The technology applications curriculum has six strands based on the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS•S) and performance indicators developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE): creativity and innovation; communication and collaboration; research and information fluency; critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making; digital citizenship; and technology operations and concepts.
Through the study of the six strands in technology applications, students use creative thinking and innovative processes to construct knowledge and develop products. Students communicate and collaborate both locally and globally to reinforce and promote learning. Research and information fluency includes the acquisition and evaluation of digital content. Students develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills by collecting, analyzing, and reporting digital information. Students practice digital citizenship by behaving responsibly while using technology tools and resources. Through the study of technology operations and concepts, students learn technology related terms, concepts, and data input strategies.
Through the study of technology applications, students make informed decisions by understanding current and emerging technologies, including technology systems, appropriate digital tools, and personal learning networks. As competent researchers and responsible digital citizens, students use creative and computational thinking to solve problems while developing career and college readiness skills.
Districts must ensure that sufficient time is provided for teachers to teach and for students to learn technology applications. At least four of the Technology Applications high school courses are required to be offered by school districts. Teacher standards for Technology Applications specify expectations for new and current educators.
Links
Technology Applications Guidelines for Prekindergarten (PDF)
Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Grades K-12
Technology Applications PEIMS Numbers 2012-2013
NOTE: Technology Applications is found in Section 4, Code Table C022.
New Technology Applications Professional Development Courses in Project Share
For additional information, contact:
Curriculum Enrichment Unit
Jessica Snyder, Program Coordinator
jessica.synder@tea.state.tx.us
512-463-9581
Educational Technology
Karen Kahan, Director, Educational Technology
karen.kahan@tea.state.tx.us
512-463-9400
Texas Education Agency
1701 N. Congress
Austin, Texas 78701