Information Technology Standards and Benchmarks

Canadian Academy Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Standards

Grade 7     (I)=Introduce / (E)=Explore / (E)=Developed  
    The skills learned each year built on skills learned the previous year.        

Standard 1: Ethics - Use information and technology systems responsibly and ethically.

1. (E) Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology.
2. (E) Explain the legal and ethical consequences of information and technology misuse.
3. (E) Adhere to the CA AUP.
4. (E) Discuss and explain copyright issues.
5. (E) Explain the concept of intellectual property rights.
6. (E) Correctly document both digital and nondigital information sources using APA style.
7. (E) Describe the role of the media in focusing attention on events, in forming opinion on issues, and influencing decisions.
8. (E) Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of information sources.

Standard 2: Library and Information - Use the library and other information systems effectively and critically.

1. (E) Use library resources to support research as well as enrich personal interests.
2. (E) Identify the basic types of information sources.
1. (E) Select and use information sources critically and competently.
2. Understand the structure, organization and use of almanacs, newspapers, periodicals, encyclopedias, search engines, and web reference sites.
3. Use primary and secondary sources, determining the nature and usefulness of each.
4. Use electronic databases, such as Sirs Knowledge Source, Global Newsbank, and EBSCO, and interpret the information found there.
5. Conduct advance searches using Boolean Operators "AND," "OR," and "NOT."
6. Identify tools used in media to influence culture and society.
3. (E) Evaluate and annotate information sources critically and competently.

Standard 3: Foundation - Understand basic operations and concepts.

1. Application and File Management
1. Locate a file or a folder.
2. Use public or shared folders.
3. Limit file memory size.
4. Download images, audio and video from the Internet.
2. Computer Hardware
1. Use attached peripherals, such as external drives, cameras, etc.
2. Check the keyboard, mouse, and other cable connections.
3. Use digital cameras and projectors in projects and presentations.
3. Databases
1. Plan, create, edit databases.
2. Use various prepared databases, such as SIRS Discoverer, Global NewsBank, and EBSCO.
4. Graphic Design
1. Use template files to create newsletter/reports that incorporates student writing and graphics.
2. Create clear, balanced and consistent layout for pages and screens.
5. Multimedia
1. Plan, design, create, and edit multimedia projections.
2. Produce a simple multimedia product, (such as create a brochure to promote an idea, design a web page to publish artwork or science experiments and data.
3. Select appropriate software to produce a multimedia product.
6. Searching and Information Retrieval
1. Pose question to online experts.
2. Use different search engines to locate information on the same topic.
3. Retrieve information from a number of sources and assess the accuracy of that information.
4. Gather and compare information that cites different viewpoints on an issue.
5. From a variety of electronic sources, select the information which appears to be recent and accurate.
6. Question information that is obviously biased.
7. Use appropriate Internet-based tools to test and determine the accuracy of information.
7. Spreadsheets
1. Create complex spreadsheets using multiple mathematical operations, formulas, graphs, tables.
2. Insert formulas and calculate equations.
3. Manipulate cell sizes to accommodate data.
4.  Insert a spreadsheet into a word processing document.
5. Determine print range.
6. Cut, copy, paste data.
7. Sort data in ascending and descending order.
8. Insert a header and footer.
9. Create and manipulate tables in a word processing document.
8. Telecommuting/Internet Skills
1. Create subject heading that summarizes the message content.
9. Word processing and Writing
1. Use techniques to facilitate composition, revision and editing, such as compose both introduction and conclusion, filling out the body text later, mark sections that will require revision by changing the style.
2. Create a sequence of steps in a process that can then be revised and reordered.

Standard 4: Productivity - Use information and technology tools, both collaboratively and individually, to produce quality analytical and creative works and to communicate various forms of information effectively.

1. (E) Design and present products using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts
2. (E) Select appropriate technology tools and resources to collect and process information.
3. Construct a spreadsheet or database, enter data, use mathematical or logical functions to manipulate and process data, generate charts and graphs, and interpret results in "if-then" situations.

Standard 5: Research - Use information and technology tools, both collaboratively and individually, for research, problem solving, and decision-making.

1. (E) Work with peers, using telecommunications and collaborative tools.
2. (E) Develop and implement a plan to find an answer to a question or a problem, using the steps of the research cycle.
1. State questions to be researched.
2. Use an organizer to develop a plan for a research project or problem to be solved.
3. Consider all possible information sources.
4. Develop a plan for searching for information.
5. Use technology to locate, evaluate, collect, and organize information from a variety of sources.
6. Identify and use strategies to evaluate validity of information sources.
7. Support statements with facts found in books, articles, databases and Internet sources, and identify the sources used.
8. Communicate results of research in final, edited product.