The PreK guidelines for Technology include the child opening and navigating through software programs; using a variety of computer input devices, such as mouse, keyboard, touch screen sound recorder, etc; using software to create and express own ideas, and recognizing that information is available through technology. I appreciate that these guidelines are in place and feel that a Pre-K student could learn much of that, however, I do have a concern.
In Texas, neither Pre-K nor kindergarten is required by the state. That means that there will be a number of children entering 1st grade at a disadvantage. If Texas recommends that student have this technology in their background before 1st grade in order to successfully grow into the 21st Century learner, then the state is either giving up on those who do not attend Pre-K or K through public schools, or it’s putting the weight of all those previous TEKS on the 1st grade teacher, who still has to have the students at a certain level by the end of 1st grade. Neither one of those is acceptable. The spiraling nature of the technology applications TEKS is one way to make up for this deficiency.
These Pre-K guidelines would provide an excellent foundation for K+ teachers to build on. It would allow the subsequent teachers to step forward with confidence that their students could follow. Since the technology applications TEKS are spiraling, some lack of information could be picked up as a topic is covered again and again. For example, students will have several opportunities to present information to other students, using software such as Microsoft PowerPoint. They will use the same application more than once over the course of their school career. In each use, a new skill will be acquired and old skills will be practiced, engraining them deeper and making them easier, providing a foundation to build on.
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