Technology Application Standards

This weeks assignment was to explore the Technology Application Standards. I found the them to be very interesting.  I didn't even know there was TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) for Technology available.  We were asked to pick a TEKS of our choice and display it in our blog.  I picked the following:
(7) Solving problems. The student uses appropriate computer-based productivity tools to create and modify solutions to problems. The student is expected to:
(A) use software programs with audio, video, and graphics to enhance learning experiences.
I chose this one because it can be used in so many ways.  I think it's the "fun one" of the TEKS that were provided for the Elementary Level.  It can covered by using games, group work, and even independent strategies if necessary.    It also gives you a wide coverage of usage by including the options of audio, video, and graphics to enhance the learning experience.  I can see this TEK being used quite a bit in my classroom and other classrooms as well.

As another part of our assignment, we were asked to pick a subject and grade level's standards.  We were then asked to pick any TEK that can be related to the usage of technology, and then decribe how we would use it in our classroom.  I chose fourth grade Langage Arts as my standards and I found the following:
1)  Reading/Fluency. Students read grade-level text with fluency and comprehension. Students are expected to read aloud grade-level stories with fluency (rate, accuracy, expression, appropriate phrasing) and comprehension.  This can be accomplished by children reading aloud ebooks instead of paperbooks and worksheets.2)  Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it when reading and writing. Students are expected to:

(A)  determine the meaning of grade-level academic English words derived from Latin, Greek, or other linguistic roots and affixes.  This can be accomplished through using an online dictionary verses a hardback one.  There are also several TEKS listed for speech and writing parts.  There are wonderful websites that can accomodate students and cover these TEKS.  One is http://www.starfall.com/.  It is free and a wonderful tool to use from pre-k on up through elementary.  There is so much that we can cover using technology.

We were last asked to write about what we thought was the most important TEK in Technology and how we would apply it in our classroom. There were several good ones and it made it hard to choose just one, but I narrowed down to the following one:  1.16s demonstrate proper etiquette and knowlege of acceptable use of electronic information and products while in an individual classroom, lab, or on the Internet or an Intranet.   I feel this covers a wide area; from plagarism to how to treat the equioment.  Bottom line, it specifies respect for the equipment, individuals, and laws.  I would incorporate this by cohersing with my students to create a list of rules to keep in the classroom and follow.  Some of the rules may be "No copying other people's work including classmates and what is found on the internet," and " push your chairs in after you get up and make sure the computer has properly been logged off and turned off," also " please keep your audio at a minimal level to respect others who are working."  I think it is important to incorporate a lesson plan using technology to assist in learning laws and etiquette in the classroom.  I think this rule is very important and is the foundation to using and implying technology in a proper and respectful manner.