The purpose of this statement is to provide members with NZCETA policy on Information Management/Computer Skills in secondary schools. It can be used to:

• Provide input to the development of an individual school's policy statement;
• Provide information to be used in curriculum co-ordination exercises;
• Develop an individual school's prospectus and curriculum programmes;
• Provide information for use with students, parents and the wider school community.

Definition
Information Management (IM) is the management of organisational processes and systems involving efficient and effective use of digital literacy (ability to use digital technology, communication tools, or networks to locate, evaluate, use, and create information)*.

Computer Skills enables students to develop their knowledge and skills in the use of a wide range of computer software and digital technologies.

Rationale
Digital Literacy is an essential skill for the 21 st century. To participate in a future knowledge society students will need to be able to adapt to change, explore, experiment, think critically, work creatively, plan, use feedback, self-assess, as well as use project management tools, which will enable them to communicating ideas in a creative and critical way.  The development of these skills in a robust and well structured programme will allow students to identify a range of possible employment and/or further study opportunities.

Links with the New Zealand Curriculum
Information Management/Computer Skills, through the use of digital technologies to communicate information, contribute to The Learning Areas of Technology, English and the Visual Arts discipline within The Arts area.

Information Management/Computer Skills programmes will address the New Zealand Curriculum requirements relating to the Principles, Values, and Key Competencies

(Thinking, Using language, symbols and texts, Managing self, Relating to others, Participating, and contributing): as well as the individual school’s Mission Statement and Strategic Goals.

* Source: www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz: Enabling the 21 st Learner, Ministry of Education, 2006