Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS

The Technology Applications TEKS for Pre-Kindergarten students lay the foundation for future learning by providing regular exposure to the integration of technology in the classroom. They learn basic functions and are able to handle and control input devices. Students begin to work with age-appropriate software that often provides immediate feedback. Interaction with multi-media makes learning more exciting for these students. It is here when students begin to use technology jargon such as, mouse, keyboard, and printer. It is this initial exposure in Pre-K that begins the foundation of future learning for these students.

A spiraling or scaffolding curriculum for Technology builds on skills throughout a student's academic career. This type of curriculum is sequential and begins with Pre-K students. An example of this spiraling and scaffolding curriculum can be shown in the following Technology TEKS:

In the area of communication, K-2nd grade students are expected to "Start and exit programs as well as create,name and save files." This same TEKS for grades 3-5 Communication reads, students are expected to: "save and delete fies, use menu optons and commands, and work with more than one software application." In grades 6-8 students, the TEKS state that students are expected to "compare, contrast, and appropriately use the various input, processing ,output, and primary/secondary storage devices." Students in high school are directed to continue this objective.

At each step, skills are strengthened and and extended allowing students to build or "scaffold" their learning. Each year, skills are built on from Pre-K to eighth grade and even into high school until students have mastered the Technology TEKS.