Technology Standards & Benchmarks For Sweetwater County School

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Technology Standards & Benchmarks

For Sweetwater County School District #1

August 2006

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Technology literacy is the ability to legally, ethically and responsibly use appropriate technology to enhance lifelong learning and knowledge in all subject areas. Literacy is achieved by using technology to: • Access, manage, integrate and evaluate

information • Problem solve • Communicate • Produce a product

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Our Educational System Must Produce Technology Capable Kids To live, learn, and work successfully in an increasingly complex and information-rich society students must use technology effectively. Within a sound educational setting, technology can enable students to become: Capable information technology users. Information seekers, analyzers and evaluators Problem solvers and decision makers. Creative and effective users of productivity tools Communicators, collaborators, publishers, and producers Informed, responsible and contributing citizens

Essential Conditions to Make It Happen Certain conditions are necessary for schools to effectively use technology for learning, teaching and educational management. Physical, human, financial and policy decisions greatly affect the success of technology use in schools, including: Vision with support and proactive leadership from the education

system Educators skilled in the use of technology for learning -

Ongoing Staff Development (BOCES, Practical, etc.) Content standards and curriculum resources Student-centered approaches to learning Assessment of the effectiveness of technology for learning Access to contemporary technologies, software, and

telecommunications networks Technical assistance for maintaining and using technology

resources Community partners who provide expertise, support, and real-

life interactions Ongoing financial support for sustained technology use Policies and standards supporting new learning environments

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Technology Foundations Standards for all students The technology foundation standards for students are divided into six broad categories. Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced and mastered by students. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators found within the Profiles for Technology-Literate Students. These standards and profiles are used as guidelines for planning technology-based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication and life skills. 1. Basic Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and

operation of technology systems. Students are proficient in the use of technology.

2. Social, Ethical, and Human Issues Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues

related to technology. Students practice responsible use of technology systems,

information and software. Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that

support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits and productivity.

3. Technology Productivity Tools Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase

productivity, and promote creativity. Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing

technology-enhanced models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works.

4. Technology Communications Tools Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish and

interact with peers, experts and other audiences. Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate

information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

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5. Technology Research Tools Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect

information from a variety of sources. . Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

6. Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools Students use technology resources for solving problems and

making informed decisions. Students employ technology in the development of strategies

for solving problems in the real world.

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Profiles for Technology-Literate students Grades PK-2 Prior to completion of Grade 2 students will: 1. Use of input devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard) and output devices (e.g. monitor, printer) to successfully operate computers, CD players, audiotapes and gain awareness of other technologies. (1) GL-K 2. Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities. (1, 3) GL-2 3. Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology. (1) [See terminology list] 4. Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g. interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning. (1) GL-1 5. Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members and others when using technology. (2) GL-K 6. Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology. (2) GL-K 7. Practice responsible use of technology systems and software. (2) GL-1 8. Create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with support from teachers, family members, or student partners. (3) GL-2 9. Use technology resources (e.g. puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools, interactive software [reading programs, math programs, keyboarding, etc.]) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories. (3,4,5,6) GL-2

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10. Gather information and communicate with others using electronic communications, with support from teachers, family members or student partners. (4) GL-1

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Grades 3-5 Prior to completion of Grade 5, students will: 1. Use keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when necessary) efficiently and effectively. (1) GL-3 2. Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide. (1,2) GL-4 3. Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology. (1) [See terminology list] 4. Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use. (2) GL-3 5. Use general-purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum. (3) GL-4 6. Use technology tools (e.g. multimedia authoring, presentation, Web tools, digital cameras, scanners, etc.) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (3, 4) GL-5 7. Use electronic communications efficiently and effectively to access remote information, communicate with others in support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests. (4) GL-4 8. Use electronic communications and online resources (e.g. e-mail, online discussions, Web environments, BLOGs, etc.) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5) GL-5

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9. Use technology resources (e.g. calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software, etc.) for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. (5, 6) GL-3 10. Select the appropriate tool(s) and resources to address a variety of tasks and problems. (5,6) GL-3 11. Discuss and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness and bias of electronic information sources. (6) GL-5

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Grades 6-8 Prior to completion of Grade 8 students will: 1. Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use. (1) 2. Demonstrate knowledge of changes in information technologies and the effect of those changes. (2) 3. Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology. (1) [See terminology list] 4. Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse. (2) 5 Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g. environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools, etc.) to support learning and research. (3,5) 6. Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum. (3,6) 7. Design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g. Web pages, videotapes, movies, research/e-presentation, etc.) using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5, 6) 8. Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using electronic communications and collaborative tools to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and/or outside the classroom. (4, 5) 9. Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems. (5, 6)

