Virginia Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel
(from the Commonwealth of Virginia House Bill 1848)

"To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Ultimately, information-literate people are those who have learned how to learn. They know how to learn because they know how knowledge is organized, how to find information, and how to use information in such a way that others can learn from them. They are people prepared for lifelong learning, because the can always find the information needed for any task or decision."

- American Library Association

The following are the technology standards for instructional personnel:

1. Demonstrate effective use of a computer system and utilize computer software. [Sample enablers: use a variety of computer system input/output devices and peripherals; store, organize, and retrieve software programs and data files on a variety of storage devices; use different types of software programs including instructional, productivity, application tools, and courseware; troubleshoot general hardware and software problems.]

It is expected that by the year 2000, all classrooms in Virginia schools will have computers for teacher and student use. In the "information age," the need to operate a computer and utilize basic software should be as much a part of the daily routine for instructional personnel as it is for most of the business world.

2. Apply knowledge of terms associated with educational computing and technology. [Sample enablers: apply functional knowledge of basic computer components, e.g., operating, application, and utility software; permanent and removable storage (main memory, hard drive, and optical or magnetic disc); monitor; scanner and digital camera; matrix, inkjet, and laser printers; apply functional knowledge of various technology tools, e.g., video records and players, optical disc players, computer presentation devices, multimedia computer work station.]

Educators need a common vocabulary and a functional understanding of educational technologies.

3. Apply computer productivity tools for professional use. [Sample enablers: use software tools to assist with classroom administrative tasks; use software tools to design, customize, or individualize instructional materials; use software to enhance communication with students, parents, and community; use telecommunications software to collaborate and find resource materials.]

The use of basic productivity software to aid with student records, correspondence, management, and instructional materials development can be effective and time efficient. Educators should be able to model how technology can be used to enhance learning and job performance.

4. Use electronic technologies to access and exchange information. [Sample enablers: use local and worldwide telecommunications; use search strategies to retrieve electronic information.]

An understanding of how to search for, organize, and present information using modem media is becoming a common workplace and learning skill. State and national technology initiatives are moving toward local area networks for all schools. These networks are connected to state, national, and international networks. Educators must know how to access networks and to exchange and/or retrieve information for both teaching and professional development.

5. Identify, locate, evaluate, and use appropriate instructional technology-based resources (hardware and software) to support Virginia's Standards of Learning and other instructional objectives. [Sample enablers: understand types, characteristics, sources, and use of effective instructional software and other technology-based learning resources; use tools of technology including, but not limited to, computers, modems, networks, printers, large group presentation devices, scanners, digital cameras, camcorders, video cassette recorders, optical disc players, etc.]

Educators need to utilize effectively all available resources, both traditional and technology-based, and be able to use these resources to assist students in achieving the Standards of Learning.

6. Use educational technologies for data collection, information management, problem solving, decision making, communications, and presentation within the curriculum. [Sample enablers: incorporate, word processing, spreadsheet, or database software in instruction; incorporate telecommunications as a component of instruction; and use a presentation and/or authoring program to present a lesson or develop instructional materials.]

Many modern jobs require the skills that are mentioned in this standard. Students will need learning experiences that help them become life-long learners with the ability to function in these areas, regardless of their eventual work or educational environment. Therefore, teachers must develop and model skills in the use of technology in order to offer students appropriate learning experiences.

7. Plan and implement lessons and strategies that integrate technology to meet the diverse needs of learners in a variety of educational settings. [Sample enablers: utilize technology to facilitate assessment and student-centered instruction as determined by the discipline and/or grade level taught; use multimedia, hypermedia, and telecommunications software to support individual and/or small group instruction; as teaching assignments dictate, utilize and/or understand resources available concerning adaptive technology; use technology effectively in various educational settings, e.g., one computer in a classroom, class-size computer lab, computers in classroom clusters or mini labs, multimedia computer work stations, integrated learning systems (ELS); effectively utilize an automated library media center.]

Educators strive to be responsive to the individual needs and learning styles of a diverse group of students. Technology-based resources can be used to meet these diverse needs in a variety of classroom and laboratory settings.

8. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal issues relating to the use of technology. [Sample enablers: abide by copyright laws, practice responsible uses of technology.]

Educators using instructional technology serve as models for students. They must have a basic understanding of the complex issues regarding the legal and ethical uses of technology.

National Teacher Standards                              National Student Standards                                                                                  

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