NETS: Explained

In response to the exciting instructional technology trends within District 219 and in the larger educational community, we’ve taken a look at the NETS Standards for Educators in effort to enhance, fortify and broaden our own classroom instruction. As English teachers, we are continuously on the lookout for innovative ways to engage students with literature, writing and the language arts. So in effort to better understand some of the different dimensions of technology integration, we interpreted the NETS Standards into manageable, teacher-friendly language below. In doing so, we realized how, broadly interpreted, these pillars can be applied to virtually any curriculum.
1. Creativity & Innovation
This a place where students can take existing knowledge and demonstrate it in new and creative ways.  Students can use video, audio, games--anything really to convey their learning in a way that is unique and reflects them.
2. Communication and Collaboration
Students can use various methods and tools to work together when they’re outside of the classroom.  Not only does this promote digital literacy, but it also provides you with increased contact time, as students can do their research and collaboration outside of class. 
3. Research and Information Fluency
Students now have the ability to carry a library around with them in their backpacks.  Students can research, analyze, and synthesize on their own terms using tools that work for them. 
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the WEB 2.0 paradigm, students routinely develop innovative solutions to problems inside and outside of the classroom, decipher between and among tools and make informed decisions as to how to approach an assignment, project or task.
5. Digital Citizenship
With the influx and pervasive ubiquity of digital expression, cyber-dialogues and virtual networking, both social and professional, students are exposed to digital best practices and can articulate, in their own words, the fundamentals of the Appropriate Use Policy with regard to cyber-bullying, preservation of intellectual property and online etiquette.
6. Technology Operation and Concepts
Students recognize their mobile computing device(s) as another tool in their toolbox to build a 21st century skill set. Moreover, students comprehend and put into practice the quintessential underpinning of WEB 2.0 culture and workflow - accessing, drawing from and contributing to the “cloud” anytime and from anywhere.

Posted by, Ivan Silverberg and Dan Quinlan