Information Technologies Students need to develop the skills and knowledge of information technologies to harness the power, effectiveness, efficiency and excitement of learning in the information age. In fact, technological literacy is such a vital component of information literacy, that its neglect could seriously effect future academic success and career opportunity. Information technology is a term used to include a wide range of technologies – print, digital and visual media -- for storing, retrieving, sending and transferring information. The term is also used to describe the study or application of systems (especially computers, digital electronics, telecommunication, automated catalogues, etc.) Information technology is a significant enterprise in schools for neither the technological message nor medium is neutral: both moveable type and digital byte are extensions of feeling, thinking, seeing and understanding. Today's environment requires all teachers to provide varied, continuous and well-planned technological opportunities to extend students' information skills (See Figure 5). Learning programs must provide students with a wide range of information, access to information technology and information skills training. This is important for all students, and crucial to the success of those who, because of background or economic circumstances, do not have access to information technologies in their homes. Equity of access to information instruction and technologies in schools will improve learning for all students, including those with special needs. It will also help educators reduce other barriers that prevent some students from both imagining and realizing their potential.

Figure 5. Information Technologies

Schools need to place information technology in appropriate contexts to integrate the tools, personalize the experience and extend its transfer to other areas of life and learning. The school library, for instance, provides a complete range of information technology programs within the context of a wide range of resources - print and electronic, book and tape, film and CD-ROM, file and Web. Library resources are organized to be found and principles of equitable and effective access reward the retrieval skills used in searching both automated catalogues and the Internet. When placed within the context of the program of Inquiry and Research and Information and Society, information technology can enrich learning and its transfer. Tables 8a and 8b represent a scope and sequence of the knowledge and skills of Information Technologies to track student progress as a continuum for Kindergarten to Grade 12. Such progress is made possible when teachers and teacher-librarians work together to collect demonstrations of authentic performances grade to grade. Use these links to jump to a particular grade level. Use your browsers 'BACK' button to return here. Information Technologies: Kindergarten Information Technologies: Grade 1 Information Technologies: Grade 2 Information Technologies: Grade 3 Information Technologies: Grade 4 Information Technologies: Grade 5 Information Technologies: Grade 6 Information Technologies: Grade 7 Information Technologies: Grade 8 Information Technologies: Grade 9 Information Technologies: Grade 10 Information Technologies: Grade 11 Information Technologies: Grade 12