Grade 8 Technology Applications Vermont Standards

Students analyze the capabilities and limitations of current and emerging technologies and assess the potential of these technologies to address their academic needs.

Students recognize common, similar features and functions in digital environments and independently apply those to new technology experiences.

Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

Students communicate and problem solve technology issues using accurate terminology. They begin to analyze and solve user-level hardware and software problems, taking advantage of "Help" functions, online, and peer supports.

Troubleshoot systems and applications.

Students independently select digital tools and applications, including online, to use for real-world tasks and justify the selection based on efficiency and effectiveness.

Select and use applications effectively and productively.

Students keep their systems and personal data safe and secure.

Students integrate a variety of file types to create a document or presentation.

Students recognize a variety of file types, and utilize appropriate applications to open, convert, optimize, transfer, and work with files.

Understand and use technology systems.

Technology Operations & Concepts - Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Students actively involve themselves in the exploration and application of new technologies, leading by example and assisting others in the community.

Exhibit leadership for digital citizenship.

Students develop strategies to continue their learning through the use of current and emerging technologies, including online communities and learning opportunities.

Students independently use technology to access information beyond the classroom.

Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.

Students demonstrate proper online etiquette and recognize social and cultural differences as they collaborate online with peers locally and globally.

Students select appropriate digital tools to accomplish academic tasks efficiently and productively.

Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

Students abide by copyright guidelines and demonstrate fair use in all work, citing sources in appropriate format.

Students exhibit proper etiquette in electronic communication.

Students identify the short- and long-term consequences of unsafe or inappropriate online behavior and how to protect themselves online.

Students practice responsible computing and protect systems from security risks.

Students independently adhere to school Responsible Use Policies and use resources accordingly.

Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

Digital Citizenship - Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

Students select appropriate digital tools and resources to explore problems by collecting information from local and global communities with diverse perspectives, summarizing the results, and identifying and comparing possible solutions that could satisfy different perspectives.

Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.

Students select appropriate digital tools and online resources to gather, organize, and analyze data to draw a conclusion, solve a problem, make an informed decision, and/or propose a solution to an authentic audience.

Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.

Students select appropriate digital tools, including online collaborative tools, to plan and manage individual and group learning projects.

Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.

Students select appropriate digital tools and resources, including online forums, social media, and information solicited from credible sources, to identify a local, state, national, or global issue, create a problem statement, and generate questions for investigation.

Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation

Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, & Decision-Making - Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.

Students select from a variety of digital tools appropriate to processing (organizing and synthesizing) the gathered information and present their findings.

Process data and report results.

Students independently use advanced search options and strategies, and evaluate the authenticity, relevance, and objectivity of the information sources appropriate to the specific task.

Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

Students use digital tools to independently locate, organize, evaluate, synthesize, and cite sources of their information.

Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.

Students plan and carry out an investigation, independently selecting the appropriate digital tool(s).

Plan strategies to guide inquiry.

Research & Information Fluency - Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

Using digital tools, students work collaboratively and online to develop group products or solve problems.

Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

Students communicate and collaborate digitally with people from other cultures (regional or global) in order to gain better awareness of differing lifestyles and societal norms.

Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures.

With assistance, students select and use appropriate media for different audiences and purposes.

Working independently, students consider audience and purpose when creating digital products and communicating online.

Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.

Students use grade appropriate digital tools to publish/share ideas and resources, collaborate, and provide feedback with peers, others, and experts/mentors using an online environment.

Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.

Communication & Collaboration - 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.

Students use digital tools or resources to conduct research, identify patterns, interpret data, and make and defend predictions.

Identify trends and forecast possibilities.

Students create, use, and manipulate digital simulations, models, or graphic representations to analyze complex ideas or concepts.

Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.

Students select from a variety of digital tools to create original works for contribution to a group product or collection.

Create original works as a means of personal or group expression.

Students use digital representations of existing knowledge to extend their understanding, using a variety of digital resources to create new ideas, products, or processes.

Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

Creativity and Innovation - Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.