All Virginia students are required to master the following computer/technology standards by the end of grade 8 and the end of grade 12. The expectation is that teachers will reinforce the learning of these standards by incorporating them into classroom instruction and other course activities as appropriate.

2005 Computer/Technology Standards of Learning for Grades 6-8

Basic Operations and Concepts
C/T 6-8.1 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems.

• Describe how technology impacts learning.
• Explore how software and hardware are developed to respond to the changing needs of technology.
• Describe compatibility issues among various types of technology.

C/T 6-8.2 The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.

• Understand that hardware and software have different operating systems that may affect their use.
• Use self-help features, such as online tutorials and manuals, to learn to use hardware and software.

Social and Ethical Issues
C/T 6-8.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.

• Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies.
• Explain the need for laws and policies to govern technology.
• Explore career opportunities in technology-related careers.

C/T 6-8.4 The student will practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

• Demonstrate the correct use of fair use and copyright regulations.
• Demonstrate compliance with the school division's Acceptable Use Policy and other legal guidelines.

C/T 6-8.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of technologies that support collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

• Work collaboratively and/or independently when using technology.
• Practice preventative maintenance of equipment, resources, and facilities.
• Explore the potential of the Internet as a means of personal learning and the respectful exchange of ideas and products.

Technology Research Tools
C/T 6-8.6 The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

• Use databases and spreadsheets to evaluate information.
• Use technology resources, such as calculators and data-collection probes, for gathering information.
• Use the Internet and other electronic resources to locate real-time information.

C/T 6-8.7 The student will evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations, based on their appropriateness for specific tasks.

• Use search strategies to retrieve information.
• Evaluate the reliability, relevance, and appropriateness of electronic sources of information.

Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools
C/T 6-8.8 The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

• Employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems.
• Use a variety of technologies to identify and provide possible solutions to real-world problems.
• Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations, such as environmental probes, graphic calculators, exploratory environments, and Web tools.
• Participate in collaborative problem-solving activities.
• Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks.

Technology Communication Tools
C/T 6-8.9 The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple types of audiences.

• Choose an appropriate tool, format, and style to communicate information.
• Independently use technology tools to create and communicate for individual and/or collaborative projects.
• Produce documents demonstrating the ability to edit, reformat, and integrate various software tools.

2005 Computer/Technology Standards of Learning for Grades 9-12

Basic Operations and Concepts
C/T 9-12.1 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems.

• Discuss the inherent advantages and limitations of technology.
• Define the relationships among infrastructure, electronic resources, and connectivity.
• Identify and describe the impact of new and emerging technologies and their applications.

C/T 9-12.2 The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.

• Identify and resolve hardware and software compatibility issues.
• Develop and communicate strategies for solving routine hardware and software problems.

Social and Ethical Issues
C/T 9-12.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.

• Assess the potential of information technology (IT) to address personal and workplace needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of electronic crimes, such as viruses, pirating, and computer hacking.
• Explore and participate in online communities and online learning opportunities.
• Identify the role that technology will play in future career opportunities.

C/T 9-12.4 The student will practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

• Adhere to fair use and copyright regulations.
• Adhere to the school division's Acceptable Use Policy as well as other state and federal laws.
• Model respect for intellectual property.

C/T 9-12.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of technologies that support collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

• Respectfully collaborate with peers, experts, and others to contribute to an electronic community of learning.
• Model responsible use and respect for equipment, resources, and facilities.

Technology Research Tools
C/T 9-12.6 The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

• Integrate databases, spreadsheets, charts, and tables to create reports.
• Use available technology tools to expand and enhance understanding of ideas and concepts.

C/T 9-12.7 The student will evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations, based on their appropriateness for specific tasks.

• Analyze and draw conclusions about the comprehensiveness and bias of electronic sources of information.
• Design and implement a variety of search strategies to retrieve information from electronic sources.

Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools
C/T 9-12.8 The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

• Investigate and apply expert systems, intelligent agents, and simulations in real-world situations.
• Select and apply technology tools for information analysis, problem solving, and decision making.
• Use technology resources, such as educational software, simulations, and models, for problem solving and independent learning.
• Produce and disseminate information through collaborative problem-solving activities.

Technology Communication Tools
C/T 9-12.9 The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple types of audiences.

• Determine the most effective tool, format, and style to communicate to specific audiences.
• Use technology-based options, including distance and distributed education, to collaborate, research, publish, and communicate.
• Practice self-directed use of advanced technology tools for communicating with specific audiences.