Michigan Online Learning Requirement for K-12 Students

The Michigan Online Learning Requirements for K-12 Students,and the Companion Document has a descriptive explanation on the technology requirements for those students in grades 6-12. I believe if we start introducing these ideas at the elementary level as whole class projects, then when students get to middle school the teachers can focus on content exploration versus learning how to manipulate the technology. Unfortunately, working at an elementary school I do not have access to training provided to our 6-12 teachers on technology integration and the projects in their curriculum.  I am aware that at the end of each trimester throughout our Middle schools, the 8th grade students in the computer class complete the MET's online assessment.  After exploring our District website I noticed we have links to a Moodle account and Student Webmail for teacher and student access.  

Next year, we will be integrating more technology at the elementary level within our Reading/Literacy blocks, as we have just adopted a new reading curriculum that has multiple technology opportunities through whole class, individual work and home connections.  Each student will receive a login to their account (which will be linked to math and reading) where the teacher can individualize the activities according to the students ability levels.  Teachers will be able to use Smartboard activities to discuss and share the weekly story either in whole group or in small group.  Students will be able to complete literacy work station sessions according to their level and there is even an opportunity for research and exploration according to their interest around the weekly story.  Parents will be able to read the stories at home with their child online and complete comprehension activities to be sent back to the teacher for review.

In a small step we are making technology more accessible for our students and touching on some of the standards highlighted within the MI Online Learning Requirements. After exploring more to find all the PK-12 Michigan Educational Technology Standards I now understand why technology has to be a primary focus with all teachers from PK-12 grade.  There are a lot of skills students need to be able to understand when they get to middle school, and not just starting to explore the skills as they move into 6th grade.  As a teacher leader at the elementary level I need to help teachers integrate and introduce technology to all students across all content areas.