| No matter how much my grandma wants to | | | | The National Educational Technology Standards for |
| resist it, technology is becoming an essential part | | | | Students |
| of our daily lives. We can't watch television | | | | Demonstrate creative thinking, construct |
| without a digital converter, a satellite, or some | | | | knowledge, develop innovative products using |
| other device. Analog cell phones are a thing of the | | | | technology. |
| past. Many university students cannot complete | | | | Use digital media and environments to |
| their studies without a laptop. Even many public | | | | communicate and work collaboratively, including at |
| middle and high schools are requiring a flash drive | | | | a distance. Apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, |
| as part of their school supply list. When I took my | | | | and use information. Use critical thinking skills to |
| son to the doctor last week, I didn't even speak | | | | plan and conduct research, manage projects, |
| to a receptionist. I checked him in for his | | | | solve problems, and make informed decisions |
| appointment at one of many touch screen | | | | using appropriate digital tools. Understand human, |
| stations that are set up near the entrance. | | | | cultural, and societal issues related to technology |
| Technology is taking over our lives and it's in a | | | | and practice legal and ethical behavior. |
| hurry to do it. | | | | Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology |
| While homeschooling families are only obligated to | | | | concepts, systems, and operations. |
| follow their state guidelines for homeschooling, | | | | Even if you are like my grandma and want to |
| because of the surge in technology, it can't hurt | | | | keep things as simple as possible, remember that |
| to be aware of the national guidelines for | | | | things are changing. Our children are growing up in |
| technology. NETS, or National Educational | | | | a digital environment and we need to be |
| Technology Standards is a list of standards | | | | responsible for making sure they're equipped to |
| compiled by members of the ISTE (International | | | | survive and be successful in it. Incorporate |
| Society for Technology in Education). They have | | | | technology into your lesson planning. Teach your |
| broken down the standards into several groups, | | | | child to use PowerPoint, online games, web |
| one of which is NETS for Students. You will find | | | | quests, virtual science labs, digital cameras, GPS |
| some highlights* of those standards below. | | | | devices...the list is endless. |