NC Technology Standard Course of Study

"Teach the Tool - Use the Tool to Teach"

Technology Assistant's website

Curriculum

North Carolina K-5 Computer/Technology Skills curriculum areas of focus by grade level.

Kindergarten

Parts of the computer and how to operate
keyboarding familiarity
Grouping and sequencing
Respect for the work of others

Grade 1

Using technology at home and school
Gathering, organizing, and displaying data
Using word processing
Exploring multimedia

Grade 2

Using technology in the community
Using electronic database to locate information
Building word processing skills
Collecting, sorting, and displaying data
Exploring multimedia (graphics, sound, text)
Using drawing tools

Grade 3

Awareness of Copyright Law
Exploring information technologies
Building word processing techniques
Exploring spreadsheets

Grade 4

Using databases
Using spreadsheets
Locating information on the Internet
Evaluating information found through telecommunications
Developing word processing documents
Exploring e-mail
Identifying ways technology has changed North Carolina technology

Grade 5

Using search engines
Exploring the need for protection against viruses and vandalism
Participating in curriculum-based telecommunication projects
Developing word processing document using proper keyboarding techniques
Developing a product using a database

North Carolina Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study

Students learn technology skills that include desktop publishing (word processing), spreadsheet, database, multimedia, Internet, and ethics. These standards are set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

New Hanover County's goal is to teach these skills as they are integrated with the core subject areas of Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Technology skills can also be integrated with the arts, healthful living (P.E. and Health), Information Skills (Media Center), and Guidance.

The strength of technology is that it provides an excellent platform where students can collect information in multiple formats and then organize, link, and discover relationships among facts and events. An array of tools for acquiring information and for thinking and expression allows more students more ways to enter the learning enterprise successfully and to live productive lives in the global, digital, and information-based future they all face.

Statham, Dawn S. , and Torell, Clark R. Computers in the Classroom: The Impact of Technology on Student Learning, Boise State University College of Education. p.10

OVERVIEW
In our global society, technology changes on a daily basis. Beginning with kindergarten, students use technology tools to help them become life-long learners in a technology intensive environment. The North Carolina Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study is designed to form the foundation for continuous learning and to be applicable to ever-changing innovations.

COMPETENCY GOAL 1: The learner will understand important issues of a technology-based society and will exhibit behavior in the use of computer and other technologies.
This goal addresses the role of technology in all parts of society. Students must understand the impact of computer technology on society in a technology-based information rich world. Students must understand appropriate use of computer technology and exhibit ethical behavior in using hardware, software, and information accessing resources.

COMPETENCY GOAL 2: The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computer and other technologies.
This goal is concerned with fundamental computer operations and application software use that make students independent, productive users of computer technology . Students must master certain computer operations, application software skills, know computer terms and functions, demonstrate basic keyboarding skills, and be able to use software correctly. The application software skills identified include word processing, database management, spreadsheet problem-solving, multimedia production, and accessing information resources via telecommunications.

COMPETENCY GOAL 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.
This goal focuses on the application of computer/technology skills access. Students will access information using search strategies and analyze information using database, spreadsheet, and graphing software. They will then communicate and share the results through desktop publications, multimedia productions, video-conferencing, and telecommunications with audiences near and far.

Source: Fall 1998 Note to Parents... by Martha Campbell, Information Skills and Computer Skills Consultant, Instructional Services, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

You may find out more about the North Carolina Standard Course of Study by clicking on the link below.
Click on any one grade level and go directly to its Technology Standard Course of Study.

Tips for Parents...

Parents can help their children have a positive attitude toward computers and enjoy the computer skills they are learning at school.

All Parents Can:

Tell children about the ways computer skills are used in their jobs or in their workplace.
Help children understand that computer skills are important tools for success now and in the future.
Encourage an emphasis on the use of computers with classroom assignments and projects.
Use current events to show how computers play a role in day-to-day life. Discuss how space exploration, detective work, medical breakthroughs, new car design, favorite movies, genetic research, ocean exploration, and more are helped by computers.
Discuss how learning continues throughout life, and that having computer skills will open up an even wider world of information, wonder and possibilities.
Visit the school to see first-hand the ways that computers are incorporated in day-to-day classroom activities.

If You Do Not Use a Computer:

Encourage discussion when your child mentions what he or she is learning to do with computers at school. Ask the child to share with you what he or she is learning.
Let your child demonstrate their keyboarding skills for you, either on a computer or on a typewriter.
If you have a typewriter, allow your youngster to use it to practice keyboarding skills, which are an important part of computer use.
Consider taking a basic computer course at a community college or computer training company. It will probably be fun, it could give you one more skill that can be used in your work, and it will show your child that you believe computers are important.

If You Do Use a Computer:

Discuss with your child how you learned to use a computer, and the role computers play at your job.
If you have a home computer, encourage your child to use it; consider buying software applications appropriate for your child.
Model appropriate skills and behaviors when using online resources.
Be familiar with your school system's Acceptable Use Policy and encourage your child to follow these guidelines.
Establish guidelines for using online resources at home.
Bookmark specific websites that you consider appropriate for your child.
If you are a whiz on the computer, give your child an opportunity to demonstrate skills they are learning. Focus on what they know, rather than what they do not know.
Encourage younger children in the family to feel comfortable with computers.