Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS

The Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS help introduce children to technology. Children learn how technology can enhance our lives. Children learn how technology can enhance our lives. Children are able to become aware of technologies available and how to interact with certain types of technology. Pre-K students will be able to open and navigate through software programs. They will also use a variety of computer input devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, and voice/sound recorders and touch screens as well as use software application to create and express ideas.

The Pre-K TEKS help lay the foundation for student performance in future grades in a variety of ways. The child learns to follow basic oral and visual cues and listen and interact with information texts in electronic forms. They go on to learn how to operate the mouse to interact with software programs as well as become familiar with the terminology associated with computer use. The students learn to use a variety of software programs and create writings and drawings using software. Teachers help by providing time and technology. Teachers also help set the tone for the technology view of students by how they model use of technology and software. They provide instruction and practice time to master various technology applications. Practice time for mastery is critical for laying a successful foundation.

The main concept behind spiraling curriculum is that children are not always ready to learn now, at the time we teach it. The child has to be ready to learn the concept before being able to grasp a concept. This readiness will vary along the time continuum. A spiral curriculum tries to expose students to a wide variety of ideas over and over again. Some students will grasp the concept of infinitives by second grade while others may understand the ideas of algebra and geometry by the third grade. By moving a circular pattern from topic to topic within a field, the spiral curriculum allows educator to catch students when they first become ready to learn something, the ones not ready to learn yet they will catch later. As the curriculum spiral around it will become more advanced. The idea is that it is okay for student not to pick up a concept the first time it is introduced because they will see it again later.

Technology TEKS follow the spiraling concept. One particular set of TEKS that is influenced by this style is under problem solving where students use appropriate computer based productivity tools to create and modify solutions to problems. The first TEK has the students plan, create, and edit documents created with a word processor. They are to use readable fonts, alignment, page setup, tables and ruler settings. The following TEK requires students to create and edit spreadsheet documents using all data types, formulas and functions, and chart information. The next TEK in the series has students plan, create, and edit databases by defining field, entering data and designing layouts for reporting. Students must also differentiate between and demonstrate the appropriate use of a variety of tools found in draw and paint applications. All the TEKS in this series provide student multiple opportunities to learn the new skill being presented.