Overview and Resources
Technology is a tool to enrich and enhance the curriculum; not an end unto itself. It should seamlessly support engaged, meaningful learning and collaboration involving challenging and relevant learning tasks. ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards NETS have served as a roadmap for improved teaching and learning by educators throughout the United States. The standards, used in every U.S. state and many countries, are credited with significantly influencing expectations for students and creating a target of excellence relating to technology. In the summer of 2007, the National Educational Technology Standards for Students were updated to address the following:
- NETS for Students
- NETS for Teachers
- NETS for Computer Literacy Teachers
- K-5 Technology Benchmarks - Aligned to K-5 NETS-S Student Profiles
- 6-8 Technology Benchmarks - Aligned to 6-8 NETS-S Student Profiles
- K-12 Technology Benchmarks - Specific Skills
- Technology Department - Quick Links Include the Technology Use Guidelines
Technology literacy is integrated into the curriculum at the elementary level. Examples of programs used at this level are Kidspiration, Kidpix, PhotoStory 3, MS Office Suite 2007 and various web sites and databases. With the implementation of the Scott Foresman Reading Street series, IXL Math and standardized lessons that integrate the various components of the NETS-S and curriculum objectives, students receive a well rounded technology experience. Examples of essential skills learned through these lessons are to be able to:
- Create and use various documents
- Create and use graphic organizers
- Create and use multimedia
- Create and use spreadsheets and graphs
- Use telecommunications
- Locate and manage information
- Keyboard with proper hand placement
- Practice Internet safety
