Summary Technology Applications TEKS

The Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS prepares students for future grades by introducing them to software programs as well as hardware that will be critical to their educational success in the information world. They are taught to use devices such as keyboards, mouse and other sound devices. They are also taught to apply what they’ve learn by “creating writings and drawings using software…to enhance learning experiences.”[1] Finally, the student learns that technology will aid them in their search for new information that may not be accessible through other formats.
The Pre-K Technology TEKS lays the foundation for the success in future grades by introducing students to the basic use of the hardware and software as well as uses of technology overall. It also provides them with the basic knowledge of “when and how to obtain information from websites.”[2]
The Technology Applications TEKS provides various opportunities for students to master the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent in the information world. The scaffolding that occurs in the curriculum begins with Pre-K by introducing students to the basic use of the hardware components of the computer and the uses of the software. In the Kindergarten – Grade 2 technology TEKS students are again given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in using the computer hardware and software. During these grades the skills students have to master are more specific. Students are also given opportunities to utilize software and search engines for their educational needs. In the Grades 3-5 students are again demonstrating their knowledge and “appropriate use of hardware components, software programs, and their connections.”[3] Their learning is continuously being scaffold by the various opportunities to master the uses of software and hardware components throughout the different grade levels. In the Grades 6-8 students are once again provided the opportunity to improve on skills previously introduced. Students must demonstrate “proficiency in the use of input devices such as mouse/track, and keyboarding”[4] which are skills previously learned. The scaffolding occurs throughout the Technology Applications curriculum provides students opportunities to become proficient in the uses of technology hardware as well as software.

[1] TEA Revised Texas PreKindergarten Guidelines. Retrieved from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ed_init/pkguidelines/PKG_Final_100808.pdf on November 24, 2009.
[2] TEA Revised Texas PreKindergarten Guidelines. Retrieved from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ed_init/pkguidelines/PKG_Final_100808.pdf on November 24, 2009.
[3] Chapter 126. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications. Retrieved from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/ch126.html on November 24, 2009.
[4] Chapter 126. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications. Retrieved from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/ch126.html on November 24, 2009.