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10. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software and connectivity, and of practical applications to learning and problem solving. (1,6). 11. Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems. (2,5,6)

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Grades 9-12 Prior to completion of Grade 12 students will: 1. Identify capabilities and limitations of contemporary and emerging technology resources and assess the potential of these systems and services to address personal, lifelong-learning, and workplace needs. (2) 2. Make informed choices among technology systems, resources, and services. (1,2) 3. Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology. (1) [See terminology list] 4. Analyze advantages and disadvantages of widespread use and reliance on technology in the workplace and in society as a whole. (2) 5. Demonstrate and advocate for legal and ethical behaviors among peers, family, and community regarding the use of technology and information. (2) 6. Use technology tools and resources for managing and communicating personal/professional information (e.g. finances, schedules, addresses, purchases, correspondence, etc.). (3,4) 7. Evaluate technology-based options, including distance and distributed education, for lifelong learning. (5) 8. Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity. (4,5,6) 9. Select and apply appropriate technology tools for research, information analysis, problem solving, and decision making in content learning. (4,5,6)

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10. Collaborate with peers, experts and others to contribute to a content-related knowledge base by using technology to compile, synthesize, produce, and disseminate information, models, and other creative works. (4, 5, 6) 11. Research, evaluate and explain the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems. (2,5,6)

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Terminology Lists Kindergarten Terms boot up The starting-up of a computer caps Short for capital letters.

caps Lock Caps lock key is pushed down, making all letters capital.

close To remove the activie window from the screen

close box

Computer icon on a window(upper left corner on a Mac/Upper right corner on Windows), that when clicked closes the window

headphone (Show Visually) icon Picture that stands for the program keyboard (Show Visually) monitor Display screen of a computer. mouse (Show Visually) - Used to move the pointer/arrow open To start a program quit To stop a program from running screen Short for display screen space bar Long bar on keyboard when pushed makes a space trash (Show Visually) window The area your program or document is displayed in 1ST Grade Terms arrow keys 4 buttons on the keyboard which control direction CD (Show Visually) CD drive Slot or tray for the CD on the computer click One push on the mouse button delete To remove or erase. document A file stored on your computer double click Two rapid pushes on the mouse button eject To remove a CD or device from your computer enter Typing information error A problem with your computer or computer program

internet Equipment connecting millions of computers together so they can talk with each other.

log in Enter into a computer the information needed to begin

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log out To return to the login screen password A word used to gain access to a computer save To store a document or information on your computer shut down To turn the power off. text Letters and numbers displayed on your screen 2ND Grade Terms

cursor A character on the screen showing the position of the mouse or where to type your text

drag Used to move an object to another location file A collection of data or information folder An object that can contain one or more documents. font Shape of the letters highlight To make an object on a display screen stand out menu A list of choices power cord Electric cord that supples power to your equipment

print To take what you are doing on your computer and place it on paper

printer A device that prints text or illustrations on paper program Instructions written for your computer reboot To restart a computer. return To move or begin a new line scroll To move up, down, left or right

shift key The key used for a capital letter and characters above the numbers

tab key Used to indent a paragraph or move to the next input box

word processor A program used to type information 3RD Grade Terms application A program or group of programs

browser A software application used to get on the internet (Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera)

data Information hard drive Used to permanently store data and programs insert To place data at a specific point

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network A group of two or more computers, printers and other devices linked together

online Connected to the network storage media Objects on which data can be stored URL The address of websites user name Your login name Web Short for World Wide Web web address What you type to get to a website Web Site A location on the World Wide Web 4TH Grade Terms active applications An application that is currently being used

desktop The area on the display screen where icons are grouped

dock A bar used to access programs you use often download To get a file from somewhere else DVD Similar to a CD - stores more data DVD burner Device used to store information to a DVD. edit To make changes hard copy A Printout hardware The physical components of your computer inactive application Application that is open but not being used at that time input The act of entering data into a computer. output The product produced by using your computer pull-down menu A list of choices that appear below the field of input search engine

A program used to find information in the Internet (google, alta vista, yahoo)

searching To use a search engine to access information from a web browser

selection The choice you make using your mouse soft copy Documents that are saved on your computer software The programs used on your computer

title bar A bar on top of a window containing the name of the program or document

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toolbar Buttons that give you additional features (Show Visually)

