Opening Doors to Reading: Building School-To-Work Skills

[Technology is about connections—connecting people to each other, to
ideas, and to possibilities. Imagine being able to sample the atmosphere of a
planet millions of miles away and go hands-on with the universe—this is
the stuff that gets kids excited about science! What's there not to love?]

—Shirley Malcolm, American Association
for the Advancement of Science

The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) report lists technology as a competency. Skills include selecting the appropriate computer and peripherals, applying technology to the task, and maintaining and troubleshooting equipment. In addition to these competencies, the information, systems, and interpersonal and resources competencies apply to technology use. Information involves the acquisition, evaluation, organization, interpretation, and communication of information. The computer is used specifically to process information. Understanding how technology works effectively is listed under the systems competency. The identification, organization, planning, and allocation of resources are all pertinent under the resources competency. And finally, using technology as a member of a team and introducing new skills are critical to interpersonal development. In addition to these SCANS competencies, the International Society for Technology in Education has created technology standards.

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