Technology Standard I: Task Information

Technology Standard I:
Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application

Technology Standard In Technology Standard I, Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application, teacher candidates will access, evaluate, process and apply information efficiently and effectively.

Technology Indicators Instructors will examine the task product in terms of four proficiency indicators:

Identify, locate, retrieve and differentiate among a variety of electronic sources of information using technology.

Evaluate information critically and competently for a specific purpose.

Organize, categorize and store information for efficient retrieval.

Apply information accurately in order to solve a problem or answer a question.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed to Complete the Task The task for this technology standard will require the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge of appropriate style for documenting references

Skill in using a computer

Ability to search for information using the Internet and other electronic resources (e.g., reference CD, electronic database)

Ability to use a variety of appropriate search strategies

Ability to use standard application features: cut, copy, paste, save, retrieve, spell and grammar check

Ability to organize bookmarks, save files and create folders

Ability to import/export text and graphics within and between applications

Ability to use a variety of file types (e.g., text, sound, graphics, web)

Ability to adhere to copyright rules

Promise and Practice of Technology Watch the Promise of Technology video for Maryland Teacher Technology Standard I, as a preparation for this task.

Watch the Practice of Technology video for Maryland Teacher Technology Standard I to see the Standard implemented in classroom practice.

Assessment Task You will create an electronic research product for an intended audience using a variety of online resources related to a specific content question or problem. Follow the steps outlined below to complete this assessment task.

Familiarize yourself with the Scoring Tool for Evaluating Technology Standard I: Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application. Use this tool to guide you when completing this assessment task.

Select a problem or research question to be investigated.

Select the intended audience (e.g., college instructor, peers, K-12 students).

Develop plan for gathering information electronically.

Use key words to guide an Internet search and/or other electronic searches to collect information.

Evaluate information sources (e.g., web sites) to determine whether to use each. Your instructor may assign you to use the Web Site Evaluation Guide for Technology Standard I: Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application provided.

Maintain a log of sources investigated. A sample Search Log Form for Technology Standard I: Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application is provided.

Using the information collected, develop an electronic product (e.g., web page, PowerPoint presentation) presenting the research question, findings and conclusion. Cite all references appropriately.

Upon completion of these activities submit:

Completed electronic product

Search log

Evaluation The Scoring Tool for Evaluating Technology Standard I: Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application will be used to assess the product associated with this task.

Sample Products A sample product will be available as an example of student performance on this task at www.mttsonline.org/sampleproducts/.

Instructor Notes Provide students a copy of the scoring tool associated with this task to facilitate their understanding and assist in the development of a quality product. You are encouraged to establish an appropriate context and purpose for the teacher candidate.
The task asks students to identify a real or anticipated problem or question. You may assign a topic area that is relevant to your course. The students will conduct electronic research and produce an electronic product to report their findings. You may assign the use of a particular electronic format or product, or you may leave this choice to the students.

On the scoring tool, note the scoring elements. Only the major elements are scored. Circle any steps that indicate areas where students need further development.

In addition to the electronic research product, an electronic outline or log describing the process used to complete this task must be completed. As part of this process, the student is asked to evaluate web sites to determine whether they are useful sources of information for current purposes. Part of the score you assign to the studentÕs work will be derived from the information on the log. A sample log format and evaluation guide are included here, although the specific format you use is left to your discretion.

Recommended Placement in Teacher Education Program This task should be completed in the first two years of the teacher candidate's program of study. The skills demonstrated here will provide a foundation for the rest of the standards.

Reference This task and its supporting materials were developed from Maryland's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT³), USDOE Catalyst Grant, May 2002. Performance assessment materials are available for each standard on the PT3 website: www.mttsonline.org. Any use of these materials should credit Maryland's PT³ Catalyst Grant P342A990201. For additional information, please contact Dr. Louise A. Tanney, PT3 Director, 410-767-0416.

Technology Standard	In Technology Standard I, Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application, teacher candidates will access, evaluate, process and apply information efficiently and effectively.
Technology Indicators	Instructors will examine the task product in terms of four proficiency indicators: Identify, locate, retrieve and differentiate among a variety of electronic sources of information using technology. Evaluate information critically and competently for a specific purpose. Organize, categorize and store information for efficient retrieval. Apply information accurately in order to solve a problem or answer a question.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed to Complete the Task	The task for this technology standard will require the following knowledge, skills and abilities: Knowledge of appropriate style for documenting references Skill in using a computer Ability to search for information using the Internet and other electronic resources (e.g., reference CD, electronic database) Ability to use a variety of appropriate search strategies Ability to use standard application features: cut, copy, paste, save, retrieve, spell and grammar check Ability to organize bookmarks, save files and create folders Ability to import/export text and graphics within and between applications Ability to use a variety of file types (e.g., text, sound, graphics, web) Ability to adhere to copyright rules
Promise and Practice of Technology	Watch the Promise of Technology video for Maryland Teacher Technology Standard I, as a preparation for this task. Watch the Practice of Technology video for Maryland Teacher Technology Standard I to see the Standard implemented in classroom practice.
Assessment Task	You will create an electronic research product for an intended audience using a variety of online resources related to a specific content question or problem. Follow the steps outlined below to complete this assessment task. Familiarize yourself with the Scoring Tool for Evaluating Technology Standard I: Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application. Use this tool to guide you when completing this assessment task. Select a problem or research question to be investigated. Select the intended audience (e.g., college instructor, peers, K-12 students). Develop plan for gathering information electronically. Use key words to guide an Internet search and/or other electronic searches to collect information. Evaluate information sources (e.g., web sites) to determine whether to use each. Your instructor may assign you to use the Web Site Evaluation Guide for Technology Standard I: Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application provided. Maintain a log of sources investigated. A sample Search Log Form for Technology Standard I: Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application is provided. Using the information collected, develop an electronic product (e.g., web page, PowerPoint presentation) presenting the research question, findings and conclusion. Cite all references appropriately. Upon completion of these activities submit: Completed electronic product Search log
Evaluation	The Scoring Tool for Evaluating Technology Standard I: Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application will be used to assess the product associated with this task.
Sample Products	A sample product will be available as an example of student performance on this task at www.mttsonline.org/sampleproducts/.
Instructor Notes	Provide students a copy of the scoring tool associated with this task to facilitate their understanding and assist in the development of a quality product. You are encouraged to establish an appropriate context and purpose for the teacher candidate. The task asks students to identify a real or anticipated problem or question. You may assign a topic area that is relevant to your course. The students will conduct electronic research and produce an electronic product to report their findings. You may assign the use of a particular electronic format or product, or you may leave this choice to the students. On the scoring tool, note the scoring elements. Only the major elements are scored. Circle any steps that indicate areas where students need further development. In addition to the electronic research product, an electronic outline or log describing the process used to complete this task must be completed. As part of this process, the student is asked to evaluate web sites to determine whether they are useful sources of information for current purposes. Part of the score you assign to the studentÕs work will be derived from the information on the log. A sample log format and evaluation guide are included here, although the specific format you use is left to your discretion.
Recommended Placement in Teacher Education Program	This task should be completed in the first two years of the teacher candidate's program of study. The skills demonstrated here will provide a foundation for the rest of the standards.
Reference	This task and its supporting materials were developed from Maryland's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT³), USDOE Catalyst Grant, May 2002. Performance assessment materials are available for each standard on the PT3 website: www.mttsonline.org. Any use of these materials should credit Maryland's PT³ Catalyst Grant P342A990201. For additional information, please contact Dr. Louise A. Tanney, PT3 Director, 410-767-0416.