CTAP 120- Activity 2b
At this point, you should have reviewed student technology use guidelines forwarded by both a national foundation project and a state content effort. However, you are the sole expert when it comes to true understanding of your students' capabilities. Reflecting upon the guidelines you have reviewed in the last two activities, what do you believe your students should be able to do with technology at the grade and ability levels you see in your classroom everyday?
posted by Lainie McGann at 8:13 AM
88 Comments:
I teach the sixth grade and after reviewing the proposed technology standards by NETS and the state, many of the skills that the students should be able to do are reasonable. The basics of understanding the input devices of a computer and keyboarding are essential for students to learn at an early age and should be reinforced year after year. Being more specific about the level of keyboarding (i.e., typing 20 word per minute by the fourth grade) would be helpful. Another aspect of technology that I expect my students to know is the applications, especially word processing and multimedia presentations. My students have produced documents, completed research on the internet, created slide shows for presentation, and produced movies for broadcast consideration.
No matter what cultural background my students came from or how much previous experience they had with technology, each student was able to create and present various products using technology. Students who did not have access to a computer at home got to do their work during school and after school. Students who had learning disabilities or had a language barrier were still able to learn and demonstrate their understanding through technology. Throughout my years of teaching, I made adjustments and accommodated my students so that they could have access to a variety of technology. The major issue I constantly encountered was finding the time for the students to explore and practice. Having enough equipment was also a concern.
Narisa
Minimally, students should be able to use word processing, internet, e-mail, and some of the other skills WE had to test out on for Level 1 of CTAP!!! In my class, I also teach them how to type in Spanish, and hopefully,
Looking at the NETS for second grade, it seems reasonable that the standards for that age and grade are attainable. The school site and the equipment available at the site play an important part, but at Woodland, these standards are on target.
Additionally, they need to be aware of the ethical issues and use technology appropriately. Ideally, they should become lifelong learners, using technology to be productive, well-informed students and members of society with these learned capabilities.
(Okay, now I'm really done)
I think the students should be able to use technology to access the internet, type documents, know how to open and save what they are working on. Also in a broader sense, they should understand that technology is a tool to be used wisely. It can be entertainment, but it is also information, and they must evaluate that information. They should be able to see how technology can both broaden and narrow their world by giving them access to other cultures.
First, let me say that the Claifornia standards are way behind the times in not deliniating standards before fourth grade. I work with second graders and the NET standards are much more relevant. I have seen second graders navigate desktops to open programs and saved documents, create new documents in word processing and drawing programs, access web sites (previewed by the teacher) for research, and create simple Power Point presentations. I think by the end of second grade all students should have these computer skills.
I will be working with teachers in the professional development area and I feel that they should have basic operational knowledge and concepts of computer use. Also it would be good to have them be able to blog on an intranet type setting for teachers, faculty, and parents to view information according to their classroom activities. Also I would like to see teachers be able to use the programs they learn from me and apply it in their own classrooms to enhance student learning. All the skills I read in the standards are reasonable and something I should expect all the educators to know or want to learn. I will not expect them to be advanced, but beginner and intermediate knowledge would be great.
I agree with Nancy Jang that the standards for second grade are attainable. The problem I'm finding is having access to technology to be effective. Since I only have one truly functional computer in the classroom (and no computer lab), only a handful of my students get the opportunity to do more than using basic input devices.
Based upon the guidelines in this activity, I feel my thrid grade students are capable of all the grade 4 Introductory Teschnology skills. I know that by the middle of third grade all students are capable of creating a Word document, editing it, and printing it. The students are also familar with most of terminolgy at this stage and I have heard students sharing the correct terms with other students when they are helping them. One area I really hope my students will learn this year is how to find, credible, safe, and health websites when they do research. I am sure that with continued support, the students will become better evaluators of web sites.
As far as using input devices and such, the students come in already knowing how to use VCR's, audiotapes, CD's, and sometimes can install a CD Rom game on the computer. It seems they come hungry for more knowledge ready to be allowed to use the computer more productively. They want to use digital cameras, and other technologies. It is now up to me to feed their desires in a productive, meaningful lessons that allow them to use technologies.
After reviewing the California Tech Standards, I believe we need to make sure that all kids are given access to basic skills technology in the classroom prior to 4th grade tech level standard. By 4th grade, I think what you see happening is some kids who have been exposed to technology are ready to progress to curriculum and content driven technology applications. However, many at-risk, second language learners, or economically disadvantaged students may not have mastered basic skills in the primary grades, possibly due to limitations in access. By waiting until 4th grade, these kids will fall behind the tech curve that others have mastered. Let's avoid the trap of having to teach differentiated technology instruction and get kids to an even playing field.
