2. The National framework helps set standards for education. This framework sets high level expectations for schools and creates a model to follow to promote ongoing school reform. A teacher must be aware of this framework.

3. Educators should use tools of the 21st century to enhance learning

4. Using digital tools helps students prepare for the real world. In class we talk about Apple versus Microsoft and how it is crucial to be able to navigate through both systems. While Apple caters to the student population, Microsoft caters to the business world, so students learning tools in the classroom need to know how to adapt to different systems. Students should be familiar with different programs and websites to use as resources for everyday learning. Students should be able to navigate through the internet and know the difference between good and bad resources and web pages.

5. Educators should use real world examples from the 21st century

6. Students learn when they can relate material to their everyday lives. Teachers should be aware of this. For example, teachers who are aware of social networking sites can use the sites to their advantage. Engaging students based on their interests can benefit student learning. By uploading assignments to the internet, a teacher engages the student in 21st century friendly ways.

7. There is an International Society for Technology in Education

8. There are different content and performance standards for technology based learning. There are some general guidelines for what students should know when it comes to technology. Now that the internet is universal, the benchmarks set up by the International Society really benefit the students by providing a framework for teachers to follow.

9. Students, administrators, and teachers should embrace new forms of technology in the schools

11. Tools enable students to perform tasks of better quality, more efficiently. Students can be more productive by organizing data using these applications. Word processing involves storing text and manipulating text within the document. Children develop writing skills more quickly when working with word processor applications.

12. There are many features in word processor applications that can be utilized as tools for the student

13. Text input, storage and retrieval, and formatting are characteristics of word processing applications. Word processing applications enable you to be more efficient when writing or typing on the computer. Students can store documents and retrieve these documents when they need them. Students can save documents to a file and access them from multiple computers. Word processing helps students with formatting. For example, if students want to create a letter, there are different types of letter formats instantly accessible to the student. This feature is great for saving information. Students can save a document to a word processor and copy/paste to another outlet. An “ebook” is a good example of how students can do this. There is a lot to learn, so teacher can make “how to” posters that show steps to help the student from becoming overwhelmed.

14. Portfolios are awesome tools for educators to use in the classroom

15. We use our wiki’s like a portfolio of work. Here the teacher can access our work on outside sources through links. This makes for easy grading, and helps students keep track of work. Student drafts can also be stored in an online portfolio. Here the teacher can keep track of student progress.

16. Using the web for writing makes for easy organization

17. Students can use charts and graphs for brainstorming and comparing ideas. There are many templates available as tools for students. The web is a valuable untapped resource! For example, a friend of mine just gave her notice when leaving her apartment. Prior to that, she asked me if she should give verbal notice, write a note, or type a note. I told her to type it, but to go online and find a proper format for giving notice and copy it. I wanted her to submit a formal letter to cover all her bases with her landlord. The web proved to be a valuable tool for her.

18. Spreadsheets knowledge is crucial for student success

19. Students can plug information into a spreadsheet and attach a formula. The spreadsheet adds the information for you. Spreadsheets work really well for payroll and comparisons in numbers. Also, spreadsheets work well for surveys, money management (as mentioned above), keeping records, and calculations.

20. Chapter 4 Chapter 5