An overview of the integration of basic research and digital skills in the high school curriculum.

Abstract

The new landscape in the education sector calls for diverse basic research and digital integration skills. However, basic education institutions are still facing a challenge of integrating research and digital skills in their teaching and learning approaches. In addressing this challenge, an investigation to establish the curriculum design of the Life Orientation (LO) subject regarding its structure to accommodate research and digital skills was conducted. This was achieved through literature review, document analysis, workshops and brainstorming sessions with LO teachers from two schools that are based in two provinces. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis approach, whereby Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was embraced. The findings of the document analysis and workshops led to the development of the proposed process model for the basic research and digital skills integration into teaching and learning of the pilot subject, which can later be used for other subjects.