students in Kentucky to be contributing citizens, they must receive an education that

incorporates technology literacy at all levels. Technology literacy is the ability of students to

responsibly use appropriate technology to communicate, solve problems, and access, manage,

integrate, evaluate, and create information to improve learning in all subject areas and to

acquire lifelong knowledge and skills in the 21st century. The Technology Program of Studies

provides a framework for integrating technology into all content areas. It reflects the basic skills

required for each student to be competitive in the global economy.

For students to gain the technology competencies, it is essential that they have access to

technology during the school day in all grade levels. Instruction should provide opportunities for

students to gain and demonstrate technology skills that build primary through grade 12.

The technology content standards should be integrated into each curricular discipline. The

purpose of integrating technology is to help students make useful connections between what

they learn in each content area and the real world. Technology knowledge, concepts and skills

should be interwoven into lessons or units and taught in partnership with other content areas.

Technology lends itself to curriculum integration and team teaching. Technology can enhance

learning for all students, and for some it is essential for access to learning.

The technology content standards are organized by grade spans: primary, intermediate, middle,

and high. The technology program of studies at the primary level includes beginning

competencies related to technology literacy. Students are involved in the use of technology for

communicating and collaborating with others and in developing ideas and opinions. Students

interact with developmentally appropriate applications (e.g., interactive books, graphic

organizers, reading and writing assistants, mathematical and scientific tools). Through this

experience, students gain a positive view of technology as tools for learning.

The technology content standards at the primary grade span are directly aligned with

Ideas that are important to the discipline of technology. The three Big Ideas in technology are:

organizers for technology. Each grade level span ensures students have multiple opportunities

throughout their school careers to develop skills and concepts linked to the Big Ideas.

overarching generalizations linked to the Big Ideas of Technology. The understandings

represent the desired results--what learning will focus upon and what knowledge students will

and lesson plans.

each grade level span. The skills and concepts for technology are fundamental to technology

literacy, safe use and inquiry.