Students should understand the legal, ethical, and safety issues concerning the use of email, the Internet, and other online tools. Students should understand how to protect their personal identification and information on the Internet and be knowledgeable about general rules for safe Internet practices. In addition, students should develop an awareness of how they present themselves on the Internet.

By the end of eighth grade, students should have had ample opportunity to use technology tools for research, problem solving, and communication across all curriculum areas. They should know how to communicate their learning with peers and other audiences through multimedia presentations, desktop-published reports, and other electronic media. They should have learned effective strategies for locating and validating information on the Internet. Moreover, students should understand why it is important to use multiple web sites for their research, rather than relying on a single site for information.

In summary, when students enter the ninth grade, they should be able to use technology to learn. Technology should be incorporated into their everyday learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom. 

1. Basic Operations and Productivity Tools

Grades

Continue to address earlier skill as needed.

I = Introduce

D = Develop

M= Master

E= Extend

1.1 Basic Operations

6

7

8

G6-8: 1:11 Identify and use the basic features of a computer operating system to access information on the size and format of a file and to create folders on a local hard drive.

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.12 Identify successful troubleshooting strategies for minor hardware and software issues/problems.

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.13 Select a printer and print a document with the appropriate page setup and orientation.

E

E

E

G6-8: 1.14 Operate peripheral equipment (e.g., scanner, digital camera, camcorder), if available in the school.

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.15 Demonstrate keyboarding techniques that result in accuracy, speed, and general efficiency in computer operation. (For students with disabilities, demonstrate alternate input techniques (e.g., word prediction software, specialized keyboards, and mouse alternatives.)

E

E

E

G6-8: 1.16 Identify and use a variety of information storage media (i.e., CDs, DVDs, flash drives, school servers, and online storage spaces), and provide a rationale for using a certain medium for a specific purpose.

D

M

E

1.2 Word Processing/Desktop Publishing

6

7

8

G6-8: 1.21 Demonstrate use of intermediate features in word processing applications (e.g., tabs, indents, line spacing, headers and footers, end notes, bullet and numbering, tables, symbols/special characters).

M

E

E

1.3 Database

6

7

8

G6-8: 1.31 Describe the structure and function of a database, using related terms appropriately (e.g., record, field, query, reports, layout, format, tags, keywords, etc.).

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.32 Create a simple database, defining field formats and adding new records.

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.33 Perform simple operations in a database (i.e., browse, sort, filter, search on selected criteria, delete data, enter data).

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.34 Plan and develop database reports to organize and display information.

D

M

E

1.4 Spreadsheet

6

7

8

G6-8: 1.41 Create an original spreadsheet, entering simple formulas.

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.42 Produce simple charts and graphs from a spreadsheet.

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.43 Describe the structure and function of a spreadsheet, using correct terminology (i.e., cells, rows, columns, and formulas).

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.44 Distinguish among different types of charts and graphs (e.g., bar graphs, circle graphs, line graphs), and choose the most appropriate chart/graph to represent given data.

I

D

M

G6-8: 1.45 Describe the use of spreadsheets to calculate, graph, organize, and present data in a variety of settings (e.g., universities, government, business, industry).

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.46 Apply advanced formatting features to customize tables, charts, and graphs.

D

M

1.5 Internet, Networking, and Online Communication

6

7

8

G6-8: 1.51 Identify and use correct terminology to explain common terms associated with the Internet (e.g. browser, search engine, URL, hyperlink, site map).

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.52 Add and organize bookmarks/favorites on a web site for future reference.

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.53 Identify probable types and locations of web sites by examining their domain names (e.g., .edu, .com, .org, .gov, .au).

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.54 Use email functions and features including replying, forwarding, attachments, subject lines, signature, and address book. (Use of e-mail is at district discretion and may be a class-wide activity if students do not have individual accounts.)

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.55 Recognize, explain, and correctly use terms related to networks (LANs, WANs, servers, and routers), Internet connectivity (DSL, T1, T3), and online learning (e.g., IP address, post, thread, Intranet, discussion forum, drop box, account, password).

D

M

E

1.6 Multimedia and Software Applications

6

7

8

G6-8: 1.61 Use a variety of technology tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, grammar-checker, calculator) to maximize the accuracy of technology-produced products.

