Standards for Technology in the Classroom

Technology standards inside the classroom are developed by ITSE. ITSE stands for the International Society for Technology in Education.  This group is made up of global leaders and teachers and their main goal is to improve teaching and learning by using technology correctly.  They also helped developed the 21st Century Skills with the collaboration with 21st Century Education System Task Force.  In order to gain the 21st Century Skills needed, ITSE created their National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S). This helps teachers to define and incorporate 21st skills into the classroom. ITSE breaks NETS-S down into these six categories:

1.  Creativity and Innovation

2.  Communication and Collaboration

3.  Research and Information Fluency

4.  Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

5.  Digital Citizenship

6.  Technology Operations and Concepts

In order for teachers to develop these in their students, ITSE developed their National Educational Technology Standards (NETS-T). The NETS-T contains five steps needed to to help develop NETS-S.

1.  Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

2.  Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

3.  Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

4.  Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

5.  Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

It is important that all teachers and educators take these and develop 21st Century Skills in their students by using technology as a tool and not a crutch.