The Sioux Falls School District is trying to implement the state technology standards within the next few years. In order to do this, keyboarding must be taught at the elementary level. At the present time, elementary schools are not set up (and many don't have room) to teach keyboarding. Sixth graders will continue to be taught keyboarding until this change can be made.
The middle school curriculum has changed this year to reflect the new standards. It is a "bubble" year for the 7th and 8th grade. They will both be doing some of the same type of things. Instruction and practice in Microsoft Word will be taught in both the 7th and 8th grade. This will prepare the 7th graders for additional changes next year.
In comparing the lesson plans for 8th graders with the state standards for 8th graders, it appears that they are meeting many of the goals. In the Nature/Concepts/Systems section, students are being taught about the history and progression of technology throughout the year and how to problem solve. They are labeling and studying the parts of the system in the beginning of the quarter as well as taking a career test. This test will help them examine skills that would be needed for different professions.
The Social Interaction area of learning the school acceptable use policy is covered in one of the first classes. Students must also sign a form. The advantages and disadvantages of using technology is shown by comparing the use of library information versus finding information, pictures and graphs on the internet.
Information and Communication Tools/Processes is taught throughout the entire quarter. Problems are discussed and solved as they come up. Technology use and projects include: excel-bowling chart, business cards, tables and borders-menu, animation, flyers, word art, brochures and research papers. Students are also shown how to do work cited when taking any information off the internet.
The Information Literacy/Decision Making section is taught in the beginning of the quarter. The school police officer discusses internet crime and safety and students complete an online safety survey. They are pointed toward other sites besides google when they search for information. The reliability of each site is also discussed so that students can tell which sites are accurate and relevant.
One of Patrick Henry's teachers was on the state committee to change the standards and she was helpful in supplying information to me.
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Kirkwold - Memorial Middle School - Sioux Falls School District
I decided to comment on Kathy's response, because we are both teaching at the middle school level in Sioux Falls. She has summarized how the computer class teachers are implementing the technology standards.
Since the district has purchased new middle school materials for the computer classes, the curriculum has changed to try to meet the expectations set forth in the standards. What I am hearing from those teachers, though, is that there is less emphasis on how to use specific application programs and more emphasis on computer history, vocabulary, and internet safety. Most would agree that internet safety needs to be taught and discussed. Regarding the computer history, though, the fear is since there is more emphasis on facts about the computer, students may leave 8th grade not knowing as much about how to use programs like Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, etc. Students will need to be able to use these programs in high school, and the new middle school curriculum has not allowed for as much time as was devoted to those application details in past years.
Computer teachers are integrating every technology standard they can in the new ICTIII (Computer Applications) class, yet they have had to teach themselves the new versions from Microsoft Office 2003. Training has not been allowed for by the district, and countless hours from the teachers are being poured into learning the programs first and then planning effective lessons around them. It could be possible that instruction may not be implemented the same across the district. What might that mean for our middle school students?
I did notice on the website of the Sioux Falls School District that there is a plan of action in place for how the technology standards will be implemented. What I understand is that the standards will be tested in 2009, so the computer teachers are aware of the expectations. However, when I visited with some co-workers who teach core subjects, some were not aware yet that we will all be responsible in some way for making sure our students meet the technology standards set forth by the state.
What I see going on at the middle school level in my building is that many teachers are already supplementing lessons with technology. Even if some are unaware that we have standards in place, I do feel teachers (as listed in the standards) "demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts", they "design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology", and they "apply technology to maximize student learning". Technology is used by teachers for "effective assessment and evaluation strategies", to "enhance their productivity and professional practice", and they understand how important the "use of technology is in PK-12 schools." So many great things are happening because we have teachers guiding students in their understanding of technology, and I am confident we will continue to improve skills as we strive to help our students meet the standards.
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