Developing+Technology+Literacy+-+TSIP,+Computer+Technology+SOL,+NETS

The development and continuing improvement of teacher technology literacy skills is necessary for technology to be a useful tool in the instructional process. In January 1998, the Board of Education approved the Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIP). The regulations (http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Compliance/TeacherED/tech.html) help ensure that instructional personnel in Virginia master and demonstrate competency in technology consistent with the computer/technology SOL for students. One of the goals of Title II Part D of the //No Child Left Behind Act// (Enhancing Education Through Technology) is that every student be computer literate by the end of the eighth grade. Each Virginia school division is responsible for developing an assessment instrument to determine student computer literacy. Standards have been developed at the state and national levels to assist in this effort. The computer/technology SOL identify and define the progressive development of essential knowledge and skills necessary for students to access, evaluate, use, and create information using technology. Computer/technology proficiency is not an end in itself but lays the foundation for continuous learning and computer literacy. The focus is on learning //using// technology rather than learning //about// technology. The standards are available in a PDF and Microsoft Word file format located at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Superintendent/Sols/home.shtml. The National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) were developed by the International Society for Technology in Education for three levels of technology users. The NETS-A identifies knowledge and skills that every administrator needs to know about and be able to do with technology. The NETS-T covers standards related to what teachers should know about and be able to do with technology. The NETS-S provides standards as guidelines for planning technology-based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication, and life skills.