Standards

Standards are used by all teachers to ensure that their students are learning the correct material. While the standards are there to help the teachers and guide them, there are a variety of standards offered. Three standards that were explored were the ISTE standards, the Common Core standards, and state standards. Even though these three have the word “standard” in the name, they varied a significant amount when it came to the use of technology and students.

         

ISTE standards looks at a very broad perspective with technology and introducing it the classroom. Some of the things it covers is communication outside the classroom, how to use technology safely, transfer of knowledge, promoting creativity and research. One thing that the ISTE standards does is provide standards for both the teachers and the students on these areas of technology. I feel as if it is important for the teacher to look at these standards because it shows exactly what is expected and they can compare teacher verse student uses. 

         

The Common Core standards start looking at where to include technology into your classroom. For kindergarten through fifth grade, they expect you to use technology in all areas, for example English and literature. The literacy Common Core states that in kindergarten through second grade the students are expected to start exploring the use of the keyboard and once they get old enough they should be using the computer to write papers and do research on their own. These standards are more specific than ISTE, but the state standards are the most detailed.

        

The state standards want to ensure that all students are getting a great education and that is why I think they are the most detailed. When it comes to technology they have high expectations and the Alabama state standards want kindergarten through third graders to learn the proper posture, finger placement, and start using the Internet. From third through fifth grade they should be taught how to troubleshoot, publish things online and protect information.

While the ISTE standards may not seem as useful as the state standards because they are specific, they are still very helpful. It is important to start with an overview of things before you look at the detail. While it may seem confusing to some to use different standards, it may help to look at all of them to ensure your full understanding of including technology into the classroom. Some of the standards may also seem too advanced for the children and I feel as if they may be. I think the standards have the students’ best interest, but may be pressuring the students to do too much. It is important to look at all standards to make sure you are helping your students as much as you can.