I agree Sheila. Talk about setting a low expectation for California. The NETS seem on track, assuming that you don't wait until second grade to begin those items, but you start in K and build each year.
I agree with Sheila and Eva. It is surprising that the California standards are not described until 4th grade. I wonder what happened? Do most primary students NOT have access to technology in their classrooms? Were educators afraid of setting standards students cannot master for lack of technology?
The NTES technology standards are broad and I believe that, given the opportunity, second grade students can demonstrate the performances described. In first grade, even before students master their basic reading skills, they have shown the ability to turn equipment on and off, open programs, save and open documents, navigate through games (especially those that have verbal cues), use word processors for writing and drawing, making graphic organizers, and much more. I appreciate the broadness, but also the organization of the NTES performance indicators. The NTES technology standards for students give teachers some clear descriptors of what we should be working on, what we should make available to our students.
Working will all grade levels I think that the skills that should be completed prior to grade 2 should be completed before that. My students come to me in Kindergarten knowing how to use a mouse not to mention the ability to use the internet as an independent learning tool. I think this is a good starting point but I think we can ask more of our students. (I say this knowing that not all our students have access to computers prior to school or access to computers each week at school. I see this changing though and hopefully one day all students will have access.)
Amanda Donnell
At the very least, students in 2nd grade should have basic keyboarding skills in place, practice responsible use of technology systems, and use technology to enhance learning and promote creativity. Students should be able to use computes, cd roms, cameras, dvds, etc. to communicate information and ideas. Also, students should use technology to collect information and present the information in a variety of ways.
My students should be able to look up information on different cultures and their own and to share family histories with other second grader through emails or blogs.
I work with a variety of grade levels. I believe that my students should be able to word process their stories on computers independently. They also should be able to access the web to research information for reports and utilize graphics to produce cover pages and pictures.
All students should be proficient in keyboarding and have an awareness how to navigate through web sites. Hard to teach, but important, is the hope that all students have internalized some ethical sense of using the internet as a tool to empower themselves not to minimalize others.
We are fortunate, in that our students have access to sequential technology curriculum, taught by a specialist, and as such are guided through a wide array of technology projects, projects that will serve them well as they advance in their educational careers. Our school has created a highly competitive standard of computer literacy. Our students learn how to use power point to communicate ideas, MicroSoft Word to publish sophisticated documents including text files, brochures, resumes, newspapers, etc. They learn how to master Excel to both track data and express data visually in graph format. They learn how to use I Photo, I-Tunes and integrate these into I-Movie.
Because of technology training in our school, the technolgy access in my classroom, (thanks to an interactive Smart Board and DocuReader), I expect my students' abilities levels to increase at rapid rates.
All students should be proficient in keyboarding and have an awareness how to navigate through web sites. Hard to teach, but important, is the hope that all students have internalized some ethical sense of using the internet as a tool to empower themselves not to minimalize others.
We are fortunate, in that our students have access to sequential technology curriculum, taught by a specialist, and as such are guided through a wide array of technology projects, projects that will serve them well as they advance in their educational careers. Our school has created a highly competitive standard of computer literacy. Our students learn how to use power point to communicate ideas, MicroSoft Word to publish sophisticated documents including text files, brochures, resumes, newspapers, etc. They learn how to master Excel to both track data and express data visually in graph format. They learn how to use I Photo, I-Tunes and integrate these into I-Movie.
Because of technology training in our school, the technolgy access in my classroom, (thanks to an interactive Smart Board and DocuReader), I expect my students' abilities levels to increase at rapid rates.
In reviewing the standards put forth by the NETS, and teaching grade 11-12, I beleive that many of my students should be able to be in the advanced stage of technology. Using the internet, basic microsoft functions and database use is something that many of my students are already capable of doing. Integrating them into word processed documents is easy for many of them. I have many students that are proficent in the use of i-media. Creating i-movies, using sites to incorporate blogs and other resources. Many of them are highly advanced in their use of technology.
I believe that my students should be familiar with the keyboard and should be comfortable using all fingers to type rather than just their index fingers. I do not expect them to type without looking at the screen, but rather become familiar with the location of the keys. I would also like my students to be able to select an internet browser and type in an address. My students should be familiar with Inspiration and Appleworks as well.
My third graders are able to identify the functions of computer components and show a basic understanding of the nature of computers.
