Technology Integration Subscribe to RSS
Great Tech Expectations: What Should Elementary Students Be Able to Do and When?
July 13, 2011 | Mary Beth Hertz
First off, let me clarify that I am not a proponent of expecting all children to learn at the same pace. Why all third graders are expected to be at x reading level by January is beyond me. That said, I think it's a fair assumption that there are certain skills that we hope our students have by a certain age in order to help them reach their full potential. This also applies to tech skills.
I teach in a computer lab every day, with classes ranging from kindergarten through sixth grade rotating through my lab every 45 minutes. I have the luxury of seeing what my students can accomplish and I understand how to scaffold their learning so that when they reach a higher grade I know they will have the required repertoire of skills to be successful in whatever projects we are working on and at whatever school they may end up in when they leave me.
Here are some skills by grade level that I aim to have my students obtain. Each skill is rated per grade as either an Introductory (I), Developing (D) or Applied (A) Skill.
(Please keep in mind that I teach in a high-poverty school where many kids do not have access to computers, iDevices or the Internet at home.)
| Skill | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Log into a computer using a one-word single sign-on | A | __ | __ | __ | __ | __ | _ |
| Log into a computer using your own personal account | I | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Log into web-based tool accounts | I | D | A | A | A | A | A |
| Find keys on the keyboard to construct sentences and type your name | I | D | A | A | A | A | A |
| Know how to make a capital letter using Shift | I | D | A | A | A | A | A |
| Type using two hands | I | D | D | D | A | A | A |
| Type at least 15 WPM | __ | __ | I | D | A | A | A |
| Type at least 20 WPM | __ | __ | __ | I | D | A | A |
| Type at least 25 WPM | __ | __ | __ | __ | D | D | A |
| Know some basic keyboard shortcuts | I | D | D | D | D | A | A |
| Know how to copy/paste | __ | __ | I | D | D | A | A |
| Save a file | I | D | D | A | A | A | A |
| Open a file | I | D | A | A | A | A | A |
| Understand file paths | I | D | D | D | A | A | A |
| Locate files and navigate file paths independently | I | I | D | D | A | A | A |
| Know how to organize files | I | I | I | I | D | D | A |
| Navigate a browser (back, forward buttons and tab) | I | D | A | A | A | A | A |
| Know how to evaluate websites for accuracy and relevance | I | I | I | D | D | A | A |
| Know how to leave a useful comment for a peer | I | I | D | A | A | A | A |
| Practice good netiquette when commenting | I | I | D | D | A | A | A |
| Know how to use tools like Edmodo or Schoology to discuss, share and blog about course content | __ | __ | __ | __ | D | D | A |
| Collaborate with peers on digital projects | I | I | I | D | D | D | A |
| Begin to look for solutions to real-world problems through the lens of technology | I | I | I | D | D | D | D |
| Know a system for bookmarking/saving sites | __ | __ | __ | I | D | D | A |
| Use a tool like Diigo to compile resources | __ | __ | __ | __ | __ | D | D |
| Be familiar with basic menus within applications | I | D | D | D | A | A | A |
| Independently use a drawing program (like TuxPaint) | I | D | D | A | A | A | A |
| Complete graphic organizers using software like Kidspiration | I | D | D | A | A | A | A |
| Take and edit photos using PhotoBooth or Picnik | I | D | D | D | A | A | A |
| Insert photos into projects | I | D | D | A | A | A | A |
| Download and upload photos | I | D | D | D | A | A | A |
| Create and edit video | I | I | D | D | D | D | D |
| Be able to synthesize information from one place to another (i.e. graphic organizer to comic, web information into graphic organizer) | I | I | D | D | D | A | A |
| Compose short stories using a web-based tool like Storybird | I | D | D | D | A | A | A |
| Compose and format longer stories using Word Processing software | I | I | D | D | D | A | A |
| Create basic presentations using tools like PowerPoint | I | I | D | D | D | A | A |
| Have a basic understanding of programming through programs like Scratch | __ | __ | __ | __ | I | D | D |
| Be able to show what you know through a variety of tools | __ | __ | __ | I | D | D | A |
| Know how to build a website or wiki, including images, citations and video | __ | __ | __ | __ | I | D | A |
| Write and maintain a personal blog | __ | __ | I | D | D | D | A |
| Know vocabulary like Desktop, monitor, CPU, mouse, keyboard, application, program, browser | I | D | A | A | A | A | A |
| Have a basic understanding of copyright | I | D | D | D | D | A | A |
| Understand and follow copyright rules and guidelines | I | D | D | D | D | D | A |
| Cite sources | __ | __ | __ | I | D | D | A |
| Know what kinds of information you should/shouldn't share online | I | D | D | D | A | A | A |
| Know how to handle cyberbullies | I | D | D | D | D | A | A |
| Know how to configure privacy settings | __ | __ | __ | __ | I | D | D |
This is a rough framework and in no way representative of everything that students should know. I am one-hundred percent sure that I missed some things along the way and that many people will argue with some of it, but that's why we blog, right?
