Technology Curriculum Introduction

In the past, K-12 students were expected to master reading, writing, and mathematics. Today, those skills are still needed, but basic curricula must also include accessing, manipulating, and communicating information. The L'Anse Creuse Public Schools Technology Vision states that technology is a major component in providing that instruction.

The L'Anse Creuse Public Schools K-12 Technology Curriculum outlines specific skills needed for such a technology-rich environment. This curriculum is based on research and best practices utilizing technology in education. Numerous programs and recommendations from various school districts were examined as well as a variety of state and national resources. Curricular benchmarks were derived from three principle sources:

• Michigan Curriculum Framework: Technology Content Standards and Benchmarks
• Instructional Technology Across the Curriculum (ITAC) Draft K-12 Instructional Technology Standards
• National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

Technology, as defined by the Michigan Department of Education, is "the systematic application of knowledge, materials, tools and skills to extend human capabilities." When used in schools, technology falls into two classifications:

• Technology Education (Tech. Ed.) is the study of technology and its impact on society.
• Instructional Technology is the practice of using technology to help teachers teach and students learn.

The Michigan Department of Education includes objectives from both classifications in its list of technology benchmarks. Therefore, The L'Anse Creuse Public Schools K-12 Technology Curriculum addresses competencies in both categories. Many of the instructional technology skills can be integrated into activities from the traditional curricula (math, language arts, etc.) while numerous technology education skills must be addressed independently.