I believe my third graders should be able to develop keyboarding skills to prepare them for written composition on the computer. Other skills I feel they will be able to handle are some basic editing skills in Word including changing fonts and font size, copying, cutting and pasting, point and drag, and adding clip art.
They will be able to create slide shows in power point and use other drawing and text tools programs to create simple documents.
I believe that my third grade students should leave third grade with the ability to create usable word documents. They should know how to keyboard using correct fingering, execute simplistic formatting, create or locate pictures to download, and how to save and/or print their document. They should also feel comfortable negotiating on the web within safe parameters and communicating through email and/or blogs. Students come to third grade with a strong base of computer knowledge to build upon. The expectations need to be changing and growing as technology changes and grows.
I believe that my third grade students should leave third grade with the ability to create usable word documents. They should know how to keyboard using correct fingering, execute simplistic formatting, create or locate pictures to download, and how to save and/or print their document. They should also feel comfortable negotiating on the web within safe parameters and communicating through email and/or blogs. Students come to third grade with a strong base of computer knowledge to build upon. The expectations need to be changing and growing as technology changes and grows.
I believe that my third grade students should leave third grade with the ability to create usable word documents. They should know how to keyboard using correct fingering, execute simplistic formatting, create or locate pictures to download, and how to save and/or print their document. They should also feel comfortable negotiating on the web within safe parameters and communicating through email and/or blogs. Students come to third grade with a strong base of computer knowledge to build upon. The expectations need to be changing and growing as technology changes and grows.
I believe my students should be able to develop proper keyboarding skills. Due to some of their individual needs, keyboarding can lead to a higher level of success in getting their thoughts to paper. Basic navigation of the internet to find information is a reasonable expectation.
I am sometimes surprised at what the students in my classroom already know when it comes to technology! As we strive to become educators that are more technologically sound, I believe that our students are often a reflection about our own personal feelings about using technology in the classroom. The more resources that we utilize in our classrooms, the more technologically knowledgeable the students will be as well. I believe that basic skills such as keyboarding are simply a given, and a desire to understand more about technology are just steps away.
I teach the sixth grade and feel the tech standards are reasonable. At the very least children need to possess keyboarding skills. Additionally they need to word process, be comfortable with multimedia presentations, and complete research on the internet. All of my students should be able to enhance their learning and collect and present information in creative ways. Along with these skills, all of the students must be aware of the ethical issues inherent with technology
As a sixth grade teacher, I believe that all of my students need to be proficient keyboarders, as well as information gatherers. Many still do not possess adequate skills needed to produce documents in a timely manner.
Fortunately, our site has integrated technology standards at all grade levels, and since they are sequenced, students can demonstrate mastery more easily. I'm continually amazed by my students' ability to work with production, presentation, and communication tools. Many possess an understanding of the power of technology; getting them to organize information is harder
I work with students that have a variety of learning challenges and are also functioning at many different level. Realistically if the students are able to log on and use word processing, that for some will be a great success. For others the ability to do some limited research with graphic representation ie. pictures and maps would be an accomplishment of some note.
I think my students should be able to log on, navigate through KPix using the mouse, save and print keys. I expect that they should be able to find Starfall and other websites teacher directs them to. Many of our first grade lessons include stamps to make number sentences and patterns. The students I feel are benefiting from the reinforcement of classroom lessons on the computer. First grade students eventually should be able to do research on bats for example by using the internet. Short sentences and finger placement for keyboarding skills ought to be introduced.
I would like my students to learn how to use the computer as a very useful tool. I would like them to develope a healthy understanding and respect for technology. As they grow and develop, I would like them to know that technology is a great resource and that it can facilitate their learning in many arenas.
As a first grade teacher, I would hope to build their confidence and skill with computers, and prepare them to interface with the world via technology when appropriate.
In first grade, I expect my students to learn the basic skills needed to use a computer, and to use technology as a productivity tool in a limited sense...many times it takes longer to produce something on the computer than it would on paper, but they're learning skills that will serve to save time later.
We research things together using the computer, but I don't expect them to be able to use a computer for research at this point.
The other way I use technology that aligns with the guidelines is as a communication tool with my students and parents. By having my students participate in a daily journal, the parents find out what's going on in the classroom and can reply to the students.
I work with students in 1st - 6th grade with a wide variety of computer capabilities. My students should be able to go online at home to a website presented to them on the SMARTBoard in class relating to what we're studying. In addition, they should know how to search the web to find information about a given topic to learn more about it.
Even thought the CA Content standards begin at grade 4 I feel that my students in the 3rd grade have already demonstrated knowledge of the computer and its capabilities. Most of them have basic keyboarding skills and are currently e-mailing using E-Pals. I hope to use the computers this year to teach them how to research and how to create proper word documents utilizing the various toolbars provided.
