"Darren Smith"
*can't get my email client to indent properly so I will use a * for my new content!!!
No its not. Have you been right through the KS3 Strategy materials? Its content is not defined in the statutory documents because it needs to be flexible enough to change with the development of ICT. Take for example the day we discover how to store graphics in a format that has the advantages of vector and bitmap.
Seems unlikely. In the meantime maybe we should just teach something about bitmap and vector file formats so the kids understand the issues rather than sweeping it under the carpet and pretending pictures are just pictures and all that matters is being able to stick them in Powerpoint and flash them up on an Interactive Whiteboard. I think this lack of attention to technical details is why the brighter kids often tend to see ICT as a bit of a joke.
I wasn't implying you don't have this sort of rigour. Thje KS3 strategy DOES get teachers to explain things like vector/bitmap. The latest web technologies optional training has has vocabulary like .png and explains bandwidth packets teaches the use of the tracert command and so on. Its a start and in my view has to be applauded.
*I think you need to re-read the original paragraph again, Ian. The difference between vector and bitmap is in the bat strat - y7 off the top of my head. It addresses the issues of how they are made up, quality when enlarged, file size (i think) and suitability of purpose.
Yes all of these
I'd be happy to lend my time to creating an alternative set of sample teaching units using open source file formats and applications.
*I suggested similar on this list concerning GCSE with pretty much zero response. I'd be interested in free / open alternatives for both win and linux.
OK then who has the knowledge to get a project started? Wpould we use a website like Sourceforge? -- Colin McQueen