Hi Doug & thanks :) very happy you are also working in the area. Partly it’s the zeitgeist, but I’ve been noticing more and more ‘digital literacy’ programmes internationally which basically just look at functional skills. Definitions are very fluid things, and I’m keen on defending this one, given I think ‘digital literacy’ is probably the best one we have for describing what need to happen to ensure formal education is fit for supporting the interests of 21st century learners. I’m loving the JISC Developing Digital Literacies programme work: http://www.jisc.ac.uk/developingdigitalliteracies Hi Pat - very fair comments. My intention here wasn’t to explore what a computer science curriculum could look like, and my apologies if my reference to coding gave the impression that I think coding is the main or even most important thing about computer science. I’m quite interested at how hot coding currently is however, and long may that reign :) The critical issue in the definition is this: Yes, we could decide that Computer Science is the place to locate the delivery of digital literacy within school, depending on how we define digital literacy, and make sure that social and communication skills are accounted for. This may well end up happening. This is very different however from saying that the technical ability to use technology and create programmes equal digital literacy - I know you aren’t saying this, but many of the articles I’ve read recently are. Strategically, I believe it’s short sighted to locate digital literacy to any one particular area - the aim should be for every teacher to be supported in developing and maintaining their digital literacy, since we want to ensure that where appropriate, teachers of every subject are able to take advantage of technology to support both their learners and their own ongoing development. And thanks for your Pirate Model post - I enjoyed it a lot! http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/digitallyready/2011/10/13/digital-literacies-and-the-aaar-model-for-personalising-learning Thanks for your comment Chris. I agree, as you can probably tell :) Henry: I’m very excited about the fresh look that is being taken at the wasted opportunity that most ICT qualifications at this level represents. We totally need to draw on the experience, enthusiasm and expertise that does exist, and look at supporting schools to deliver a curriculum that captures and shares that creativity and excitement. I’m worried that resources and development will be left to the private sector, although the more cynically I think if all we are going to teach young people about is Microsoft and Google, then those companies should be stumping up for course resources. I would love to see crowd sourcing and open source principles truly structuring the development and design of a new Computer Science for schools, not just being buzz words. Frances, as always, many thank for your wise & succinct words. & Catherine - thanks for a really important point, very well made.