Information and Technology Literacy Standards Grade 8

A.8.1 Use common media and technology terminology and equipment

• identify and define computer and networking terms (e.g., modem, file server, client station, LAN, Internet/Intranet, data storage device)
• demonstrate the correct operation of a computer system on a network
• demonstrate touch keyboarding skills at acceptable speed and accuracy levels (suggested range 20-25 wpm)
• organize and backup files on a computer disk, drive, server, or other storage device
• recognize and solve routine computer hardware and software problems
• use basic content-specific tools (e.g., environmental probes, measurement sensors) to provide evidence/support in a class project
• scan, crop, and save a graphic using a scanner, digital camera, or other digitizing equipment
• use simple graphing calculator functions to solve a problem
• capture, edit, and combine video segments using a multimedia computer with editing software or a video editing system

A.8.2 Identify and use common media formats

• describe the operating and file management software of a computer (e.g., desktop, file, window, folder, directory, pull-down menu, dialog box)
• identify the various organizational patterns used in different kinds of reference books
• define the basic types of learning software (e.g., drill and practice, tutorial, simulation)
• use electronic encyclopedias, almanacs, indexes, and catalogs to retrieve and select information
• describe the various applications of productivity software programs (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, communication, drawing, desktop publishing)
• identify common integrated software packages or applications suites
• use a graphics program to create or modify detail to an image or picture

A.8.3 Use a computer and productivity software to organize and create information

• explain the use of basic word processing functions (e.g., menu, tool bars, dialog boxes, radio buttons, spell checker, thesaurus, page layout, headers and footers, word count, tabs)
• use the spell checker and thesaurus functions of a word processing program
• move textual and graphics data from one document to another
• use graphics software to import pictures, images, and charts into documents
• use a graphical organizer program to construct outlines or webs that organize ideas and information
• compose a class report using advanced text formatting and layout styles (e.g., single and double spacing, different size and style of fonts, indents, headers and footers, pagination, table of contents, bibliography)
• classify collected data and construct a simple database by defining fields, entering and sorting data, and producing a report
• construct a simple spreadsheet, enter data, and interpret the information
• plot and use different types of charts and graphs (e.g., line, bar, stacked, scatter diagram, area, pie charts, pictogram) from a spreadsheet program
• incorporate database and spreadsheet information (e.g., charts, graphs, lists) in word-processed documents

A.8.4 Use a computer and communications software to access and transmit information

• define basic on-line searching and Internet terminology (e.g., website, HTML, home page, hypertext link, bookmark, URL address)
• send an e-mail message with an attachment to several persons simultaneously
• access information using a modem or network connection to the Internet or other on-line information services
• view, print, save, and open a document from the Internet or other on-line sources
• use basic search engines and directories to locate resources on a specific topic
• demonstrate efficient Internet navigation
• organize World Wide Web bookmarks by subject or topic

A.8.5 Use media and technology to create and present information

• use draw, paint, or graphics software to create visuals that will enhance a class project or report
• design and produce a multimedia program
• plan and deliver a presentation using media and technology appropriate to topic, audience, purpose, or content

A.8.6 Evaluate the use of media and technology in a production or presentation

• determine the purpose of a specific production or presentation
• describe the effectiveness of the media and technology used in a production or presentation
• identify criteria for judging the technical quality of a production or presentation
• judge how well the production or presentation meets identified criteria
• recommend ways to improve future productions or presentations

B.8.1 Define the need for information

• identify the information problem or question to be resolved
• relate what is already known to the information need
• formulate general and specific research questions using a variety of questioning skills
• revise and narrow the information questions to focus on the information need

B.8.2 Develop information seeking strategies

• identify relevant sources of information including print, nonprint, electronic, human, and community resources
• evaluate possible sources of information based on criteria of timeliness, genre, point of view, bias, and authority
• select multiple sources that reflect differing or supporting points of view
• identify and select keywords and phrases for each source, recognizing that different sources use different terminology for similar concepts
• organize ideas, concepts, and phrases using webbing, outlines, trees, or other visual or graphic tools
• focus search strategies on matching information needs with available resources

B.8.3 Locate and access information sources

• identify the classification system used in the school library media center, public library, and other local libraries
• locate materials using the classification systems of the school library media center and the public library
• use an on-line catalog and other databases of print and electronic resources
• recognize differences in searching bibliographic records, abstracts, or full text databases
• search for information by subject, author, title, and keyword
• use Boolean operators with human or programmed guidance to narrow or broaden searches
• use biographical dictionaries, thesauri, and other common reference tools in both print and electronic formats
• use a search engine to locate appropriate Internet or Intranet resources

