Scaffolding Curriculum

The Technology Application TEKS for the elementary and middle grades are divided into clusters. Within these clusters, K-2, 3-5 and 6-8, student are afforded the opportunity to build upon their basic skill set to achieve mastery by the eighth grade. In looking at the technology TEKS, there is a definite spiraling of objectives. Considering just the Foundations TEK of demonstrating knowledge and appropriate use of hardware components, software programs, and their connections, children in K-2 develop and use basic computer as well as network terminology, demonstrate file and program manipulations and remotely access networked peripherals. These same TEKS as evidenced in the grade 3-5 cluster incorporate expanding the understanding of digital processing and resolving software compatibility issues. The cluster for grades 6-8 expands the TEK by developing students’ ability to compare and contrast between input, output and storage devices; the ability to appropriate select software applications based upon their efficiency and effectives as it relates to a task; compare and contrast the difference between analog and digital technology; expands their use of network terminology; and defines the similarities and differences between LAN, WAN, Internet and Intranet.