Technology has had a major impact on almost every aspect of life today. Entertainment, agriculture, manufacturing, medicine are just some of the areas that have changed because of technology. Education has changed as well. The variety of digital tools, the accessibility to information, and the ability for global communication have redefined what a 21st century classroom looks like. Today, technology is not a footnote in the standards but something that is well embedded throughout the curriculum.
The use of technology in Language Arts is referenced numerous times throughout the standards and specifically addressed in the ELA introduction. In Reading, Writing, and Speaking and Listening, we find students are developing the necessary skills to use technology both capably and strategically as they progress through the grades.
Technology in Mathematics is viewed as a problem solving tool for students. Along with more traditional tools (ruler, protractor, calculator, etc.), digital tools like spreadsheet software, online tools, and websites should also be used appropriately in the math classroom. Students should be utilized strategically to assist in concept development and in finding solutions.