5TH Grade Terms CD Burner A device allowing you burn/record data to your CD CD-R Short for Compact Disk-Recordable - record once

CD-RW

Short for Compact Disk-ReWritable disk - a type of disk that enables you to write onto the disk multiple times

connection A link between two or more devices

default A value or setting that a device or program automatically selects if you do not choose a substitute

dialog box A box that appears on a display screen to present information or request input

DVD±R Short for DVD-Recordable - record once

DVD±RW Short for DVD-ReWritable - a type of disk that enables you to write onto the disk multiple time

file server A computer used to store and access files function keys

"F" keys on the keyboard that perform assigned operation(s)

import To bring data into an application inkjet printer A printer that uses ink to produce an image laptop A small, portable computer laser printer

A type of printer that utilizes a laser beam to produce an image

left-click To press the left button on the mouse

minimize Reduces the size of a window or places the window in the Dock or Task Bar

operating system

The program that drives the computer (MAC OS X, Windows XP, Linux)

pop ups A window that suddenly appears (pops up) when you select an option with a mouse or press a key

port A place to plug external devices into your computer(USB, Serial, Firewire)

preferences Options in a program that can be changed by the user right-click To press the right button on the mouse

USB Universal Serial Bus - A port allowing you to connect other devices to your computer

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6TH – 8TH Grade Terms active window

An open window that accepts input and users may make changes

airport An Apple wireless product allowing computers to communicate with a network

analog

An older technology used to transmit radio and TV signals - contains continuous and variable electric waves

authoring tools

Software application used to create music, video and audio content for the internet

cable modem

A device allowing interface to a network over coax cable – Coax cable is used to connect to your TV as well.

Combo Drive

A device that reads and writes CDs as well as reading DVDs

contrast The difference between the lightest and darkest areas on a display screen

CPU

Central Processing Unit - a chip in the computer which performs the necessary functions for the computer to run.

digital Data represented as digits

DSL Digital Subscriber Line - High speed Internet access via a telephone line

ethernet The most common method for networking computers on a Local Area Network

fiber optic cable & network

A cable and network that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data at higher speeds and in digital format

file extension

The characters after the dot(.) in a file name - representing the type of file (e.g. .doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.)

firewall A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to a network

footer One or more lines of text that appear at the bottom of selected pages – separate from the main body of text

gigabyte A measure of computer data storage - 1 gigabyte is equal to 1,073,741,824 characters of data

header One or more lines of text that appears at the top of selected pages

hot spot A wireless connection that allows anyone to connect to that specific network

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HTML HyperText Markup Language - used to build web pages initialize To prepare data for use or to start an application

IP Address An identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network

kilobyte 1,024 bytes often referred as KB

LAN Local Area Network. A computer network that spans a building or floor

magnetic

Having the properties of a magnet – data stored on Hard Drives, Floppy Disk, Zip Disks are all stored using a magnetic surface

megabyte 1,048,576 bytes - often referred to as MB

RAM Random Access Memory - volatile memory – temporary storage – change be changed or deleted

retrieve To call up or read data

router A device or software that that determines the path to send data packets

scan To digitize an image by passing it through an optical scanner.

shortcuts A icon representing a program or data file

spreadsheet A set of data represented in rows and columns Superdrive A drive that can read and write both CDs and DVDs

switch A network device the channels incoming and outgoing data to the correct destination

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, the suite of communication protocols used to connect computers and other hardware devices on the Internet

terabyte 1,099,511,627,776 bytes - referrerd to a TB thumb drive (Also known as Jump Drive or Flash Drive)

A small portable device that stores data - plugs into a USB port to interact with your computer

touch pad A pointing device found on laptops that control mouse movement

trojan

A program disguised as a virus remover or other legitimate program, yet it is malicous and can harm your computer

upload To move data from a local computer to a remote computer

virus A computer program that is harmful and malicous

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WiFi Short for Wireless Fidelity - A wireless network connection

worm A program or algorithm that replicates itself over a computer network

write protect A mode that restricts erasing or editing a disk file

zip drive

A disk device that allows for higher amounts of data storage - usually 100 or 250 megabytes, or even higher

9TH –12TH Grade Terms always-on A device that is constantly on and connected

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Interchange – used by computers so they can talk the same language

ATA Advanced Technology Attachment, a disk drive with an internal controller

Bit The smallest unit of information on a computer - there are 8 bits to a byte

Bitmap A method for storing a picture's image pixel bit by bit

Blog Web log, a blog is a Web page that serves as a publicly accessible personal journal

Buffer An area in a computer that holds data until it can be processed

Byte A unit of storage consisting of one character

Circuit

A set of electronic components that perform a particular function in an electronic or computerized system

client pull To request data from another program or computer.

