Introduction+and+Overview

Is this a good overview for the new Technology Course of Study?
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|| Students ** in grades K through 2 will be provided with opportunities to utilize technology skills as they accomplish curriculum objectives. At this grade level the student utilizes technology tools, develops a basic vocabulary for communicating with others about technology and develops the skills to begin their journey into the global community as digital citizens. Technology education equips them with skills that will enhance not only their formal educational years but also their professional and personal lives. || || Students ** in grades 6 through 8 should be developing skills to function in a technological society. Students are expected to develop and use critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Digital tools enhance middle school students’ emerging abilities to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. It is critical for students at these grade levels to expand the knowledge and skills necessary for solving both hypothetical and authentic problems. Teachers at this level should expect students to enter their classes with a basic vocabulary and intermediate understanding of hardware, software, and problem solving skills in relation to technology and students should feel comfortable using technology independently. Positive attitudes toward technology use are essential to support collaboration, learning, and productivity for success in the twenty-first century. || Students ** in grades 9 through 12 experience significant growth and development as they assume more complex responsibilities such as working and making career choices. High school students have broadened their perspective regarding the importance of existing and developing technologies and have an understanding of the scope of technology in today’s world. Technology offers students an efficient means by which many types of problems may be solved. The Computer Applications course is designed to provide students with technology fluency appropriate for the twenty-first century. The content standards in this course include hands-on, practical pursuits that extend beyond the computer classroom. Course content is integrated into other curricular areas to allow students to reinforce and expand technology competencies. Technology-fluent students realize that technology tools and resources enhance not only educational endeavors but also personal and professional success as well. || // ||
 * **Introduction and Overview** ||
 * The basic premise of this document is to inform classroom teachers of the student technology objectives that they are required to teach in the schools of Cherokee County. The student performance objectives listed on the following pages are adapted from the Alabama Course of Study for Technology as published by the Alabama Department of Education. This guide covers all of the objectives required by the Alabama Department of Education. ||
 * ** Purpose ** ||
 * Cherokee County students live in one of the most exciting and ever-changing times in human history, the “information age.” Indeed, the information age may be as influential in directing the course of human advancement, as was the industrial revolution. As educators, we must ensure that our students are active participants during this time of phenomenal human progress. Technology offers students opportunities and possibilities that would not exist without it. The //National Educational Technology Standards for Students: The Next Generation// produced by the ISTE has established technology fluency as a national goal, and it continues to be a goal for Cherokee County students. Technology fluency enables students to use technology processes and products in everyday life to make informed decisions. A solid foundation in technology helps students develop and strengthen many of the skills they use daily such as solving problems creatively, thinking critically, and working cooperatively in teams. The technology-fluent person is more likely to face the challenges of a dynamic global society with confidence. Moreover, the economic productivity of Alabama is linked to the technological requirements of the workforce. To help students achieve technology fluency and make informed decisions, the K-12 Technology Education program places a renewed emphasis on the importance of authentic integration of technology every day in every grade and subject.
 * ** Overall Grade Level Goals ** ||
 * ** Grades K – 2
 * ** Grades 3 – 5 **
 * Students** in grades 3 through 5 begin to expand their horizons and exercise more independent thought and action. They are introduced to technology as a productivity, resource, and learning tool. Students begin to perfect skills and vocabulary related to technology by working collaboratively and independently to accomplish authentic tasks. A great deal of student computer interaction with instructional software (e.g. Accelerated Reader, STAR, Compass Learning, Kids College) should be emphasized. Technology and academic skills mastered at this level provide the basis for future learning experiences.
 * ** Grades 6 – 8
 * ** Grades 9 – 12
 * // NOTE: Statements from the 2008 Alabama Course of Study: Technology Education was used in the above local school district introduction and overview.