Information and Communications Technology Integration Performance Standards

Overview of the Information and Communications Technology Integration Performance Standards, Grades 5 to 10

The Information and Communications Technology Integration Performance Standards, Grades 5 to 10 (ICTI), are intended to support teachers and students as they use technology to enhance learning across the curriculum. The ICTI Performance Standards provide a context within which teachers, students, and parents can examine a range of authentic learning tasks that are supported by the use of information and communications technology processes, tools, and techniques in their schools. The 24 tasks support a range of grades and subject areas. Additional tasks and student samples will be provided when available.

The ICTI Performance Standards set out more than just how the technology is used. They describe also the processes, tools, and techniques that will make the learning come alive for students. Evaluation of student learning needs to be approached holistically and the rating scale for the ICTI Performance Standards will comprise only one component of the overall evaluation.

Using ICTI Performance Standards

The ICTI Performance Standards have been developed with a single set of descriptors for grades 5 to 10, since student use of technology to support learning is not grade or age dependent.

The ICTI Performance Standards are intended to complement existing curricula and assessment materials developed by the Ministry of Education, including the other BC Performance Standards. It is understood that the standards will be used as a resource to support ongoing instruction and assessment in all subject areas.

In order to implement the ICTI Performance Standards, teachers need only to access products that are currently available in their schools. This includes products such as integrated word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software packages, an Internet browser, tools that facilitate webbing and mind mapping, and tools that support simulation.

The ICTI Performance Standards have been developed for voluntary use in BC schools. The standards are based on the professional judgments of a significant number of BC educators and describe expectations for the integration of information and communications technology across the curriculum.

Information and Communications Technology Integration (ICTI)

Effective integration of ICT occurs when it is built into day-to-day classroom practice to meet curriculum objectives and engage students in inquiry-based learning, collaboration, self-directed learning, complex thinking, and communication outside the classroom through the use of technology. Using ICTI in this way allows students to become explorers, researchers, and producers of knowledge useful to others.

The integration of technology into the classroom provides teachers another means through which student development in each of the essential skill areas such as reading, writing, mathematical development, communication skills, and problem solving can be achieved and assessed.

Information and Communications Technology is an essential component of schooling today. In our knowledge-based society, ICT is ubiquitous. Growing dependence on technology in all aspects of society emphasizes the importance of ensuring that students develop information literacy skills and understandings they need to live and work in an ever-changing environment.