One can't help but take notice of how quickly technology is advancing. Everyone at some point in their lives are affected by technology. Our society is becoming ever increasingly dependent on the complexities of technology. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has also recognized this trend. They have assumed a predominant role in creating the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) Project. They have adopted the premise that "All children must be ready for a different world". They also state that "our educational system must produce technology capable kids". These valid statements have substantial influence on the educational system as a whole.
    As a result of the work done while completing this project, the educational system now has a well developed set of standards that address technology in itself. Their primary goal is to develop national  standards for use of technology within the educational setting. They identify the need for teachers to better educate and prepare themselves to take active roles in providing our students with rich experiences and learning opportunities utilizing technology.
    As teachers become more confident and successful in their use of technology, their ability to apply technology to support student learning increases. It is paramount that educators receive the training they need in order to facilitate successful student learning activities using technology. The ISTE has divided these standards into six broad categories. These categories provide a framework to enable mastery of the standards.
    The technology foundation standards for students are divided into six broad categories. Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced, and mastered by students. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators within the Profiles for Technology Literate Students to the standards. Teachers can use these standards and profiles as guidelines for planning technology based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication, and life skills.
    The technology foundation standards for students are divided into six broad categories. Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced, and mastered by students. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators within the Profiles for Technology Literate Students to the standards. Teachers can use these standards and profiles as guidelines for planning technology-based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication, and life skills.

1    Basic operations and concepts
    Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
    Students are proficient in the use of technology.

2    Social, ethical, and human issues
   Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
   Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
   Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

3    Technology productivity tools
   Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
   Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

4    Technology communications tools
   Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
   Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

5    Technology research tools
   Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
   Students use technology tools to process data and report results.
   Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

6    Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
   Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
   Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.



    These standards will have great influence on my teaching. I will have the responsibility to stay current on technological advances. This will necessitate a proactive role on my behalf in taking advantage of staff develop opportunities and pursuing independent learning experiences. I will also need to act as an advocate for my students to ensure that they are offered equitable experiences with technology as other children are within the educational system. This may be the most difficult responsibility to uphold due to the budgetary setbacks most districts have faced or are still facing. Until we can ensure that each student has the tools available so that "all children" will be ready for "a different world", these standards are going to be very difficult to meet. Which in my personal experience causes a high level of frustration.
    I am very eager to provide my students with "technology based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication, an life skills". I am scheduled to take my class to the computer lab once per week. This sole visit is not nearly enough time to adequately meet the requirements set forth in the standards. I believe each room should have at least one computer (up-to-date) that students have access to. Few learning experiences lend themselves to a once per week opportunity. Until schools have the funding required to meet the environmental conditions for providing technological experiences to our children, I fear many children may not be ready for life in this different world they repeatedly mention.