ABSTRACT

This chapter guides the reader through creating their own curriculum map, and the accompanying eResources contain a comprehensive five-year curriculum which can be used or adapted. There are three theories which underpin successful curriculum design: distributed practice, practice testing and interleaved practice. Computing consists of three strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Although the term 'digital native' is frequently used to describe students, it is a somewhat misleading label; computing does need explicit teaching and subject-specific pedagogy. In order to design a successful curriculum, they must first understand what it means to be an expert in computing. Cognitive psychology can greatly inform curriculum design. Many of the principles are counter-intuitive. However, extensive research tells that for a curriculum to be successful it needs to be spaced, interleaved and include frequent practice testing. The curriculum is best structured around problems to be solved.