B.8.4 Evaluate and select information from a variety of print, nonprint, and electronic formats

• examine selected resources for pertinent information using previewing techniques to scan for major concepts and keywords
• differentiate between primary and secondary sources
• distinguish between fact and opinion; recognize point of view or bias
• determine if information is timely, valid, accurate, comprehensive, and relevant
• analyze and evaluate information presented in charts, graphs, and tables
• locate indicators of authority for all sources of information
• select resources in formats appropriate to content and information need and compatible with their own learning style

B.8.5 Record and organize information

• use notetaking strategies including summarizing and paraphrasing
• record concise notes in a prescribed manner, including bibliographic information
• cite the source of specific quotations or visuals using footnotes, endnotes, or internal citation formats
• organize and compare information using graphic organizers, storyboarding, and other relational techniques
• organize information in a systematic manner appropriate to question, audience, and intended format of presentation
• record sources of information in a standardized bibliographic format

B.8.6 Interpret and use information to solve the problem or answer the question

• compare and integrate new information with prior knowledge
• analyze information for relevance to the question
• analyze findings to determine need for additional information
• gather and synthesize additional information as needed
• draw conclusions to address the problem or question

B.8.7 Communicate the results of research and inquiry in an appropriate format

• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation
• identify possible communication or production formats
• select a presentation format appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose, content, and technology available
• develop an original product or presentation which addresses the information problem or question

B.8.8 Evaluate the information product and process

C.8.1 Pursue information related to various dimensions of personal well-being and academic success

• identify topics of interest and seek relevant information about them
• identify information appropriate for decision-making and personal interest
• recognize that accurate and complete information is basic to sound decisions in both personal and academic pursuits

C.8.2 Appreciate and derive meaning from literature and other creative expressions of information

• recognize that reviews, evaluations, and guidance from teachers, library media specialists, and others assist in the selection of appropriate literature and creative expressions of information
• identify and use personal criteria for choosing literature and other creative expressions of information
• relate literature and creative expressions of information to personal experiences
• relate literature and creative expressions of information to other literature or creative expressions of information

C.8.3 Develop competence and selectivity in reading, listening, and viewing

• choose materials at appropriate developmental levels
• identify and select materials that reflect diverse perspectives
• identify characteristics of common literary forms
• recognize how words, images, sounds, and illustrations can be constructed to convey specific messages, viewpoints, and values

C.8.4 Demonstrate self-motivation and increasing responsibility for their learning

• participate in decisions about group and classroom projects and learning objectives
• identify and select topics of personal interest to expand classroom learning projects
• recommend criteria for judging success of learning projects
• establish goals and develop a plan for completing projects on time and within the scope of the assignment
• evaluate progress and quality of personal learning
• establish personal goals in pursuit of individual interests, academic requirements, and career paths

D.8.1 Participate productively in workgroups or other collaborative learning environments

• collaborate with others to identify information needs and seek solutions
• demonstrate acceptance to new ideas and strategies from workgroup members
• determine workgroup goals and equitable distribution of individual or subgroup responsibilities and tasks
• plan for the efficient use and allocation of time
• complete workgroup projects on time
• evaluate completed projects to determine how the workgroup could have functioned more efficiently and productively

D.8.2 Use information, media, and technology in a responsible manner

• return all borrowed materials on time
• describe and explain the school policy on technology and network use, media borrowing, and Internet access
• demonstrate responsible use of the Internet and other electronic resources consistent with the school's acceptable use policy
• recognize that using media and technology to defame or libel another person or group constitutes unacceptable behavior
• identify and define the consequences of violations to the school's policies on media and technology use
• recognize the need for privacy and protection of personal information

D.8.3 Respect intellectual property rights

• define the purpose of copyright and copyright law
• identify what kinds of works of authorship can be copyrighted
• explain the concept of "fair use" as it pertains to the copyright law
• recognize that the "fair use" provisions may differ depending on the media format
• relate examples of copyright violations
• cite the source for words which are quoted verbatim and for pictures, graphics, and audio or video segments which are used in a product or presentation
• explain and differentiate the purposes of a patent, trademark, and logo

D.8.4 Recognize the importance of intellectual freedom and access to information in a democratic society

• explain the concept of intellectual freedom
• identify examples and explain the implications of censorship in the United States and in other countries
• explain the importance of the principle of equitable access to information
• compare and contrast freedom of the press in different situations and geographic areas
• recognize that the free-flow of information contributes to an informed citizenry resulting in sound decisions for the common good