The document proposes several ideas for using technology in K-2 classrooms to meet NETS standards. It suggests having students (1) create and share original stories digitally, (2) research environmental issues by taking photos and making data spreadsheets and advertisements, and (3) communicate with pen pals through email to learn about other cultures. It also recommends (4) taking virtual field trips online and evaluating the information gained.

1. Introduction to NETS for students: Grades K-2 Several educational technology performance standards and classroom implementation ideas!By, Natalie Goldfarb

2. I think that it would be fun and valuable for students to evaluate a story for its theme or message and then re-create another story based upon that same theme. After creating their original story the students could tell their story in one of several different ways.They could act out and digitally record their story to share with their peers.The whole class could first share their stories and then choose one to act out as an entire class, with those who wrote it helping to act as producers, directors, etc. Groups could make a picture book with captions, perhaps in PowerPoint or Microsoft Word. 1. Illustrate and communicate original ideas and stories using digital tools and media rich resources. (1, 2)

3. After identifying some of the most common environmental issues in class, perhaps by watching fun and informative videos online, such as "Meet the Greens," I think it would be fun and useful for students to identify things that are happening around them that contribute to these issues. For example, if lights and electrical appliances are being left on at home, or the student notices a lot of trash by the side of the street, he or she could take photographs of these occurrences. Once all of the photographs are compiled the class could make a spreadsheet of the collected data, showing what they seem to see most often.To follow-up this activity students could brainstorm solutions and then create digital advertisements, either through video or print, persuading people to support their solution. 2. Identify, research, and collect data on an environmental issue using digital resources and propose a developmentally appropriate solution. (1, 3, 4)

4. If all students in a classroom could have access to an email account, I think it would be great fun and very valuable for them to have pen-pals in other areas of the country. If I was teaching a class who was participating in pen-pals I would try to interact with the other classroom’s teacher so that we could have our students shares specific assignments with each other and make sure that each was learning something about the different state and area where his or her pen-pal was from. The students may even be able to collaborate on some assignments with their pen-pal. It would also be a great idea to get connected with an international classroom. Although there might be a language barrier, the students could share dance and music performances, as well as their artwork! The students could gain a lot in terms of appreciation for and knowledge of other cultures. 3. Engage in learning activities with learners from multiple cultures through e-mail and other electronic means. (2, 6)

5. With the availability of so many “virtual tours” on the internet the class could take a virtual field trip and see what a persons’ life, surroundings, and work may have been like, or what it may have felt like and looked like to have been present at a particular event. After taking this virtual field trip the class could evaluate the information gained in small discussion groups or reflect individually. Students could also follow-up this activity by continuing to do internet research on one or two aspects which they found interesting or new on the virtual field trip. SeeVicki Blackwell's website for some great ideas about virtual field trips, from civil war battlefields to museums and aquariums, and countless other places of educational significance, including the lives, locales, and works of historical figures. 4. Find and evaluate information related to a current or historical person or event using digital resources. (3)