Page 31 - The Ontario Curriculum Grades 10 to 12 Computer Studies - Revised (2008)

work connections. The OSP provides clear descriptions of Essential Skills such as Reading Text, Writing, Computer Use, Measurement and Calculation, and Problem Solving and includes an extensive database of occupation-specific workplace tasks that illustrate how workers use these skills on the job. The Essential Skills are transferable, in that they are used in virtually all occupations. The OSP also includes descriptions of important work habits, such as working safely, being reliable, and providing excellent customer service. The OSP is designed to help employers assess and record students’ demonstration of these skills and work habits during their cooperative education place- ments. Students can use the OSP to assess, practise, and build their Essential Skills and work habits and transfer them to a job or further education or training.
The skills described in the OSP are the Essential Skills that the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated, through extensive research, as the skills needed for work, learning, and life. These Essential Skills provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change. For further information on the OSP and the Essential Skills, visit http://skills.edu.gov.on.ca.
CAREER EDUCATION
Ongoing discoveries and innovations coupled with rapidly evolving technologies have resulted in an exciting environment in which creativity and innovation thrive, bringing about new career opportunities. Today’s employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work cooperatively in a team, traits that are developed through participation in computer studies courses. Computer studies courses enable students to develop, for example, problem-solving skills, design skills, technical knowledge and skills, and the ability to conduct research, present results, and work on projects both independently and in a team environment.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND OTHER FORMS OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Cooperative education and other forms of experiential learning, such as job shadowing, field trips, and work experience, enable students to apply the skills they have devel- oped in the classroom to real-life activities in the community and in the world of busi- ness and public service. Cooperative education and other workplace experiences also help to broaden students’ knowledge of employment opportunities in a wide range of fields, including computer programming, database analysis, computer science, educa- tion, computer engineering, software engineering, information technology, and game development. In addition, students develop their understanding of workplace practices, certifications, and the nature of employer–employee relationships. Teachers of computer studies can support their students’ learning by maintaining links with community-based businesses to ensure that students have access to hands-on experiences that will reinforce the knowledge and skills gained in school.
Students who choose a computer studies course as the related course for two cooperative education credits are able, through this packaged program, to meet the OSSD compul- sory credit requirements for groups 1, 2, and 3.
Health and safety issues must be addressed when learning involves cooperative educa- tion and other workplace experiences. Teachers who provide support for students in workplace learning placements need to assess placements for safety and ensure that
SomE conSidErationS For ProGram PlanninG
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