National Education Technology Standards

I am embarrassed to admit that I have never read the 2007 National Education Technology Standards. I read the older version of the standards when I was in graduate school, but I have not honestly thought about them since. I am lucky enough to teach at a school with a computer teacher who ensures that my students meet these standards. However, I acknowledge that, as a professional, should be aware of all of the standards that my students are required to meet.

After reading the NETS, I was struck by how many of the concepts presented in Daniel Pink's book entitled A Whole New Mind are present in the standards. I previously assumed the technology standards were very left-brain oriented and focused on developing only analytical, technically proficient minds. However, words such as "creativity," "innovation," "communication," and "collaboration" are certainly not words that I expected to find in national technology standards. The NETS reflect the changing world discussed by Pink. They reflect the need for creative, "R-directed" thinkers who will allow the United States to move beyond fulfilling utilitarian needs with technology to a more artistic endeavors.

I was also surprised, but pleased, to see the portion of the standards that require students to make connections between their learning and the world around them. One of the standards requires that students examine the impact of technology on culture. Helping students develop a strong sense of cause-and-effect and cultural awareness is an important part of our job as teachers.