Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS

Children learn how technology can enhance our lives. Through exposure to computers, voice/sound recorders, televisions, digital cameras, iPODS, etc. students gain skills that enable them to become independent users of age-appropriate technology. The same is true for Pre-K students, and the state of Texas has developed technology standards for those students.

X.A.1.

The child uses software that promotes the development of concepts. To do this, the child will follow oral or visual cues and interact with multimedia devices. The teacher will provide time for students to use the technology and model its usage.

X.A.2.

The child successfully uses a variety of computer input devices. To accomplish this, the child will manipulate the mouse and successfully use terminology as he uses the computer. The teacher will instruct and provide time for the student to master both.

X.A.3.

The child operates recorders and touch screens. To acquire this skill, the teacher will model and discuss both items and provide a CD or tape recorder for students to use during independent play.

X.A.4.

The child uses software applications to express ideas. After the teacher models and discusses the use of the software, the student creates writings and drawings using a variety of software packages with audio, video, and graphics.

X.A.5.

The child recognizes that information is accessible through the use of technology. The teacher models when and how to obtain the information and the student is allowed to practice the skill.

The Pre-K TEKS lay the foundation for student performance in future grades by teaching the students the very basic skills needed to successfully use technology.

Technology Applications for PK-12 is an example of a spiraling curriculum. A spiraling curriculum takes a concept and revisits it at every grade level; however, each grade level explores the concept deeper with an increasing degree of difficulty. An example of the scaffolding curriculum is shown in the TEKS that cover computer input devices. In Pre-K a child uses and names a variety of computer input devices such as mouse, keyboard, voice/sound recorder, touch screen, and CD-ROM. By the time the student reaches high school, he will have revisited that TEKS numerous times. In The high school Computer Science I course, the student is expected to compare, contrast, and appropriately use the various input, processing, output, and primary/secondary storage devices. The student has progressed from identifying a few devices to full utilization of those devices and more.