National Educational Technology Standards for Students
You know how big a part technology plays in the world today and how important it is for your students' education that technology be fully and effectively integrated into their learning environment. But having been recently introduced to the Internet and computers yourself, you're having a hard time deciding what exactly it is your students should know and how this could be done.
To help educators, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) formulated the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS.S) to set standards for technology in education.
Devised in the late 1990s, the NETS.S identifies what a student must know and be able to do with technology. It is a framework that you can use to formulate plans and strategies to effectively incorporate technology into your teaching process. The NETS.S has six broad categories:1
- Basic Operations and Concepts
Students must possess knowledge of the nature and workings of technological systems. They must also display proficiency in using technology tools.
- Social, Ethical and Human Issues
Students must be aware of the ethical, social and moral issues related to technology and its use. They must also show a positive and responsible approach towards the use of technology for learning and development.
- Technology Productivity Tools
Students must know how to use technological tools to promote and enhance learning, creativity and productivity.
- Technology Communication Tools
Students need to learn how to use technology communication tools to interact and collaborate with their peers and teachers. They must also know how to disseminate information through online posting and publishing.
- Technology Research Tools
Students must know how to utilize technology tools to collect, analyze, evaluate and process information.
- Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools
Students must be able to use technology to make informed decisions and solve real, practical problems.
The NETS.S is currently being evaluated and is about to go through a series of revisions and updates. It is presently being used in 48 U.S. states and in several other countries.3
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."2
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Sources:
1 http://cnet.iste.org
1, 3 International Society for Technology in Education. National Education Technology Standards for Students. http://ali.apple.com/ali_media/Users/73/files/others/netss.pdf
2 "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
