Technology Benchmarks
K-4 Technology Benchmarks
- Basic Operations and Concepts
 - Social, Ethical, and Human Issues
 - Technology Productivity Tools
 - Technology Communication Tools
 - Technology Research Tools
 - Technology Problem-solving and Decision Making
 
* All grades need to practice and extend competencies of previous grade levels.
* Numbers in parenthesis after the benchmark indicate coordinating standard(s).
Kindergarten
- Identify 6 parts-keyboard, monitor, CPU, disk drive, mouse & printer. (1)
 - Turn on computer system (or power strip), learn to load and remove CD's, and learn to run a program from the Start Menu. (1)
 - Run simple programs (basic instructions on screen- e.g. Reader Rabbit, Word Munchers, Living Books, WiggleWorks etc.) (1)
 - Know proper procedures for exiting from a file or program and for shutting down the computer. (2)
 - Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers when using technology in the classroom. (2)
 - Demonstrate responsible use of technology (wait for hourglass, close programs and pop ups…) (2)
 - Communicate ideas using pictures and/or words (i.e. Paint, WiggleWorks, Kidspiration, KidPix etc.) (3, 4)
 - Use developmentally appropriate books to support learning. (5)
 - Solve computer problems using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology (6)
 - Use technology resources (i.e. puzzles, logical thinking programs) for problem solving. (6)
 
Grade 1
- Begin to use proper posture. (1)
 - Identify memory devices (i.e. CD-Rom, H drive, C drive…) (1)
 - Use shift, backspace, arrows, Enter key, letter keys, number keys, and punctuation keys. (1)
 - Develop positive attitudes toward technology. (2)
 - Begin to read and follow on screen directions (3)
 - Type/Draw and Print simple stories (i.e. using WiggleWorks, MS Word, Paint, Kidspiration…) (4,6)
 - Awareness of electronic resources (i.e. websites, encyclopedia, CD ROMs) (5)
 
Grade 2
- Begin to use proper keyboarding techniques (i.e. two hands on keyboard) (1)
 - Use Word processing programs (3, 4)
 - Type and print simple stories (i.e. using WiggleWorks, MS Word, Kidspiration…) (4, 6)
 - Use of electronic resources (i.e. websites, encyclopedias, CD ROMs…) (5)
 
Grade 3
- Use proper keyboarding techniques (i.e. left-right hand placement, use home row keys…) (1)
 - Demonstrate ability to name, save, retrieve, and print saved work. (2)
 - Use formatting skills for word processing (i.e. bold, capital letters, indentations) (3, 4)
 - Demonstrate ability to conduct searches using electronic catalogs (5)
 - Understand concept and use of websites (5, 6)
 
Grade 4
- Evaluate websites for appropriate use. (2)
 - Use word-processing and editing skills (i.e. spell checker, thesaurus, cut, copy, and paste,) (3, 4)
 - Begin to use, cite, and evaluate electronic resources/references tools. (5)
 - Exposure to emerging technologies including specialized input devices (i.e. microscopes, digital cameras, science probes, Palm handhelds…) (5, 6)
 
Download K-4 Technology Benchmarks (pdf)
5-6 Technology Benchmarks
- Basic Operations and Concepts
 - Social, Ethical, and Human Issues
 - Technology Productivity Tools
 - Technology Communication Tools
 - Technology Research Tools 6. Technology Problem-solving and Decision Making
 
* All grades need to practice and extend competencies of previous grade levels.
* Numbers in parenthesis after the benchmark indicate coordinating standard(s).
Grade 5
- Use keyboards and other common input/output devices efficiently and effectively. (1)
 - Discuss common uses of technology in daily life (advantages and disadvantages). (1, 2)
 - Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use. (2)
 - Extend the use of technology tools to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum (ex. word processing, graphics, charts, tables, Cornerstone). (3)
 - Determine which technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems. (5, 6)
 - Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources. (6)
 - Use telecommunications to investigate curriculum related problems, issues, and information (ex. Internet, Virtual Field Trips). (4, 5)
 
Grade 6
- Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and of practical applications to learning and problem solving. (1)
 - Awareness of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on society.
 - Develop basic trouble-shooting skills. (1)
 - Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology and discuss consequences of misuse. (2)
 - Design, develop, publish and present products using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate concepts to audiences. (4, 5, 6)
 - Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources. (2, 3, 5, 6)
 - Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems. (5, 6)
 - Use telecommunications and online resources to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences. (3, 4, 5)
 
Download 5-6 Technology Benchmarks (pdf)
7-8 Technology Benchmarks
- Basic Operations and Concepts
 - Social, Ethical, and Human Issues
 - Technology Productivity Tools
 - Technology Communication Tools
 - Technology Research Tools 6. Technology Problem-solving and Decision Making
 
* All grades need to practice and extend competencies of previous grade levels.
* Numbers in parenthesis after the benchmark indicate coordinating standard(s).
GRADES 7 - 8
All students should have opportunities to demonstrate the following performances:
- Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use. (1)
 - Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society. (2)
 - Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse. (2)
 - Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations to support learning and research. (3, 5)
 - Apply productivity/multimedia/ telecommunications tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum. (3, 6)
 - Design, develop, publish, and present products using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts. (4, 5, 6)
 - Select and use appropriate technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems. (5, 6)
 - Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware and software and their practical applications to learning and problem solving. (1, 6)
 
Download 7-8 Technology Benchmarks (pdf)
9-12 Technology Benchmarks
- Basic Operations and Concepts
 - Social, Ethical, and Human Issues
 - Technology Productivity Tools
 - Technology Communication Tools
 - Technology Research Tools 6. Technology Problem-solving and Decision Making
 
* All grades need to practice and extend competencies of previous grade levels.
* Numbers in parenthesis after the benchmark indicates coordinating standard(s).
Grades 9-12
- Make informed choices among technology systems, resources, and services to address personal, lifelong learning and workplace needs. (1, 2)
 - Practice and advocate for legal and ethical behaviors among peers, family, and community regarding the use of technology and information. (2)
 - Use technology tools and resources for managing, communicating, and presenting personal/professional information. (3, 4)
 - Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity. (4, 5, 6)
 - Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning. (4, 5)
 - Investigate and apply simulations in real-world situations. (4, 5, 6)
 
Download 9-12 Technology Benchmarks (pdf)
NETS (National Education Technology Standards)
- 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.
 
 - 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.
 
 - 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, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.
 
 - 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.
 
 - 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 for specific tasks.
 
 - 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.
 
 
Download the National Education Technology Standards (NETS) in pdf format