By the end of fourth grade, I expect my students to be familiar with the keyboard (including shift key functions and punctuation.) They should also be competent with word processing, spell checking, cuttting and pasting, and publishing. Navigating the internet by typing urls, using search tools, finding appropriate information, and cutting and pasting to of text and graphics to a word document is also expected. In addition, they will be able to use the apple draw and paint programs, Inspiration, and make media presentations.
I think that my students should be able to interact with the Smart board each day. I think that they should use our student computers do practice skills (software). They should also be able to use the menu systems to navigate. Most the students should be able to save items to their folders. They should be comfortable using the mouse and have a basic sense of the keys on the keyboard. They should begin using graphics and be able to find a graphic and import into a document.
Technology can help my students gain needed skills within the core curriculum as well as build skills through remediation. They need to build their keyboarding skills, develop phonic skills as well as to increase their ability to utilize technology to access material through the internet.
The seventh graders should be able to do quite a few functional things with technology. For example, they need to be able to type a document, make changes to the document, save it, print it etc… Also, they should be able to access the internet for educational purposes, such as for conducting research for a paper. The problem at this younger age, is being able to process what they find, and decide whether it is valid, valuable and necessary information.
In Kindergarten, we are hoping to guide our students into gaining an overall feeling of comfort when using a computer. We have learned how to log on, and we are working on the motor skills of controlling a mouse and using a keyboard. We are not yet utilizing the computer as a communication tool nor are we navigating the internet. In Kindergarten we are using technology to extend upon the California content standards. In doing so, we are using the computer to generate documents and to play interactive academic games. Our goal is to send our students to first grade with a basic understanding of how to utilize a computer and to have the confidence to do so.
Activity 2B: My third graders are expected to acquire many new skills in technology at this grade level.
We expect them to become proficient with their keyboarding skills and ask that they type the final draft of many of their writing assignments.
We expect them to navigate through logging in, opening a browser, entering a URL address and following basic directions for completing an activity online.
We expect them to learn how to use email (currently, they have epal accounts).
We expect them to learn about blogging.
We expect them to learn editing and formatting skills within Word for word processing.
Finally, we expect them to create a Power Point presentation by the end of the year.
Through all of these activities, we teach the underlying ethical issues as well as safety measures involved in using technology (especially online).
In 2nd grade, we try to expose students to a wide range of skills. They need to learn to use word processing skills, and they are beginning to learn keyboarding. We also teach them to use a variety of different software programs to enhance their education. Another goal is to teach them how to safely navigate the internet for investigative purposes. I'm happy to know that we are going above and beyond what is required according to the NETS.
I teach both 10th grade biology and 8th grade physical science, so their skills differ.
For both of these groups I expect them to be able to use a word processing program to the extent they can create a page, assign margins, spell check and print the document. I also expect that they can use the internet, find a URL, and print the information. My students are also able to use PowerPoint and produce a professional presentation using the basics of that program.
My students, at the 7/ 8 level, can do most of the Tech standards, However I question as to whether they need to know how to do a speadsheet. I don't see that the typical Excel apllication is used much the "real " jobs or higher education classes. At any rate this is something most of them can't do at this time.
I agree with Sheila, Eva and Lucia regarding their surprise in seeing that the standards embedded within the California Content Standards in technology start as late as 4th grade. I especially don't understand this in light of the fact that the National Educational Technology Standards start prior to Grade 2. The NETS technology standards are broad and I believe that, with continued oportunity to use technology, my students will master standards to be learned prior to grade 5. My students are already comfortable accessing the Internet, turning equipment on and off, opening and closing programs and documents, navigate through games and printing. My students are always learning and helping each other, a real time saver for me.
In working with students on a daily basis both with the hardware applications and the software, I don't believe that even most students have a basic understanding of technology skills. When they are in a classroom and have direct instruction then they would be able to do the task, but when put in front of the computer themselves, they often times get stuck with how to complete applications or tasks. I work with 7-12 graders and one state standard, plan and conduct multi-step information searches is not being accomplished by 8th grade. All too often students think that the answers are just found on Google or other metasearch engines and then their research is done. What they are not able to do is evaluated and think about their sources and whether the information is credible. Students need to be taught to evaluate and analysis their information, is it the most reliable and can I use other information to make my searches complete?
