ISTE - NETS

Thanks in part to the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), students have a chance to focus on 21st century skills in their learning. With these standards as a guide, students have clear expectations of the skills needed when using technology. This can help guide their learning and construct clear objectives for their skill sets.

According to ISTE, “students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others” (ISTE, 2007). More closely, students have the ability to work with peers inside their classroom and across the digital landscape to collectively learn from one another. They may use web based 2.0 tools or apps to connect with experts in their field. Using a variety of resources students should be able to effectively share their learning with an authentic audience of real world people. This not only motivates students to be creative, but excited about their learning. They have a new appreciation for what they are developing and want to share. As we shrink the distances between various cultures due to the accessibility of technology, we must be empathetic of others beliefs. Through the use Project Based Learning and similar models of learning, individuals are challenged to solve real-life issues with teams in their classroom. With these skills, students are learning skills necessary to be successful adults who pursue college or a career.   

While viewing the NETS for students profile at a primary level, you see examples of how communication and collaboration come to life. Ideas include: “ Illustrate and communicate original ideas and stories using digital tools and media rich resources” (ISTE, 2007). Digital storytelling has become a go-to when exemplifying communication through media rich resources. Some tools that have been a great resource include: iMovie, Toontastic, and Comic Book. According to NETS for Students profile, “Engage in learning activities with learners from multiple cultures through email and other electronic means” (ISTE, 2007). Through the use of technology students can easily communicate with peers or adults from all over the world using tools like Wander. Through technology and digital resources, students might, “In a collaborative work group, use a variety of technologies to produce a digital presentation or product in a curriculum area” (ISTE, 2007). Using Keynote, Glogster, or Prezi students can easily collaborate with peers and present findings from research conducted as a team.  

With the infusion of mobile technology into many 21st century classrooms, students have the ability to collaborate and communicate with a diverse set of digital tools. While looking at the SAMR model, you can see by redefining technology into the classroom, students increase the opportunities for communication and collaboration through the use of web 2.0 applications. Some tools that support these skills include: Voicethread, iMovie, Nearpod, and Toontastic (Carrington, 2013). If you are not using them currently, I recommend you check them out!

Carrington, A. (Designer). (2013, May 28). The Padagogy Wheel V2.0 [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.unity.net.au/padwheel/padwheelposter.pdf

ISTE. (2007). Nets for students 2007. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007

ISTE. (2007). Nets for students 2007 profiles. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-for-students-2007-profiles