Program of Studies – Technology – Primary

Technology use in the 21st century has become a vital component of all aspects of life. For students in Kentucky to be contributing citizens, they must receive an education that incorporates technology literacy at all levels. Technology literacy is the ability of students to responsibly use appropriate technology to communicate, solve problems, and access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information to improve learning in all subject areas and to acquire lifelong knowledge and skills in the 21st century. The Technology Program of Studies provides a framework for integrating technology into all content areas. It reflects the basic skills required for each student to be competitive in the global economy.

For students to gain the technology competencies, it is essential that they have access to technology during the school day in all grade levels. Instruction should provide opportunities for students to gain and demonstrate technology skills that build primary through grade 12.

The technology content standards should be integrated into each curricular discipline. The purpose of integrating technology is to help students make useful connections between what they learn in each content area and the real world. Technology knowledge, concepts and skills should be interwoven into lessons or units and taught in partnership with other content areas. Technology lends itself to curriculum integration and team teaching. Technology can enhance learning for all students, and for some it is essential for access to learning.

The technology content standards are organized by grade spans: primary, intermediate, middle, and high. The technology program of studies at the primary level includes beginning competencies related to technology literacy. Students are involved in the use of technology for communicating and collaborating with others and in developing ideas and opinions. Students interact with developmentally appropriate applications (e.g., interactive books, graphic organizers, reading and writing assistants, mathematical and scientific tools). Through this experience, students gain a positive view of technology as tools for learning.

The technology content standards at the primary grade span are directly aligned with Kentucky's Academic Expectations. Technology standards are organized around three Big Ideas that are important to the discipline of technology. The three Big Ideas in technology are:1) Information, Communication and Productivity; 2) Safety and Ethical/Social Issues; and3) Research, Inquiry/Problem-Solving and Innovation. The Big Ideas are conceptual organizers for technology. Each grade level span ensures students have multiple opportunities throughout their school careers to develop skills and concepts linked to the Big Ideas.

Under each Big Idea are statements of Enduring Knowledge/Understandings that represent overarching generalizations linked to the Big Ideas of Technology. The understandingsr epresent the desired results--what learning will focus upon and what knowledge students will be able to explain or apply. Understandings can be used to frame development of units of study and lesson plans.

Skills and Concepts describe ways that students demonstrate their learning and are specific to each grade level span. The skills and concepts for technology are fundamental to technology literacy, safe use and inquiry.