Week 1 Assignment, Part 4: Technology Applications TEKS Summary

Using the Pre-K TEKS children learn how technology can enhance their lives. Technology at this level means any technological item that would be in a classroom such as computers, voice/sound recorders, televisions, etc. Teaching students these wide varieties of technological devices, we can be sure that children will benefit from being able to become familiar with these devices and take that knowledge with them as we begin to establish real world connections. The five focuses that are concentrated on for end of year outcomes are 1) child opens and navigates through software programs designed to enhance development of appropriate concepts, 2) child uses and names a variety of computer input devices, such as mouse, keyboard, voice/sound recorder, touch screen, CD‐ROM, 3) child operates voice/sound recorders and touch screens, 4) child uses software applications to create and express own ideas, and 5) child recognizes that information is accessible through the use of technology.

Using these five main focuses students are introduced to a plethora of foundation skills that will be used to scaffold their future learning as they enter upper grade levels. To name a few skills acquired at the Pre-K level that will be part of the spiraling curriculum, students will follow basic oral or visual cues for operating programs successfully, moves and double‐clicks the mouse to interact with software programs, use terminology to describe work on computer, insert and plays CD to listen to songs, and use a variety of software packages with audio, video, and graphics in order to enhance learning experience. Technology is a must in this day and age and we must teach our children the skills necessary to keep up with the times or we are doing them a great disservice. The TEKS have done a great job of helping us establish basic skills for our little ones and the building of knowledge for our big ones. As we become more advanced so will the basic skills needed to teach the future leaders of the world. We just need to continue on the path that we are on in order to let our children master the skills necessary in order to have vast opportunities in the future.

Revised Texas PreKindergarten Guidelines. (2008, May 21). Retrieved November 24, 2009, from Texas Education Agency: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ed_init/pkguidelines/PKG_Final_100808.pdf