TechnoKids Computer Curriculum News 2003

TECHNOKIDS NEWS 2003

November 2003

Florida Department of Education Approves TechnoKids Computer Curriculum

TechnoKids Inc. is pleased to announce that TechnoKids Computer Curriculum was approved by Florida Department of Education and has been recommended for use in all the State’s Public Schools. The instructional materials are now available for the courses Computer Applications Grades 6-8 and Computer Applications Grades 9-12.

Throughout 2003, the curriculum was evaluated by the State Instructional Material Committee. The committee was comprised of educators throughout the State of Florida. Each member tested the instructional materials and scored it based on three categories: Content, Presentation, and Learning. TechnoKids Computer Curriculum was given the highest possible ranking in all categories.

In the Content category TechnoKids Computer Curriculum was evaluated for its alignment to the State’s learning objectives, developmentally appropriate activities, accuracy, current context, authenticity, and multicultural representation.

In the Presentation category TechnoKids Computer Curriculum was assessed based on its comprehensive resources, alignment to instructional components, organization of materials, readability of content, pacing of activities, and ease of use. In the Learning category TechnoKids Computer Curriculum was rated for the motivational strategies, teaching ideas, explicit instructional steps, guidance and support, active student participation, instructional strategies, and assessment strategies.

What impressed educators about the instructional materials was the project-based learning instructional approach. Typically, computer curriculum includes activities that teach children like they are adults. In many schools, students are given corporate training materials such as Introduction to Word Level 1. This approach to learning is not personally meaningful to students.

As one committee member stated, “My students are ready for this form of learning. They will find the projects fun”. In project-based learning, students select a topic that is personally meaningful. Technology skills are then integrated into this learning experience. For example, if the students are designing a travel brochure, each person can choose their own destination, but everyone will learn the same technology skills.

The instructional materials will be available to educators in April 2005. To learn more about the Florida Curriculum Adoption Process visit the following links: