Massachusetts Technology Literacy Standards
Introduction
The Massachusetts Technology Literacy Standards incorporate the Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) Literacy skills developed by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills; the National
Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS•S) developed by the International Society for
Technology in Education (ISTE); as well as ISTE's 2007 draft NETS Refresh.3
The Massachusetts Technology Literacy Standards fall into three broad categories:
Standard 1. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers and applications, as well as an understanding of the concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity.
This standard includes:• proficiency in basic productivity tools such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, electronic
research, e-mail, and applications for presentations and graphics;
• conceptual understandings of the nature and operation of technology systems; and
• learning and adapting to new and emerging technology tools.
1 The announcement is available online at
http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=328&Itemid=64
2 The Road to 21stCentury Learning: A Policymaker's Guide to 21stCentury Skills (2003) is available online at http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Policy_Paper.pdf
3 See Appendix C and Appendix D. 2
Standard 2. Demonstrate the responsible use of technology and an understanding of ethics and safety issues in using electronic media at home, in school, and in society.
This standard includes:• relates to social, ethical, and human issues. It promotes positive attitudes toward the uses of
technology, as well as responsible use of information. This standard also includes recognition of
technology’s impact on civic participation, the democratic process, and the environment;
• aims to ensure that students understand general rules for safe Internet practices, including how to
protect their personal information on the Internet;
• is to help students develop an awareness of the personal image that they convey through the
information they post on the Internet;
• aims to ensure that students understand federal and state laws regarding computer crimes; and
• supports students in exhibiting leadership for digital citizenship.
Standard 3. Demonstrate the ability to use technology for research, critical thinking, problem
solving, decision making, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
This standard includes:
• focuses on applying a wide range of technology tools to student learning and everyday life;
• aims to ensure that students will be able to use technology to process and analyze information;
• is to help students develop skills for effective technology-based communication;
• includes the use of technology to explore and create new ideas, identify trends, and forecast
possibilities; and
• aims to provide students with an awareness of how technology is used in the real world.
