ISTE Profiles for Technology-Literate Students
In addition to its National Education in Technology Standards for Students, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has also developed generalized profiles of technology-literate students that identify ten core competencies that students must possess. These profiles provide detailed descriptions of what students should know at particular grade levels.
- Pre K to 2
Before they finish the second grade, students must be able to:
- Successfully operate a computer and other information and communication technology devices like VCRs, televisions and telephones.
- Use technology devices such as the Internet, digital cameras and writing tools to communicate with others and develop and harness their creativity.
- Practice the ethical use of technology.
- Display proficient knowledge in the use of multimedia devices such as an electronic encyclopedia and interactive books.
- Know basic technology jargons.
- Grades 3-5
Students at this level must be knowledgeable enough to:
- Display proficiency in the use of input devices such as the computer keyboard and mouse.
- Use technology tools to create and publish works that could be presented in and out of the classroom.
- Use technology resources like calculators and educational software for problem solving and self-learning.
- Determine when technology tools are useful. They must also know what particular tools should be used to address specific problems.
- Use telecommunications and the Internet to collaborate with their classmates on projects, research works, etc.
- Grades 6-8 (Junior High)
At this grade band, students should:
- Be able to perform basic computer troubleshooting.
- Display knowledge in designing, creating and publishing products (ex. web pages, video) that contain ideas and concepts related to the curriculum.
- Exhibit legal and ethical behavior when using technology.
- Be able to research the accuracy, relevance and bias of electronic information resources.
- Display sufficient knowledge in new and emerging technology.
- Grades 9-12 (High school)
Before completing this level, students must be able to:
- Select and use appropriate technology tools for research and problem-solving.
- Use technology tools to manage and communicate their personal and professional information (finances, schedules, addresses.)
- Display proficient knowledge in using online resources to do research and work in collaboration with their peers.
- Evaluate technology-based choices for their continuous education (e.g. e-learning.)
- Contribute to a knowledge base using data they collected, compiled and analyzed using technology resources.
With these detailed profiles, ISTE hopes that teachers all over the world would be able to devise a more effective teaching strategy that would not only help train students to become technology-literate individuals but also instill in them the importance of lifelong learning.
A comprehensive pdf file detailing the different technology-literate student profiles and examples of technology-integration scenarios is available at
http://ali.apple.com/ali_media/Users/73/files/others/netss.pdf.2
Did You Know?
The International Society of Technology in Education is a non-profit membership organization that aims to improve knowledge and learning by applying technology in education. It represents more than "85,000 worldwide leaders and potential leaders."1
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Sources:
1 "Governor Timothy Kaine Declares June 27th Technology in Education Day; ISTE Spearheads an Effort to Bring Attention to Education Technology Issues in Virginia,"
http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/552154/governor_timothy_kaine_declares_june_27th_
technology_in_education_day/index.html?source=r_technology
2 International Society for Technology in Educaton, National Education Technology Standards for Students, http://ali.apple.com/ali_media/Users/73/files/others/netss.pdf