Database

Often abbreviated DB. A collection of information organized in such a way that a computer program can easily access the required data

DNS Domain Name Service, a service that translates IP address to domain names and vice versa

docking station A platform into which you can install a portable computing device

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EBCDIC

Extended Binary Code Decimal Interchange Code – Another common language used by computers so they may communicate

Firewire (IEEE 1394)

A very fast external bus standard that supports higher data transfer rates 400Mbps or 800 Mbps

Format The way a device is defined or layed out

Frame A single image in a sequence of images or a divided section on a web page

Heat sink

A component designed to lower the temperature of an electronic device by dissipating heat into the surrounding area

IDE Integrated Drive Electronics - The controlling interface for Hardrives

IEEE 802.11b Wireless standard - maximum speed of 11 Mbps

IEEE 802.11g Newer Wireless standard - maximum speed of 54 Mpbs

IMAP

Internet Message Access Protocol - used to interface with email servers - IMAP stores email and folders on the server

ISP Internet Service Provider - the company the provides your Internet service is called an ISP

Java

Common object-oriented language similar to the C++ programming language- used heavily in web development

LCD Liquid Crystal Display – form of a monitor or TV

Link

In hypertext systems, such as the World Wide Web, a link is a reference to another document or page

Logic Board The main computer board housing the processor and RAM

MAC Address

Media Access Control address - a unique address assigned to all hardware in a computing environment - MAC addresses contains vendor specific numbers

MIS Management Information System - a discipline found within Information Technology

Mother Board The main computer board housing the processor and RAM

multimedia

The use of computers to present text, graphics, video, animation and sound in an integrated way

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news feed

A collection of information, discussions or headlines that are published for general public consumption

Nibble Half of a byte - four bits.

Null

The first character in ASCII and EBCDIC, also known as the "NULL" character, In hex it prints as 00 - In decimal it prints as a blank

on-demand A term used to signify that availability of computing resources when they are needed

OOL

Object-Oriented Language – a programming language which allows you to group tasks together into a bundle called an Object

Packet A piece of a message transmitted over a switched network.

Partition To divide memory or mass storage into isolated sections.

PCI

Peripheral Component Interconnect - used to connect external/additional devices to computers

PDF

Portable Document Format - standard format for documents - allowing them to be used on any platform

peripheral A computer device, such as a CD-ROM drive or printer, that is not of the primary computer

POP-3 Post Office Protocol - used to interface with emails systems to retrieve email

processing Manipulating data within the computer.

publish To disseminate information in a print or electronic format.

RAM Random Access Memory, a type of computer memory that is volitile and can be reused

ROM

Read-Only Memory, computer memory on which data has been permanently stored (Firmware)

Router A device that forwards data packets along networks.

RSS

Real Simple Syndication - used to obtain information and news from other sources – translation of information from a web page into a language that can be used by an aggregator – thus gathering information from multiple site to present to the user

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scaling To make bigger or smaller

scanner

A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and translate them into a digital form for a computer to use

SCSI Small Computer System Interface - an older port used connect external devices to computers

selection tool A pointer or cursor function that allows you to highlight a select information

sequential access Reading or writing data records in sequential order

server push In client/server applications, to send data to a client without the client requesting it

SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, a protocol for sending e-mail between servers

Spectrum

The radio spectrum, which includes both licensed and unlicensed frequencies up to 300Ghz

SSL

Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol developed by Netscape for transmitting private documents via the internet

status bar

A strip along the bottom of a software or Internet application that indicates what is happening with a specific program or task

stream Flow of data from a source (or sender, producer) to one or more computers

subscribe To request to receive messages or information posted to a mailing list, newsgroup or BLOG

switch A device that transmits and receives packet data on a network

syndicate The sharing of content among different Web sites.

system software Commonly referred to as the Operating System

Telecommunication Refers to all types of data transmission, from voice to video.

TFT Thin Film Transistor, a type of LCD flat-panel display

Token Ring A type of computer network in which all information is passed along a predefined circle

Transaction

An activity or request. Orders, purchases, changes, additions and deletions defined in a computer program

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WAN Wide Area Network - consists of two or more Local Area Networks

XHTML Extensible Hypertext Markup Language, a hybrid of HTML and XML

XML

eXtensible Markup Language, A web Technology allowing users to define the format and contents of a document within the single document