Performance Indicators for Technology-Literate Students:

• Students use input devices (mouse, keyboard, and remote control) and output devices (monitor and printer) to successfully operate computers, VCR's, audio tapes, and other technologies.  (National Educational Technology Standards #1)
• Students use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.  (NETS #1, #3)
• Students communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology.  (NETS #1)
• Students use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources to support learning.  (NETS #1)
• Students work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when using technology in the classroom.  (NETS #2)
• Students demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology.  (NETS #2)
• Students practice responsible use of technology systems and software.  (NETS #2)
• Students use technology resources for problem solving, communications, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.  (NETS #3, #4, #5, #6)

• As children are gathered around the computer for whole group instruction tell them about recent conversations that you have overheard.  "Over the past few days, I have heard you talking about where you live.  I want to talk about this a little more today."
• "Does anyone know the name of the city they live in?"  Give children a chance to reply and discuss the question.  Have their emergency cards handy so addresses can be looked up for those who do not know the name of their city.
• "Does everyone at this school come from the same city?"
• Ask them if they know which city their school is in.  "Our school is in Dearborn."
• "Has anyone ever heard of a map?  What do maps tell us or help us do?"  Discuss responses.
• "Have you ever seen Dearborn or Northville on the map of Michigan?  Were they close together or far away from each other?"
• "I don't have a paper map here, but there is something else we could use to see maps.  Does anyone know what that could be?"
• "We can use the computer to help us. Has anyone ever heard of the Internet?  Who has used it before?  What did you do on the Internet?"  Discuss responses.  Tell children that the Internet is another way for them to find information.
• Show them the icon for Netscape.  Double click on it and show them how to get online.
• "We are going to use a search engine called Yahoo! to help us. Yahoo helps you find information or answers to your questions.  We are going to use Yahoo to look at maps."
• Demonstrate how to type in city names or addresses.  Look at and discuss the maps that appear on the screen.
• Go into the Driving Directions section and type in the school address along with the home address.  Children can compare distances traveled to school.  "Who lives closer to school?  You live 12 miles away, and you live 30 miles away?"
• This is a good lesson for assessing who knows their address and/or phone number.  Plan other activities to support those children who are having difficulty.