Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate - Information Technology/Rationale

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Rationale
' Information Technology has evolved over the past five decades in response to the need for more efficient techniques to manage the significantly increased volume and sophistication of the knowledge reservoir of mankind. It merges the study of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Office Automation; involves the collection, storage, accessing, processing and dissemination of information and impacts on both work and leisure activities.

In a world characterised by technological innovation and computerised responses to situations in the work place and in the wider society, all citizens will need to have practical exposure to the techniques of Information Technology in order to bridge the widening gap between Caribbean nations and the developed countries and provice our citizens with the ebst chances for survival and growth in this new age.

A structured programme in Information Technology develops computer-related skills and encourages the development of analytical and design skills which are applicable in all areas of the curriculum.

This syllabus is designed to provide a cherent view of the significance of information in a socio-economic context. Emphasis is placed on application of knowledge and the use of computer. This approach has been adopted in recognition of the impact that changes in the availability of information can have on the educational process. The focus is on getting students to develop skills for life in an increasingly technological world, rather than on students absorbing a myriad of seemingly unrelated facts which may have only short term relevance.

The syllabus aims to provide the kind of practical experience which includes an element of discovery, and fosters self-confidence, together with the practical skills that will prepare students to meet the region's need for greatly increased productivity and cost effective procedures.