STANDARD 8: Technological Literacy

Standard 8: Technological Literacy

STANDARD 8.1 (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION LITERACY ) ALL STUDENTS WILL USE COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TO GATHER AND ORGANIZE INFORMATION AND TO SOLVE PROBLEMS.

Descriptive Statement: Using computer applications and technology tools students will conduct research, solve problems, improve learning, achieve goals, and produce products and presentations in conjunction with standards in all content areas, including career education and consumer family, and life skills. They will also develop, locate, summarize, organize, synthesize, and evaluate information for lifelong learning.

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, by the end of Grade 8, students will:

A. Basic Computer Skills and Tools

1. Use appropriate technology vocabulary.

2. Use common features of an operating system (e.g., creating and organizing files and folders).

3. Demonstrate effective input of text and data, using touch keyboarding with proper technique.

4. Input and access data and text efficiently and accurately through proficient use of other input devices, such as the mouse.

5. Create documents with advanced text-formatting and graphics using word processing.

6. Create a file containing customized information by merging documents.

7. Construct a simple spreadsheet, enter data, and interpret the information.

8. Design and produce a basic multimedia project.

9. Plan and create a simple database, define fields, input data, and produce a report using sort and query.

10. Use network resources for storing and retrieving data.

11. Choose appropriate electronic graphic organizers to create, construct, or design a document.

12. Create, organize and manipulate shortcuts.

B. Application of Productivity Tools

Social Aspects

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how changes in technology impact the workplace and society.

2. Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.

3. Explain the purpose of an Acceptable Use Policy and the consequences of inappropriate use of technology.

4. Describe and practice safe Internet usage.

5. Describe and practice “etiquette” when using the Internet and electronic mail.

Information Access and Research

6. Choose appropriate tools and information resources to support research and solve real world problems, including but not limited to:

· On-line resources and databases

· Search engines and subject directories

7. Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of print and non-print electronic information sources.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

8. Use computer applications to modify information independently and/or collaboratively to solve problems.

9. Identify basic hardware problems and demonstrate the ability to solve common problems.

10. Determine when technology tools are appropriate to solve a problem and make a decision.

STANDARD 8.2 (TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION) ALL STUDENTS WILL DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN, AND THE DESIGNED WORLD AS THEY RELATE TO THE INDIVIDUAL, SOCIETY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

Descriptive Statement: The following indicators are based on the Standards for Technological Literacy (STL, 2000) and support the National Academy of Engineering’s (2002) call for students to gain technological literacy. Students will be expected to understand the various facets of technology and the design process. They will analyze and evaluate design options and then apply the design process to solve problems. A systems perspective is employed to emphasize the interconnectedness of all knowledge and the impact of technology and technological change. Students will be expected to use technology as it applies to physical systems, biological systems, and information and communication systems. The intent at the elementary and middle school levels is that all students develop technological literacy and are prepared for the option of further study in the field of technology education. At the elementary level, the foundation for technology education is found in the science standards, particularly standards 5.2 and 5.4.

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, by the end of Grade 8, students will:

A. Nature and Impact of Technology

1. Describe the nature of technology and the consequences of technological activity.

2. Describe how components of a technological product, system, or environment interact.

3. Describe how one technological innovation can be applied to solve another human problem that enhances human life or extends human capability.

4. Describe how technological activity has an affect on economic development, political actions, and cultural change.

5. Explain the cultural and societal effects resulting from the dramatic increases of knowledge and information available today.

B. Design Process and Impact Assessment

1. Demonstrate and explain how the design process is not linear.

2. Use hands on activities to analyze products and systems to determine how the design process was applied to create the solution.

3. Identify a technological problem and use the design process to create an appropriate solution.