2b) My students are in grades 1st through 3rd., I believe that these students should be able to turn on the computer, navigate to the inputed program and use the mouse to click the desired skill. Students should also be learning the keyboard and how open a file for creating a word document save it and store it. Some students may find that they also like to find games or subjects to do reports on, so they should also be guided and taught how to search a topic on the Web. Students can use many programs that have directions that orally guide, give picutres for directions and provide progress levels.
Jeanette Bebeau 12/20/06
Third grade should be able to work with a keyboard to perform basic functions. With broader access to technology resources and applications, they should be able to discuss the application of technology in daily life and reflect on the benefits/disadvantages of specific technology applications. Students could also use technology resources, especially instructional software, for self-directed learning (extension and remediation). Finally, students could utilize technology tools for individual and collaborative writing and publishing activities.
-Laura Nivinskus
Third graders should be able to work with a keyboard to perform basic functions. With broader access to technology resources and applications, they should be able to discuss the application of technology in daily life and reflect on the benefits/disadvantages of specific technology applications. Students could also use technology resources, especially instructional software, for self-directed learning (extension and remediation). Finally, third grade students could utilize technology tools for individual and collaborative writing and publishing activities.
-Laura Nivinskus
Diana said...
Activity 2b
Performance indicators that I would expect from my second grade students are to be able to use input devices such as at the mouse and keyboard.
Communicate about technology using appropriate technology.
Work cooperatively using the technology.
2:50 PM
I am a kindergarten teacher and I believe that technology skills should begin in kindergarten or even before so that students become familiar and comfortable with technology. The NETS technology standards are clear guidelines for what my students should be capable of accomplishing. I believe my students will be able to use the computer to navigate through educational games, the internet and use word processors for writing and drawing by the end of kindergarten.
I am a kindergarten teacher and I believe that technology skills should begin in kindergarten or even before so that students become familiar and comfortable with technology. The NETS technology standards are clear guidelines for what my students should be capable of accomplishing. I believe my students will be able to use the computer to navigate through educational games, the internet and use word processors for writing and drawing by the end of kindergarten.
I work with grade levels K-3, but I expect my students to be able to perform basic computer functions and really see the computer as a tool for academic enhancement.
For grade 1, students are expected to use input and output devices to operate media, use a variety of media and technology resources for both directed and independent learning,use correct terminology when communicating about technology, use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources to support learning, work cooperatively and collaboratively with others when using technology in the classroom, demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology, practice responsible use of technology systems and software, create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with support, use technology resources for problem solving and illustration of thoughts, gather information and communicate with others using telecommunications with suupport.
I am a kindergarten teacher and I believe that technology skills should begin in kindergarten or even before so that students become familiar and comfortable with technology. The NETS technology standards are clear guidelines for what my students should be capable of accomplishing. I believe my students will be able to use the computer to navigate through educational games, the internet and use word processors for writing and drawing by the end of kindergarten.
I teach second grade, and most of my students are fortunate enough to have access to plenty of technology at home. They come to school with a good deal of basic familiarity and experience with technology. I feel that it is my job to fill in the gaps in their skills and vocabulary, and expose them to the ways in which technology can make their learning more efficient, and also fun! In the primary grades, I think it's important that they learn how computers and keyboards are set up, the basics of how we use email and the internet, and how software can be used to solidify learning, organize thinking, and present information.
I teach second grade and i feel the students should use word, kid pix, and other appropiate software. I feel the one thing they are lacking is typing!!
traci warmington
I believe that as 3rd graders, my students should learn to keyboard using all ten fingers. They should also become familiar with using programs such as Word, PowerPoint and Inspiration. I would also like to get started with EPals because I think this is an important tool for communication. I also like to use the Internet for students to do some guided research. The more students learn about technology, the better off they will be.
I teach second grade, and I think technology usage should be both utilized by the students, as well as modeled by the teacher. Our young students should be able to use word processing software, google search information for research, and create power point presentations at a beginnng leve. l wouldlike to see the student exposed to more advanced technology, like Smart software. They could participate in the creation of classroom projects and programs. Then, those peer created programs could be utilized by the students.
I was actually surprised at the level of standards expected for 5th grade. 5th graders should be able to create simple documents, use some tools nad know keyboarding. The kids in my class know a lot more. They even teach me things! I am so happy to see how much they know, because they will be ahead of the game when they reach middle and high school, with all of the projects they are expected to do, using technology. My kids can do power points, graphs, digital photography with the compter, etc.
According to what I have read, I believe my students should be able to do the following:
Communicate using a variety of media and formats. For example, I expect my students to understand the basics of email in order to correspond with me and one another. Also, I expect my students to be able to communicate what they have learned through programs such as PowerPoint, or iMovie, and digitally using video and cameras.
