"To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Ultimately, information-literate people are those who have learned how to learn. They know how to learn because they know how knowledge is organized, how to find information, and how to use information in such a way that others can learn from them. They are people prepared for lifelong learning, because they can always find the information needed for any task or decision."

- American Library Association

1.  Operate a computer system and utilize software.

Rationale: It is expected that by the year 2000, all classrooms in Virginia schools will have at. least one microcomputer for teacher and student use. In the "information age," the need to operate a microcomputer and utilize basic software should be as much a part of the daily routine for instructional personnel as it is for most of the business world.

2. Apply knowledge of terms associated with educational computing and technology.

Rationale: Educators need a common vocabulary and a functional understanding of educational technologies.

3. Apply productivity tools for professional use.

Rationale: The use of basic productivity software to aid with student assessment, records and correspondence management, and instructional materials development can be effective and time efficient. Educators should be able to model how technology can be used to enhance learning and job performance.

4. Use electronic technologies to access and exchange information.

Rationale: An understanding of how to search for, organize, and present information using modern media is becoming a common workplace and learning skill. State and national technology initiatives are moving toward local area networks for all schools. These networks are connected to state, national, and international networks. Educators must know how to access networks and to exchange and/or retrieve information for both teaching and professional development.

5.  Identify, locate, evaluate, and use appropriate instructional technology-based resources (hardware
     and software) to support Standards of Learning and other instructional objectives.

Rationale: Educators need to utilize effectively all available resources, both traditional and technology-based, and be able to use these resources to assist students in accomplishing the Standards of Learning.

6. Use educational technologies for data collection, information management, problem solving, decision making,
    communications, and presentations within the curriculum.

Rationale: Many modern jobs will require the skills that are mentioned in this standard. Students will need learning experiences that help them become life-long learners with the ability to function in these areas regardless of their eventual work or educational environment. Therefore, teachers must develop and model skills in the use of technology in order to offer students appropriate learning experiences.

7. Plan and implement lessons and strategies that integrate technology to meet the diverse needs of learners in a
    variety of educational settings.

Rationale: Educators strive to be responsive to the individual needs and learning styles of a diverse group of students. Technology-based resources can be used to meet these diverse needs in a variety of classroom and laboratory settings.

8. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal issues relating to the use of technology.

Rationale: Educators using instructional technology serve as models for students. They must have a basic understanding of the complex issues regarding the legal and ethical uses of technology.