STaR Chart Terminology
 

Adaptation Stage
Educators move from basic use of technology to discovery of its potential for increased productivity (e.g., use of word processors for student writing and Internet research).

Appropriation Stage
Having achieved complete mastery over technology, educators use it effortlessly as a tool to accomplish a variety of instructional and management tasks.

Assistive Technology Device
Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

Collaborative Learning
Instructional strategy in which several students and/or teachers work together on an assignment with individuals sharing responsibility for various tasks in an interactive process of on-going dialogue.

Community of Inquiry; Community of Learners; Professional Community of Practice
A group of persons engaged in on-going dialogue about questions of shared interest for the purpose of generating workable solutions to problems or enhancing an existing knowledge base.

Complex Thinking Strategies
Includes problem solving, decision making, investigation and reflective thinking.

Digital Content
Digitized multimedia materials requiring students to manipulate information creatively; may include video, software, websites, simulations, streamed discussion, databases and audio files.

Diverse Learning Needs
Learners are unique and learn in different ways; all students must have opportunities to learn in their distinctive style.

Entry/Adoption Stage
Educators move from the initial learning of technology basics to successful use of technology on a basic level (e.g., integration of drill and practice software into instruction).

Evolving Technologies
Newer, developing technologies; ever changing digital equipment; convergence of technologies.

Inquiry-based Learning
Children learn by generating new hypotheses, by taking risks and by reflecting on their accomplishments and miscues. Children engage in inquiry when they investigate questions or issues they find compelling. These questions or issues may be related to a class theme or concept.

Integrated/Integration
Use of technology by students and teachers to enhance teaching and learning and to support curricular objectives.

Invention Stage
Educators are prepared to develop entirely new learning environments that utilize technology as a flexible tool. Learning becomes more collaborative, interactive and customized.

LAN (Local Area Network)
A network that connects computers in the same building.

Long-Range Plan for Technology
Texas implementation plan for integrating technology into the school system. Four key areas are: Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, Administration and Support Services and Infrastructure for Technology.

On-Demand Access
Immediate access to technology tools as needed in all campus instructional settings.

Online Databases
Internet accessible databases providing resources such as encyclopedias, periodicals, biographies, historical timelines, maps and atlases, almanacs, audio clips, video clips and student and teacher resources.

Portable Technology
Easily transported equipment such as cell phones, handheld devices, laptop computers and projectors that are wireless and battery operated.

Print/File Sharing Access
Both shared files and printers are available from the school or district network.

Replacement Cycle
School policy for purchase, replacement and upgrade cycle of technology equipment and software.

Seamlessly Integrated
Using technology as a natural tool; used without thinking; becomes the way work is done.

TA
Technology Applications.

TA TEKS
Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

Technology Literacy
Responsible use of appropriate technology to communicate, problem solve as well as to access, manage, integrate, evaluate and create information to improve learning in all subject areas in order to acquire 21st century knowledge and skills.

Two-Way Interactive Video Distance Learning
Interaction with video and audio between two or more sites connected by telecommunication lines for real time instruction.

Video Streaming
Video delivered to the computer desktop; video that can be viewed from the Web in real time.

WAN (Wide Area Network)
A network in which two or more buildings are connected, such as campuses in a district or districts in a region.

Wireless Connectivity
Computers with wireless capabilities to connect to the Internet when located near access points/boxes which are connected to the data ports. The computers are not cabled to the data port.

 

   

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