What age is appropriate?

When asked the question, "At what age can online/digital literacy activities be integrated into the classroom?" My immediate reaction is no age is too soon. I am a waitress on the weekends and I can testify that at least 90% of the children that come into the restaurant with their families have some sort of electronic device in their hands beginning when they are old enough to hold the device themselves. When the child is too young to hold the device, the parent is often seen holding it in front of them with some sort of application playing for their viewing pleasure. Therefore, I believe that our new generation of students will be coming to us with much more prior knowledge and experience in the coming years. We must be prepared for this and begin to integrate online and digital literacy activities into our classrooms as soon as possible. Evidence for this can be seen through the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology, CTEDTECH. The State Department of Education has established computer technology competency standards for students beginning at Pre-Kindergarten. Specifically, standard 4 - Technology Communications Tools states that students Pre-K - grade 4 should, "Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas and stories; Gather information and communicate with others using telecommunications, with support from teachers, family members or student partners.


Standards have also been established by NETS, as mentioned in previous blogs.

NETS (National Education Technology Standards)

Below is a summary of what is expected of both students and teachers to demonstrate through technology, according to NETS


NETS For Students:

• Demonstrate creative thinking using technology
• Work collaboratively with others using digital media
• Use digital tools for research
• Use digital tools to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Use technology and digital media safely, ethically, and responsibly
• Demonstrate and understanding of systems and choose applications appropriately

NETS For Teachers:

• Facilitate students' demonstrating critical thinking using technology
• Design experiences and assessments for students to develop the above mentioned NETS for students skills
• Collaborate and model fluency and digital skills
• Promote etiquette, responsible behavior, and global awareness
• Remain a life-long learner, as technology continuously changes

In my kindergarten classroom, I am excited to begin applying these NETS standards. My students currently use Starfall.com and a software program our district subscribes to, Lexia. Therefore, my students have become familiar with the basic skills needed to navigate a computer (ex: opening a program, clicking on icons, closing programs, moving the mouse.) I have done a little research about digital storytelling and I am extremely excited to begin. I know that through this media, I will be able to bring my students to the next level of critical thinking, beyond their one-sentence stories. I will keep you updated as to our progress as we begin!