Please let me know what I may have left out or anything you think is in the wrong place or doesn't need to be there at all.
_0.JPG){kind=small}
Comments (29)
Comment RSSSign in or register to post comments
New Curriculum k-8
We just finished creating a k-8 curriculum and used Mary Beth's work as a starter. Look under the tab for Essential Understandings for the different areas https://sites.google.com/a/sau53.org/dcs-tech-curriculum/essential-under...
Anything for Middle and Upper school students
I just recently found this, and It is exactly what I was looking for, trying to develop myself. Do you have anything for older grades? Or know of a good resource?
Thank you, and great blog.
Glad to hear it, Connie! Let
Glad to hear it, Connie! Let me know if you have any questions or ideas for improving it!
Thank You!
Technology has been on our minds in our district. We just went through a restructuring of our district which resulted in updated technology in all of our schools. We have many questions about what is appropriate for each grade level. This matrix will be a huge help.
Learning.com
Great grid. I'd like to offer a resource for interactive and engaging lessons for elementary students - EasyTech by Learning.com. We offer free teacher accounts, and with that account, you can select a sampler of Learning.com's EasyTech, which is aligned to the ISTE NETS. On our website you can try out sample lessons for various grade levels - visit http://bit.ly/rpf9GN. And for free teacher accounts, visit http://bit.ly/rgN8kL. The free Teacher Accounts also include the full EasyTech Online Safety curriculum.
Matrix is available up online
For those of you looking for a PDF, I just uploaded a color-coded matrix to Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/61686639/Elementary-Tech-Skills-Matrix Enjoy!
Word Processing, etc...
I did not include a lot of talk about Word Processing software/spreadsheets as I find that, as you describe, those skills come as needed when embedded in a larger learning experience. I find that if kids understand basic formatting and menus that it makes transitioning between software easier. I tried teaching spreadsheets to 2nd graders and was fairly successful, but found other skills more important at that age. Thanks for the feedback!
Wonderful
Of course you can use it. I just uploaded it to Scribd if that makes it easier: http://www.scribd.com/doc/61686639/Elementary-Tech-Skills-Matrix
I am moving grade levels this
I am moving grade levels this year and will be teaching first grade for the first time. I agree, this matrix will be a great guide for me next year especially! Thanks for making it and sharing with us Mary Beth!
Mary Beth, thank you for this
Mary Beth, thank you for this matrix! I've recently accepted a Instructional Lab teaching position for preK-5th grades that will be based partly in the computer lab and partly in the science lab to work on math and science skills. I've been working on my Masters degree for Educational Technology but have not yet had the chance to figure out which skills go with which grades- this matrix gives me an excellent starting point. My students are also extremely low-income so the lack of computers and Internet access is similar. It's very helpful to see how the specific skills stack up as the grades progress- makes planning activities much simpler!