While each technology program for k-5 students is unique, there are key areas that the curriculum covers. The goal of the technology curriculum for K-5 students is to improve their digital literacy skills and enable them to confidently perform common tasks using technology while being able to apply those skills to new tasks and technologies as needed.  First year students will incorporate computer technology into a variety of curriculum.

5 Key Content Areas for the K-5 Technology Curriculum

1. Computer Fundamentals: Scaffolded through K-5

One of the first content areas in the technology curriculum is computer fundamentals. This includes mastering the different components of a computer, their functions, and how they work together. Students should also be able to identify the best hardware or software for a task and be able to use it appropriately. Not only will this help students to use a computer effectively, but these skills will also translate to other types of devices.

2. Keyboarding/Typing: Scaffolded through K-5

Another important skill for students to learn is keyboarding. Keyboarding (or typing) means mastering the use of a keyboard to type quickly, effectively, confidently and accurately. Typing has become a necessary skill in education as well as in most careers. Students utilize typing skills in assignments – and, critically, in online tests – from elementary school through college, and many will require this skill in the workforce as adults.

3. Internet Usage & Communication: Scaffolded through 3-5 

(Introduced late 2nd grade - Animal project, a stepping stone to what skills will emerge in  3-5)

The internet is used to communicate information of all types. A component of the technology curriculum for students includes learning to use the internet for sending (NA) or receiving information safely and effectively. For instance, students should learn how to perform search queries, how to validate sources, and how to use different online tools to communicate with others (NA w/o adult supervision).

**A strong component of this subject includes digital citizenship and online safety and security. Students should learn how to protect personal information and communicate without putting themselves–or others–at risk.

4. Online Safety & Digital Citizenship: Scaffolded through K-5 

Learning safety and security while using technology is a crucial component of the technology curriculum for students. While so much communication has moved online, students are at risk not only for having personal information stolen or experiencing viruses or other digital attacks, but also for cyberbullying, inappropriate material or interactions, and more.

I have a robust (meaning- longer time is spent on these topics) digital citizenship and online safety instruction that allows them to learn about the different threats they may face online and how to avoid or mitigate them. It should also teach them to be good digital citizens by understanding how to avoid plagiarism, respond to cyberbullying, and conduct themselves safely and maturely.

5. Word Processing, Presentation Tools, Spreadsheets & Databases- Scaffolded through K-5 

While there are limitless types of software a student may use over their lifetime, there are a few basic tools that they will most likely be required to use at some point during their school or academic career. These include word processing software, spreadsheets, presentation tools and basic databases. When students are able to master using these tools, it helps to provide foundational skills that can be applied to a wide range of other software and applications, as well as prepare students for numerous academic pathways.