Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS

The prekindergarten TEKS allow students to gain comfort with both hardware and age-appropriate software applications. Through regular access and exposure these children begin to expand their ability to acquire information, build problem solving skills, and enhance communication skills. Specifically, prekindergarten students will learn to start, use and exit software applications; use a variety of input devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, touch screen, or voice recorder; begin developing proper use of technical terminology; follow basic oral or pictorial instructions for computer operations; access electronic storybooks and information texts; and utilize age-appropriate software packages containing audio, video and graphics. The foundational exposure and experiences received in prekindergarten affords K-2 teachers the ability to integrate technology as an effective learning tool at the onset of the school year.

The Technology Application TEKS for the elementary and middle grades are divided into clusters. Within these clusters, K-2, 3-5 and 6-8, student are afforded the opportunity to build upon their basic skill set to achieve mastery by the eighth grade. In looking at the technology TEKS, there is a definite spiraling of objectives. Considering just the Foundations TEK of demonstrating knowledge and appropriate use of hardware components, software programs, and their connections, children in K-2 develop and use basic computer as well as network terminology, demonstrate file and program manipulations and remotely access networked peripherals. This same TEKS as evidenced in the grade 3-5 cluster incorporates expanding the understanding of digital processing and resolving software compatibility issues. The cluster for grades 6-8 expands the TEK by developing students’ ability to compare and contrast between input, output and storage devices; the ability to appropriate select software applications based upon their efficiency and effectives as it relates to a task; compare and contrast the difference between analog and digital technology; expands their use of network terminology; and defines the similarities and differences between LAN, WAN, Internet and Intranet.

Source: http://www.tcet.unt.edu/START/teks/res.htm