Introduction

Introduction
 * In response to Federal Mandate - NCLB
 * Federal Definition


 * Student Technology Literacy in Our Delaware Schools**

“Student Technology Literacy” means student knowledge and skills in using contemporary information, communication and learning technologies in a manner necessary for successful life-long learning and citizenship in the knowledge-based, digital, and global 21st century, which includes the abilities to effectively communicate and collaborate; to analyze and solve problems; to access, evaluate, manage and create information and otherwise gain information literacy; and to do so in a safe and ethical manner.[| (Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Act of 2007 (ATTAIN))] (Currently HR 1 -- see status at [|House of Representatives site])

The question is “How do we ensure that all of our students achieve technology literacy?” The No Child Left Behind law states that all students be technology literate by the end of the 8th grade. The US Department of Education is collecting data on the number of 8th grade students proficient in technology literacy and the number of 8th grade students NOT proficient in technology literacy. Even though the Federal law targets 8th grade, technology literacy is not an 8th grade issue, technology literacy is a K-12 issue. //To be technologically literate, a student needs multiple experiences over multiple subjects over a period of time.// This will entail providing opportunities for our Delaware students to use technology across subjects and over grade levels. //For a student to be technologically literate by the end of the 8th grade, the process needs to start in elementary school and continue all the way through middle school.// On the other side, the use of technology does not stop at the end of 8th grade. We will be doing a disservice to our students and our community if we do not emphasize the continued use of technology though out high school.

There should be “technology literacy” milestones at the end of elementary school, middle school, and high school to ensure we are following the correct path and keeping up with the technology.

What does a technology literate student look like? What skills and knowledge does the student possess? What activities should we expect this student to be able to accomplish? Technology is a means to the end. Technology skills, although important, are not the most important factor. Being able to utilize the technology skills, or learn new required skills, to achieve an objective is the most important factor.