Teens need to understand the basics of technology to succeed as professionals.
The use of technology is a necessary skill for any high school student. They need to know type, use basic computer programs like word processing and spreadsheets and use the Internet. A high school can make a technology plan to incorporate the use of computers and technology in the classroom while teaching skills like Internet safety to the students.
Long-Term Plan
Schools should consider plans for the long term where technology is involved. For example, a high school should have adaptable plans to keep up with changing technology and should have a long-term budget set aside for technology needs in the school.
Short-Term Plans
Short-term plans might include items like making a computer lab for the high school students and classes in technology made available to students both as necessary classes like typing and optional technology classes like computer art classes or advanced computer skills classes. The short-term plans should include immediate action to get the school's technology up and running and some basic classes students can take.
School Lesson Plans
Schools should have technology lesson plans laid out before the students take the class. For example, a typing class might have a plan for when students are learning which parts of typing and when they move from typing into the basics of word processing or spreadsheets. Any technology class that allows Internet use should cover Internet safety with the students. Internet safety includes providing minimal personal information and preventing identity theft when online.
Get Students Involved in Planning
At the high school level, students are old enough to voice an opinion about what they think is important for technology. Have a student committee or a group of students get involved with the plan by asking opinions about where the school can improve and where the technology lessons are progressing well. Students might point out weaknesses in the plan that were overlooked or methods of teaching that could improve student learning. It not only gives a high school student view but it gets the students actively involved to help them become motivated.
Tags: high school, Internet safety, should have, word processing spreadsheets, classes like, high school student
