Net Standards

The six national standards for technology are:
1. Creativity and Innovation
2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Research and Information Fluency
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision Making
5. Digital Citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts

Looking at these standards just by name is very vague. Within these standards there are several ideas that make them easier to implement. I found a great website that provided the standards: http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007.htm

I think that all of the standards can be implemented if we work hard enough, however, some such as creativity and research are certainly easier than digital citizenship. Although we try hard to keep our children safe from internet dangers such as using instant messaging or social networks such as myspace.com for inappropriate things such as meeting people, nothing is fail proof. Working with students on staying safe while uisng the internet is very important but we all know that some will test the limits and go beyond. Another part of digital citizenship that is difficult is emphasizing that learning is ongoing even if working with familiar games and programs. Many students feel once they learn a program they "know" it. They don't understand the concept that we all learn and relearn.

I think that the other most difficult standard is number 6, Technology Operations and Concepts. I think it is very difficult for teachers to try and not only have students use new technology but also choose a program with productive reasoning. Students and adults tend to get comfortable with the familiar. So a student that is used to working with Microsoft Word, may not be willing to try something more effective for presentations like Microsoft Power Point. I also think it is difficult for teachers to work on students being able to effectively troubleshoot computer program issues.

Some other standards like creativity, collaboration, and research all seem like standards should be easy to implement, but know that not everyone is. I think that teachers that are stuck in the old fashioned 20th century textbook learning need to dive into the technologically savvy world. It is a disservice to their students and themselves to not keep up on all of the latest educational trends including technology. Students need to know that they are being taught or guided by adults that are able to work with technology on the same level as they are.

I feel that for the most part I am ready to deal with implementing technology in the classroom. I know that I would have to develop my skills in the fifth and sixth standards in order to implement all of the net standards to the best of my ability. I think I can readily use the standards to infuse technology in class rather than just use it to have it.