Some technology topics and skills may be taught as isolated technology courses - for instance, computer programming. Many technology tools and skills such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, graphics, and presentation programs will be integrated into all subject areas. AERO recognizes that developments in technology affect all other subject areas including math, science, English language arts, and the various social studies. For further understanding of the use of technology in AERO, please see the AERO technology standards below.

1.	Students will understand basic technology operations and concepts.

By the end of grade 2:

a. Use input devices and output devices to operate a computer system.

b. Describe and communicate about technology using correct terminology.

c. Use technology resources for directed and independent learning activities

By the end of grade 5:

a. Use keyboards and other common input and output devices.

b. Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide.

By the end of grade 8:

a. Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use.

b. Identify and locate help-resources.

By the end of grade 12:

a. Identify capabilities and limitation of contemporary and emerging technology resources and assess the potential of these systems and services to address personal, lifelong learning, and workplace needs.

b. Make informed choices among technology systems, resources, and services.

2.	Students will understand the effects of technology development and use on social, ethical, and human issues.

By the end of grade 2:

a. Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technologies.

b. Practice responsible use of technology systems and software.

By the end of grade 5:

a. Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use.

By the end of grade 8:

a. Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society.

b. Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.

By the end of grade 12:

a. Analyze advantages and disadvantages of widespread use and reliance on technology in the workplace and in society as a whole.

b. Demonstrate and advocate for legal and ethical behaviors among peers, family and community regarding the use of technology and information.

3.	Students will gather, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information and designs using technology tools.

By the end of grade 2:

a. Use technology resources for problem-solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas and stories.

b. Gather information and communicate with others using telecommunications.

By the end of grade 5:

a. Use general-purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum.

b. Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create products for presentation to a wide audience.

c. Use telecommunications and online resources to access remote information, communicate with others in support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests.

d. Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems.

e. Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources.

By the end of grade 8:

a. Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations to support learning and research.

b. Design, develop, publish and present products using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom.

c. Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using telecommunications and collaborative tools to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.

d. Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.

e. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity and of practical applications to learning and problem solving.

f. Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems.

By the end of grade 12:

a. Use technology tools and resources for managing and communicating personal/professional information.

b. Evaluate technology-based options, including distance and distributed education for lifelong learning.

c. Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity.

d. Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning.

e. Investigate and apply expert systems, intelligent agents and simulations to real-world situations.

f. Collaborate with peers, experts, and others to contribute to a content-related knowledge base by using technology to compile, synthesize, produce and disseminate information, models, and other creative works.