I also feel my students should be able to access information via the internet and be able to take that information and apply it to whatever they are learning. They should be able to organize it and format it into a program such as Word, in a way that is clear and comprehensible.
Finally, I expect my students to understand the basics of a computer. This entails how to turn a computer on and off, how to reboot, how to login to their school account, how to type using proper keyboarding skills, and how to navigate through web pages, browsers, and Word documents.
As a third grade teacher, the standards seem a little light, but I know that is taking into consideration students who have no access outside of the school and even limited access in the school. I think that there are so many ways that technology can help the kids acquire, work with, and present their work, getting them excited about what they are learning. For me, though, with all of the technology out there, including access to the web to find information, we need to watch closely and be sure to focus on responsible viewing and the validity of what they find. Keyboarding at a young age is important. It is like printing or cursive. It is easier to teach it correctly, then to have to "fix" what they have learned to do incorrectly. At this age, we really want the students to have a comfort with the computer and with documents: saving, printing, copying. We also want them to get to use some of the more creative (and yet still simple) sides of the computer, such as changing font, color, and drawing.
Fortunately I have the luxury of spending time in every classroom of every grade level, and I am consistently impressed with how teachers are instructing students and the projects expected from students to complete. For the most part I think students often feel more comfortable with technology than most teachers throughout our district. By providing skill based training (ie keyboarding and computer navigation), setting expectations for student projects and allowing students the creativity and peer collaboration, students are capable of just about anything. (Obviously, this is IF the schools have the resources. My schools have the resources; however, I realize others have less.)
Minimum, students should exit sixth grade with accurate keyboarding skills, ability to navigate a computer (on/off, menus), create a word document (save and print). Did I say minimum?!? Oh yes...minimum.
Love Jane Holm's comment stating students should use technology to pursue their passion (whatever that may be: mathematics, art, science, etc.)
I teach sixth grade, and with the help of a teachnology specialist at our school our students are exposed to many computer skills. Looking at the standards and working with our specialist, I feel sixth graders need to understand the basics of navigating the computer, basic troubleshooting, Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet website research, E-mail, and keyboarding.
Our sixth graders need to be prepared for junior high and beyond. Good computer skills are a must.
As a fifth grade teacher the NETS technology standards for my students are reasonable. I feel that my students have a good understanding of basic computer based applications as well as electronic resources and research.
Most of my students can attain the six-grade standards at this point. This is due to the fact that only 2 out of my 34 students do not have computer access at home. Therefor the majority of my class's understanding and application of technology is advanced according to the standards. I do however feel that their keyboarding skills are not equivalent to their knowledge. Many students, because of their tech use at home, have developed poor habits in keyboarding.
I am fortunate to be at a school that does have a wide variety of technology and it is very accessible to all students.The students are exposed to this technology immediatley in the early grades. This has enable teachers to enhance their lessons and touch on different learing styles as well as differentiate instruction.
In my second grade class, the students are introduced to internet research both at home, and in the classroom. We have student choice research projects where the kids find information, take notes, and write/type essays.They are also expected to downoad pictures and create short power point presentations. The possibilities are endless and leave plenty of room for differentiation and challenging projects
Technology can be used in many ways in my fourth grade classroom. Students use Word to practice their keyboarding and written composition skills. They also use Word to create maps, as the study of California is the focus of our social studies curriculum. The internet also comes into a large part of our technology lessons. Students use it to look up vocabulary definitions as well as research information for projects and papers. Students also use computers to create power point presentations and play educational games.
Due to the sophisticated instruction provided by our technology staff, the NETS standards are not only reasonable, but easily attainable, now a necessary foundation for a student to be able to compete in a global economy. The business commuity is looking more and more like the ancient nomadic tribes, where work and customers are global. Tecnology is the bridge across all continents.
Because NETS Standard are performance based, each student evolves at his or her own rate, and their products bring each a thrill of accomplishment. Oh, but it all learning could be so joyful.
I feel that the technology guidelines are accurate. My students can definitely navigate their way around a computer by the 7th grade. They are still in the stages where they think computers are just for games and fun. I am trying to incorporate word processing skills in my classes so that they become used to typing their papers. I have received many papers that have crazy fonts and sizes. They incorporate color and graphics (often without my direction). We can expect them to navigate the internet too. They know how to search using Google, they can access online encyclopedias, and they can access graphics. I’m not sure where they learn to use excel or graphing – maybe in their math classes. In other words, the guidelines are accurate if not too beginner-level for many of our students who have been using computers all their lives.
