MS+Technology+Essential+Learnings

Essential Learnings and Indicators of Success
We have adopted the [|International Society for Technology in Education] (ISTE) [|National Educational Technology Standards for Students] (NETS*S). Listed below are the Essential Learnings and Indicators of Success to be achieved by the end of 8th grade:

**EL 1 Students will demonstrate a sound understanding of basic operations and concepts of technology systems**

 * 1) Identify and recall the basic parts of a computer
 * 2) Demonstrate proper operation and use of computer components and peripherals
 * 3) Select, and use applications effectively and appropriately
 * 4) Identify appropriate file formats for a variety of applications
 * 5) Identify and apply strategies and procedures for effective file management
 * 6) Troubleshoot basic hardware, software, and network problems that occur during everyday use
 * 7) Access online help to solve common hardware, software, and network problems
 * 8) Continue touch typing techniques, increasing keyboarding facility and improving accuracy, speed, and general efficiency in computer operation

EL 2 Students will utilize digital technology in a safe and ethical manner

 * 1) Review and practice acceptable use and classroom security policies and procedures
 * 2) Recognize and Analyze the consequences of information and communication technology misuse (e.g., hacking, spamming, consumer fraud, virus setting, intrusion)
 * 3) Identify methods for addressing risks of information and communication technology use
 * 4) Predict possible long-range effects of ethical and unethical use of technology on culture and society.
 * 5) Compare/Contrast issues related to responsible use of information and communication technology (e.g., privacy, security, copyright, file-sharing, plagiarism)
 * 6) Apply guidelines for copyright, fair use, and plagiarism in digital work
 * 7) Examine issues related to computer etiquette
 * 8) Discuss means for encouraging more effective use of technology to support effective communication, collaboration and personal productivity.

EL 3 Students will utilize digital applications to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

 * 1) Describe and apply common software features (e.g., spelling and grammar checkers, dictionary, thesaurus, editing options) to maximize accuracy in development of word processing documents; sorting, formulas and chart generation in spreadsheets; and insertion of pictures, movies, sound, and charts in presentation software to enhance communication to an audience, promote productivity, and support creativity.
 * 2) Use online environments or other collaborative tools to facilitate design and development of materials, models, publications, and presentations
 * 3) Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
 * 4) Create original works as a means of personal or group expression

EL 4 Students will demonstrate competence in the use of technology communications tools

 * 1) Know how to use telecommunications tools such as e-mail, discussion groups, and online collaborative environments to exchange data collected and learn curricular concepts by communicating with peers, experts, and other audiences
 * 2) Know how to use a variety of media and formats to design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, Web pages) that effectively communicate information and ideas about the curriculum to multiple audiences

EL 5 Demonstrate competence in the use of technology research tools

 * 1) Know how to conduct an advanced search using Boolean logic and other sophisticated search functions; and know how to evaluate information from a variety of sources for accuracy, bias, appropriateness, and comprehensiveness
 * 2) Know how to identify and implement procedures for designing, creating, and populating a database; and in performing queries to process data and report results relevant to an assigned hypothesis or research question
 * 3) Know how to select and use information and communication technology tools and resources to collect and analyze information and report results on an assigned hypothesis or research question
 * 4) Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures
 * 5) Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

EL 6 Demonstrate competence in the use of technology in problem-solving and decision-making

 * 1) Identify two or more types of information and communication technology tools or resources that can be used for informing and solving a specific problem and presenting results, or for identifying and presenting an informed rationale for a decision
 * 2) Students describe the information and communication technology tools they might use to compare information from different sources, analyze findings, determine the need for additional information, and draw conclusions for addressing real-world problems