ISTE Standards

The most widely referenced benchmarks for best practices for integration of technology in schools are the ISTE Standards (previously the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), published by the International Society for Technology in Education.

In 2001, a collaborative including the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National School Boards Association, the North Central Regional Education Laboratory, the International Society for Technology in Education, two state departments of education and two universities recognized and promoted the idea that there were technology-related skills, knowledge, and practices that were essential to good educational leadership.

This collaborative developed the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S). In 2009, these standards were further refined and developed. They are now referred to as the ISTE•S standards. The ISTE•S standards are complemented by a similar set of standards for teachers (ISTE•T), administrators (ISTE•A), instructional technology coaches (ISTE•C), and computer science educators (ISTE•CSE).

The ISTE standards have been adopted by 29 states. They are broadly accepted as the best current attempt at defining the technology-related skills, knowledge and practices that are important in the K-12 environment. BH-BL values these standards and encourages educators to consider them in writing and implementing new curriculum.

ISTE - NETS

Creativity and Innovation

Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.
Create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.
Identify trends and forecast possibilities.

Digital Citizenship

Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.
Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
Exhibit leadership for digital citizenship.

Technology Operations & Concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Understand and use technology systems.
Select and use applications effectively and productively.
Troubleshoot systems and applications.
Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

Communication and Collaboration

Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures.
Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.

Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

Students use critical-thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.

Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation.
Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.

Report abuse