A Computer Curriculum Guideline for Junior High Schools in Taiwan: Its Impacts and Issues

A computer curriculum guideline for Taiwan junior high schools was announced in 1994 and will be nationally implemented in 1998. Due to the specific educational system in Taiwan, the guideline will affect computer textbook writing, computer teaching and learning, computer teachers' professional development, and computer education research. This paper discusses the computer course content outline; textbook writing principles; characteristics of the guideline; possible impacts; the rationale for having computers as an independent subject at the junior high school level; programs and technology necessary to support the class; and issues related to these factors. Possible impacts discussed are on the computer market, the supply and demand of computer science teachers, computer textbook writing and publishing, students, parents, and school management. A mandatory curriculum guideline or standard is necessary for providing computer concepts and skills for following generations. A solid computer education research base should be established to provide usable and promising perspectives and strategies for computer education practices. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/SWC)