Technology advances more and more each day, as we teach and educate students we have to make sure that we are finding ways to meet ISTE Standards. We need to make sure that we are finding ways to bring the ISTE Standards into our classrooms. “The ISTE Student Standards aim to empower student voice and ensure that learning is a student-driven process. Regardless of your role in education, student-driven experiences are essential for authentic learning. The ISTE Student Standards act as a road map to elevate student learning and assessment” (Thompson, 2021).
At Southeast Polk we are committed to engaging all students in learning a challenging curriculum which includes learning and implementing technology. In the last several years we have added PLTW courses to our curriculum. Next year all 6th grade students will take Design and Modeling, all 7th grade students will take Automation and Robotics, and then all 8th grade students will take Medical Detectives. These PLTW courses are specifically aligned to hit several of the ISTE Student Standards. An example of a PLTW task that students will complete in Automation and Robotics is building and programming a car to drive 20 feet as fast as possible, stop, and back up as close as possible to a line. This task hits on ISTE 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.7.
Standard 1.3 Knowledge Constructor: Students engage in real-world tasks and challenges that require a group collaboration to solve. The car build is just one example of this.
Standard 1.4 Innovative Designer: Test and retest multiple attempts at trying to get the best outcome. Students use problem solving skills to test theories on the best type of car to build and on timing and speed in the computer program.
Standard 1.5 Computational Thinker: The car build requires students to break the problem down into components, the programming, the gear ratio, and the design of the car. Students have to be able to work with each component and develop descriptive models to meet each part.
Standard 1.7 Global Collaborator: All the PLTW courses are big on students working collaboratively as a team on projects. This is just another example as each task requires students to assume roles and responsibilities within the team to work toward a common goal.
The PLTW courses are great opportunities for students to engage in the ISTE Student Standards. I would encourage other schools to also consider looking into how they can offer these courses at their buildings. A big key for us at SEP is that all students get the chance to experience these courses in 6th-8th grade. This gives students the chance to experience PLTW courses and ISTE, and then as they go into high school they can elect to explore other PLTW courses.
As far as the remaining standards, 1.1 and 1.6 are standards that are evident in most classes. As SEP has transitioned to standards referenced grading, having students show their understanding in multiple ways has been a key part of that transition. This idea fits into these standards.
Standard 1.1 Empowered Learner: Is about allowing and helping students choose tools and technology that will help them achieve their goals. At the Junior High we have students set personal learning goals, track their progress, and reflect on their learning goals at the end of each quarter.
Standard 1.6 Creative Communicator: Students are always working in their classes on creating original works with digital resources such as visualizations, models, or simulations.
Finally, Standard 1.2 Digital Citizen is the last standard to mention. At the Junior High we feel this is important enough to set time aside to ensure all students are learning about Digital Citizenship. During our Flex Time (similar to a home room) students engage in lessons that focus on positive, safe, legal, & ethical behavior when using technology. We have created lessons that all teachers share with their flex class during the first couple weeks of the school year, and then also later in the year review. We also spend several lessons around social media and online interactions, and what it means to be a digital citizen when using social media.
These are some of the ways that Southeast Polk Junior High has worked to implement ISTE Student Standards. It is something that we will continue to focus on and I can envision it as something we implement more and more as technology continues to grow and expand. Hopefully these ideas will provide you some ideas on how to engage students with ISTE Standards.
Reference
Thompson, V. (2021, July 27). Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences Using the ISTE
Standards. ISTE Blog.
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