Comparing Technology Literacy

I think that all three sources (Iowa Core, NETS-S, and Partnership for 21st Century Learning) tell us that technology is important, but only if we use it correctly.  They all tell us how learning is changed, and that students are creative, assess information, and are creative.  Communication is also a very big part in society, especially using technology.  We, as teachers, just need to make sure that we are complimenting our lesson plans and students with the technology and how we use it.  Literacy used to just deal with print, now we have technology literacy.  We can use technology to enhance students’ learning which will prepare them better for their future and for society’s future.

The NETS-S standards goes more into depth about how technology can be used successfully and purposefully in the classroom.  It doesn’t give specific examples, but it ties together how students learn and how technology can be used in the classroom.  The Iowa Core says what each grade level should do and should be able to do.  The Iowa Core gives a progression so we can see specifically what each grade level should do, unlike the NETS-S. The Partnership tells us what the final outcome should be.  We need to use technology to reach that final outcome, which includes the 4 Cs (communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity), information, media, and technology skills, and life and career skills.

We should be focusing on all of these sources to make sure our students are using the technology in a ways that is successful for them, and then heading in the right direction towards their future.  They have the same idea, but just present the information in different ways that is helpful for teachers who want what is best for their students’ futures.