New Technology Standards for Teachers

The International Society for Technology in Edcuation (ISTE) issued new technology standards  today at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC). The technology standards have not undergone a revision since 2000.  The updated National Educational Technology Standards, NETS,  are directed to improve teaching and learning, expanding on the already established standards of 2000, which focused on what teachers should understand and do with technology.

Don Knezek, ISTE’s CEO, clarifies “the new standards are aimed at promoting students’ abilities to learn effectively and live productively in an increasingly digital world. Teachers and students must be prepared for the challenges of a new digital world.”

ISTE’s standards now assume that every teacher understands the importance of technology and its ability to transform education, and moves forward to address what students should be learning.

The National Educational Technology Standards 2008 are outlined below and broken down in much greater detail on ISTE’s website:

1.    Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:

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

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. 

3.    Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. 

4.    Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices. 

5.   Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.