The standards are definitely well aligned for my 7th and 8th grade students, when they wish to try. One big problem, however, is that there are no standards for tech use in math (not that I'd have time to implement them if there were). Excel could be utilized for graphing, but I'm not sure of other common applications that would be useful to deepen my students' understanding of algebra.
First of all I will clearly state that I make no assumptions on my students ability levels when it comes to the field of technology. For the most part I assume that students have a relationship and simple understanding of basic technology but their understanding is hodge-podge and narrowly focused. As a technology teacher it is my belief that I am teaching the most important subject students need to know. It is my belief that the students of today will only see technology continue to become more and more prevalent in their lives.
Given the above, students need to be properly taught all of the various aspects of technology through direct and logical instruction. The teaching of technology cannot be thought of as a supplementary, secondary or elective subject. The plain fact is that the advance of technology affects all of the traditional core subjects content. The way that students interact with, acquire knowledge and present information is constantly changing and improving with the use of technology. One student recently typed her five-paragraph essay on her cell phone and printed it at the local library! Even so, one cannot assume that because students interact with technology on a daily basis that they are familiar with all aspects of technology and proper usage. In the same way that we teach English even though our students interact with the language daily, students need proper instruction in the uses of technology.
If there is one area of focus that I spend more time on than others it would be writing and word-processing. This generation will rarely use anything but a computer (or similar technology) for written communication and they need to be familiar with the tools and techniques in a word processor to properly present their documents.
Christopher Brady
Based on the standards I believe my 7th grade students should be able to have a basic understanding of the opperating system engough to navigate the computer as nessesary. They should also be able to use word and a search engine on the web. I would hope to start explaining the difference between valid and invalid sources, but I have a feeling the students will have difficulty discerning between them. I am supprised they are requiring the students to build visual tools such as graphs since they have trouble doing this with paper.
As a second grade teacher I feel that most students should be able to understand and grasp the technology standards. However, the amount of time studnets spend using technology will depend on the amount of their understanding. The past year my students were fortunate to spend one day a week in the computer lab for about an hour. My students also had 5 working computers to use on a daily basis mostly during centers. By the end of the year my students were expected to log on and off the computer, use a mouse, open and close a document, save a document, and know how to find a doucmetn they saved on a previous day.
I incorporate technology in my classroom on a medium level, meaning it's not daily but definitely weekly (2-3 times). My students use technolgy mostly in the form of computer, Smart Board and accelerated math. We use computers weekly during center time and weekly in the computer lab. They have also interacted with the Smart Board in the computer lab. Based on my grade level and the ability level of my students they should be fluent at using the mouse, logging onto the computer, opening a new document, opening the internet and finding a website saved in "Favorites." We also use Accelerated Math so they should be fluent in scanning and printing their assignments. They also should be able to come to the board and use the Smart Board interactively by touching the screen.
This upcoming school year I will be teaching the 4th grade. After reviewing the proposed technology standards I felt them to be a little out of date. In a world that is soon to be technology driven the standards were set a little low in my opinion. 4th grade is required by the standards to be able to write a document, save and edit, as well as knowledge on a hard drive. The majority of 4th graders are coming into the classroom knowing more technology than I, as an experienced classroom teacher. I feel at the 4th grade level students should be able to write a document, edit and save. But, with the times changing, the ability levels I see far surpass the standards set forth for 4th grade, with the exception of a few that do not have access to a computer on a daily basis. Students in grade 4 know how to navigate the internet, create their own web pages and blog, etc. WOW!
I teach 5th grade and believe that students should be able to use a keyboard efficiently, typing somewhere between 15-30 wpm. I believe they should be able to use, email, powerpoint, digital cameras, blogging, calculators, video, and the internet to research topics effectively. They should also be able to evaluate the resources and information they acquire from the internet and various sources to determine what is relevant and useful and what is not.
I work with all grade levels in language arts. My primary students should have some keyboarding skills
and be able to do simple word processing. My upper grade students should be able to use the internet as a resource, produce original documents on the computer, and use technology to present work they have done. Technology is a powerful tool to be used in many diverse ways.
With my Kindergarten and first graders I have the following expections:
Identify the computer, mouse, TV, VCR, CD player
Exhibit respectful use of these items (gentle touch)
Turn on these machines
Use KidPix program on the computer
Share, take turns with other students
Begin in Kinder to become familiar with the keyboard, and have a strong familiarity with the keyboard by the end of first grade
I feel that students in my third grade class should be able to do many basic operations in the technology lab. Like many other schools, we only meet in the techonolgy lab once a week for a 40 min. time slot. We can drop in at other times during the week buy many times it does not work with our other pull out schedules or another class has already taken the time slot. Since we do not have a lot of time I expect my students to be able to do basic things like being able to keyboard/type, log on/off the computer, save their documents, retrieve their documents, cut and paste pictures from the interet into their documents, and navigate the internet. We will be getting more computers next year for our classrooms so it will be fun to see what kind of assignments we can have the students work on in the classroom in centers.
