and problem solving skills while extending student knowledge in local and global issues. Presentations, Power Points, 3D printing models and design portfolios.

Activities/Camps/Excursions

Opportunities are provided for students to practice their presentation skills in a variety of settings. Guest presenters are invited into the class and students will work with community members.

Career Options

The skills developed in this unit are referred to as ‘21st Century Skills’ or ‘Enterprise Skills’. They are a skill set that are transferable across any career and are required skills for many jobs. Demand for enterprise skills has been rising over time: Over the past three years, employers have listed more enterprise skills in their job advertisements. Students can use these skills in job applications and further study options interviews.