Technology Literacy PK-2

As teachers, we need to emphasize the importance of cultivating interdisciplinary themes, such as global awareness and financial, civic and health literacies, and weaving key skill areas (creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making) into core subject matter.

These skills and themes are not new to educators. They are a part of any good teaching practice. The challenge however, is to be more explicit in their inclusion in core content, incorporating real world problems to bring them into focus for students and drawing on digital tools and resources that can support them.

In some respects, the potential of 21st century skills lies in the exploration of how digital tools (cameras, presentation software, computing equipment) and online resources can support and enhance traditional subjects, skills and teaching practices.

Listed below are resources to aid you in incorporating ISTE standards and 21st Century Learning Skills into your curriculum.

Audio Recording Tools:
http://vocaroo.com/
http://voicethread.com
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Don't forget about Microsoft Office tools, Open Office and Google Docs & Movie Maker!

Illustrate and communicate original ideas and stories using digital tools and media-rich resources. (1,2)
 

Elmos Keyboard O-Rama - Keyboarding Skills

Bob the Builder - Mouse Practice

Bob the Builder - Mouse Practice

Dance Mat Typing - Keyboarding Skills

Gamequarium - Keyboarding

Art.com - Online Canvas for Digital Art

Wetpaint - Online Canvas for Digital Art

Simplybox - research tool (Free account setup required)

Mixbooks - a tool for producing photo books

Tikatok - designed to allow students to write their own book

Writing Repeater - practice on forming letters

Don't forget about Microsoft Office tools, Open Office and Google Docs!

Identify, research, and collect data on an environmental issue using digital resources and propose a developmentally appropriate solution. (1,3,4)
 

iCharts - create an interactive chart

Create a Graph - very simple and effective tool to create graphs

TimeToast - create a timeline

TimeRime - create a timeline

xTimeLine - create a timeline

Letterpop - create newsletters, presentations

JogtheWeb - create a slideshow of websites you want others to see

Don't forget about Microsoft Office tools, Open Office and Google Docs!

Engage in learning activities with learners from multiple cultures through e-mail and other electronic means. (2,6)
 

ePals - global community of connected classrooms

TeacherTube - educational video (like an educational YouTube)

Don't forget about Microsoft Office tools, Open Office and Google Docs!

In a collaborative work group, use a variety of technologies to produce a digital presentation or product in a curriculum area. (1,2,6)
 

Animoto - slideshow maker

VoiceThread - slideshow maker

Vuvox - slideshow maker

Letterpop - create newsletters, presentations

TeacherTube - post presentation videos (like an educational YouTube)

PhotoStory3 - digital photo slideshow

Audacity - audio editor and recorder

Mixbooks - a tool for producing photo books

Tikatok - designed to allow students to write their own book

Don't forget about Microsoft Office tools, Open Office and Google Docs!

Find and evaluate information related to a current or historical person or event using digital resources. (3)
 

History Channel - video, speeches, study guides

HNN - History News Network

The Smithsonian

The White House

The Library of Congress

Tennessee History for Kids

History Detectives - PBS

18th Century History

Kids.gov - The Official Kids Portal for the U.S. Government

Don't forget about Microsoft Office tools, Open Office and Google Docs!

Use simulations and graphical organizers to explore and depict patterns of growth such as the life cycles of plants and animals. (1, 3, 4)
 

Life Cycle of Animals and Plants

WebQuest - Life Cycle of Animals

Life Cycle of Plants - WhiteBoard Lesson (eBeam)

Life Cycle of Plants - WhiteBoard Lesson (eBeam)

ClassTools - Graphic Organizers

Education Place - Graphic Organizers

Demonstrate the safe and cooperative use of technology. (5)
 

Internet Safety Game

Yahoo Kids - good place to begin teaching basic searching strategies

Internet Safety Resources - videos, websites, pintables

Independently apply digital tools and resources to address a variety of tasks and problems. (4, 6)
 

Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology. (6)
 

Internet Definitions

Many Links to online Definitions

Learning the Internet Game

Kids Web License - PBS

Demonstrate the ability to navigate in virtual environments such as electronic books, simulation software, and websites. (6)
 

Brainpop

Riverdeep

Earobics

United Streaming

Teacher Tube

The numbers in parentheses after each item identify the ISTE standards (1-6) most closely linked to the activity described. Each activity may relate to one indicator, to multiple indicators, or to the overall standards referenced.

The categories are:

1. Creativity and Innovation
2. Communication and Collaboration
3. research and Information Fluency
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
5. Digital Citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts