Technology Standards Handout: Summary, Outside Resources, and Curriculum Development

About the NJCCCS for Technology:

The NJCCCS recognizes that the field of technology is a multifaceted and that it is evolving at an amazing rate in terms of the advancements of current fields as well as in the creation of new technologies. With that in mind, the core content standards for this field aim to have the learner possess a basic understanding of technology concepts and be comfortable with the application of technology so that they may be capable of functioning in today’s complex society. Furthermore, the NJCCCS for technology stride to make the students become informed and productive members of society for the future.

Some Resources for Further Development and Understanding of the Technology Standards:

1. Britton, E., De Long-Cotty, B. Levenson, T. (2005). Bringing technology education into k-8 classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
2. Butler-Pascoe, M, & Wilburg, K (2003). Technology and Teaching English Language Learners.Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
3. Cummins, J, Brown, K, & Sayers, D (2006). Literacy, Technology, & Diversity: Teaching for Success in Changing Times. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.\
4. Fitzgerald, M. (April 2007). Write Right!: Owner’s Manual Project Develops Communication Skills. Tech Directions. 66(9); 14-18.
5. Moye, Johnny J. Dec 2007-Jan 2008 Teaching Technology--It Couldn't Get Any Better! , v67 n4 p22-26.
6. Reeve, E.M. (Feb 2006). Implementing a New Middle School Course into Your Technology Education Program: Invention and Innovation. Technology Teacher, 65(5), 25-28.



Curriculum Development: How do the standards foster it?

Standard 8.1 (Technology Literacy) focuses on computer and information literacy, which is done through building upon the knowledge and application of some basic computing skills such as keyboarding and mastering usage of computer software programs found in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint etc.) The essential goal of Standard 8.1 is to ensure that students will be able to apply the knowledge of basic technology skills to effectively solve problems. Therefore, the curriculum continues to grow and expand as the students progress from grade level to grade level.

Standard 8.2 (Technology Education) looks to develop a student’s understanding of the nature and the impact that technology has on their surrounding world. In doing so, it is the goal of Standard 8.2 to continue to build upon the skills that are necessary to be able to function in the diverse world in which we live in today. As a result, students will gain a better understanding of how to effectively solve problems utilizing technology because they have grasped the concept of just how important of a role technology can have on multifaceted design systems ranging from fields of medicine, education, energy, and the environment.
As time evolves, the field of technology only improves and expands. Keeping that in mind, it is paramount that the state of New Jersey constantly revisits and revises the goals for its standards so that its teachers and students are better prepared for what lies ahead of them in the future.