M

E

E

G6-8: 1.62 Demonstrate knowledge by creating a multimedia presentation utilizing appropriate media (e.g. audio, video, animations, etc.).

D

M

E

2. Ethics, Society, and Safety

Grades

Continue to dress earlier skill as needed.

I = Introduce

D = Develop

M= Master

E= Extend

2.1 Ethics

6

7

8

G6-8: 2.11 Explain and demonstrate ethical and legal behavior in copying files, applications, and media.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.12 Explain how media and technology can be misused to distort or exaggerate information.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.13 Explain how Copyright Law protects the ownership of intellectual property, and explain consequences of violating the law.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.14  Explain issues of privacy, security, copyright, plagiarism, spam, viruses, file sharing, passwords, and personal information.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.15 Explain fair use guidelines for using copyrighted materials (e.g. images, music, video, text) in school projects, as well as consequences of misuse.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.16 Evaluate information from various online resources for accuracy, bias, appropriateness, and comprehensiveness.

D

M

E

2.2 Society

6

7

8

G6-8: 2.21 Identify and discuss the technology proficiencies needed in the workplace and how students can prepare themselves to meet these demands.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.22 Identify and describe the effect technological changes have had on business, transportation, communications, industry, and agriculture in a global society.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.23 Explain how technology can support communication and collaboration, personal and professional productivity, and lifelong learning.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.24 Demonstrate the use of technology to identify and explore various occupations or careers.

D

M

E

G6-8: 2.25 Explain and demonstrate the use of technology to support communication (e.g., with peers, family, school personnel) and compare it with other ways of communicating.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.26 Explain various ways that consumers use technology (e.g., creating budgets, making purchases, conducting financial transactions, and accessing product information).

D

M

E

2.3 Health and Safety

6

7

8

G6-8: 2.31 Explain why computers, networks, and information must be protected from viruses, intrusion and vandalism.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.32 Demonstrate knowledge of responsible, safe, and ethical use of networked digital information (i.e., Internet, mobile phones, wireless, LANs).

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.33 Demonstrate knowledge of the potential risks and dangers associated with online communications. Provide examples of safe and unsafe practices for sharing personal information via e-mail and the Internet.

M

E

E

G6-8: 2.34 Demonstrate an understanding of terms/concepts associated with the safe, effective, and efficient use of telecommunications/Internet (i.e., password, firewalls, spam, security, Acceptable Use Policy).

M

E

E

3. Research, Problem-Solving, and Communications

Grades

Continue to address earlier skill as needed.

I = Introduce

D = Develop

M = Master

E = Extend)

3.1 Research

6

7

8

G6-8: 3.11 Collect, organize, and analyze digital information from a variety of sources (e.g. survey data, data gathered online, data from science experiments).

M

E

E

G6-8: 3.12 Use content-specific technology tools (e.g., environmental probes, sensors, measuring devices, simulations) to enhance understanding of curriculum content.

3.2 Problem Solving

G6-8: 3.21 Use a variety of computing devices (e.g. probeware, handheld computers, digital cameras, scanners) to collect, analyze and present information for curriculum assignments.

M

E

E

G6-8: 3.22 Use and modify databases and spreadsheets to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate findings.

M

E

E

G6-8: 3.23 Develop guidelines to evaluate the content, organization, design, use of citations, and presentation of technologically enhanced projects.

D

M

E

3.3 Communication

6

7

8

G6-8: 3.31 Demonstrate knowledge of the advantages of using a specific technology (e.g., word processing, desktop publishing, presentation software) to develop and communicate information to a variety of audiences.

M

E

E

G6-8: 3.32 Identify and demonstrate differences between writing and design of print and screen media (e.g., font size, aspect ratio, resolution). Explain some of the difficulties associated with the repurposing of information across several distinct media.

M

E

E

G6-8: 3.33 Use a variety of telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, discussion groups, web pages, blogs, web conferences) synchronously and/or asynchronously to collaborate and communicate with peers, experts, and other audiences (at district’s discretion).

I

D

D

G6-8: 3.34 Plan, design, and develop a multimedia product using information (e.g., text, graphics, charts) to present research findings in the most effective way, citing sources.

D

M

E