I teach high school special education. My students vary greatly in the knowledge and interest in technology. I do feel that most of them are fairly tech savvy by graduation. Every student must either pass a technology class or test out as tech competent.
The internet has an abundance of resources available at our fingertips. I think the standards are vital to ensure that all students receive access and demonstrate understanding of the same goals and objectives. The internet and access available will allow all students equal opportunity to share/retrieve information. The options with technology in the classroom are endless! The students at our school are fortunate to be able to work with technology both individually and whole group which is a standard for first grade.
I teach 3rd grade and have found technology to be very effective with my class. I feel that my third graders are capable of doing the introductory computer skills that are required of them. Third graders should be able to learn many more technology skills that will benefit their learning. Now that I have 4 computers in my classroom and we visit the computer lab weekly, this will give me an opportunity to teach my 3rd graders about different programs and educational websites. I also find that in the middle of third grade they should be able to do a PowerPoint presentation by themselves after I model several times.I would want my students to feel comfotable performing basic computer functions. I want them to navigate the internet and see technology as a helpful and necessary tool in our society. They can also access educational games and create documents in programs like kidpix and kidspiration since they should of learned this in second grade. I look forward to a great year in technology with my students!
I have to agree with a lot of what was already said. I'm disappointed as well that the California standards start at 4th grade. I think the NETS are more on track at least starting at 2nd grade. The standards are pretty appropriate but I believe that the NETS standards could apply as low as 1st grade, but that would also depend on having quality technology at the school site and realize that this isn't the reality for every school in California, not even every school in NMUSD.
Like the rest have noted, because I teach 1st Grade and the standards start at 4th, I just have to work backwards. We have Smartboards, 2 student computers in our rooms, so our Must Do 1st Grade Tech list is:
*Use smartboard correctly
*Use scanner/printer for Am
*Use computer to do AR quizzes
*Log in,use keyboard
I have PreK to 3rd in my school. Students learn to use input devices like mouse and keyboard. They learn to do basic publishing of work they have written. They learn to create illustrations with Pixie. These ages are also the time to begin using CAI like AM and AR and EIAF.
Students begin some research even. One recent lesson where pictures and info about animals they were studying was available for them to pull down and use as research for a little report they had to do.
I, too, agree with much of what has been said already. The technology expectations for 4th graders are easily being accomplished by younger students. I've seen the 1st and 2nd graders at our school log in, use a password, open websites, create power point slides, use word documents, and get information from websites and insert it into documents or power point slides. I understand that technological opportunities vary greatly from school to school, and that could be the reason for not establishing technology standards until 4th grade. Maybe a solution would be to have technology standards not linked to a specific grade level, but rather expectations for elementary students (to 6th grade), for junior high students (to 8th grade), and for high school (to 12th grade). Each school and/or district could then identify appropriate standards for each grade level based on the available technology resources. In my experiences, students (even those in 1st and 2nd grade) are immediately motivated by technology and could reach the expectations of the NETS Technology Foundation Standards.
I would like my students to view the computer as a simple and useful tool. For example, when using the SmartBoard in class, it gives them experience using technology and they consider it routine. I would like them to continue to develop a healthy understanding and respect for technology.
As a second grade teacher, I would love to see my students attain keyboarding skills and further build their confidence and experience with computers. This will help them to prepare for a future where technology is commonplace.
I believe that my second grade students are sponges. I find that my students are very quick to pick up on any technology in the classroom. From the Smartboard to English in a flash, my kids are able to log in, flip between open pages, so that more than one activity can take place at a time ( ie. An Accelerated Reader test could and is often interupted by an Accelrated Math scan, all without my help). I appreciate the guidelines set by NETS, but also believe with resources and guidence any student can advance quickly to any level.
I believe that my second grade students are sponges. I find that my students are very quick to pick up on any technology in the classroom. From the Smartboard to English in a flash, my kids are able to log in, flip between open pages, so that more than one activity can take place at a time ( ie. An Accelerated Reader test could and is often interupted by an Accelrated Math scan, all without my help). I appreciate the guidelines set by NETS, but also believe with resources and guidence any student can advance quickly to any level.
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