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Integrating the New Technology Application TEKS in the Library

by Patrina Nix and Stephanie Galvan Russell
written by Patrina Nix and Stephanie Galvan Russell

The new K–8 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are here and ready for implementation with the start of the 2024 school year! There are several changes and updates in these new technology application TEKS, but one of the most impactful changes is the integration of the TEKS into all subjects. This means everyone is responsible for the new TA TEKS, including librarians.

Librarians already teach many of the topics found in the new TA TEKS, but if you need new ideas, we’ve compiled several easy ways to integrate the TEKS into both elementary and middle school libraries. You can also see more ideas for implementation in Stephanie and Patrina’s Summer Librarians Conference presentation at this link.

TA TEKS 1. Computational Thinking: Coding and Breaking Down Ideas into Small Pieces

The new TA TEKS introduces coding starting in kindergarten, which means that you now have a documented reason to pull out those Beebots, Code and Go Mouse kits, and Spheros. Start with unplugged coding by breaking down a story into smaller sequential pieces. Make a giant grid on the floor and allow students to take turns being the main character of the story while the rest of the class helps (codes) the character through the story. Then try doing the same tasks using Beebots or other simple coding robots. 

In secondary libraries, implementing puzzles or logic games into your makerspace is a great way to start embedding computational thinking. Don’t forget online options too! Scratch, ScratchJr., Bloxly, Ozobots, Code.org, and lots of other websites offer online coding opportunities. 

TA TEKS 2. Creativity and Innovation: Understanding Design Processes, Emerging Technologies, and the Impact of Technology on the Community

Do you have a 3D printer that you don’t know what to do with? Well, it’s time to get that printer out of storage and learn how to use it! Students can use programs like Tinkercad to create 3D projects to solve everyday problems. If their designs don’t work (and they probably won’t), they can follow the engineering design process by returning to the online program to correct the problems.  

In the secondary libraries, teach students and/or teachers how to design comic strips using Canva. If you have access to Adobe Express, this is a great tool to implement as well. Secondary students also enjoy open-ended projects that can be done in a makerspace. 

TA TEKS 3. Data Literacy, Management, and Representation: Learning How to Find and Organize Data

From using keywords to demystifying the intimidating Boolean operators, librarians are uniquely equipped to help kids find reliable and relevant information. Librarians can make collecting data fun for younger students by posting data on their favorite or most checked-out books. Let students vote for their favorite book by putting a cotton ball in a jar. As the cotton balls grow, they will see the numbers grow. What a great way to help young students see a visual representation of numbers!

In secondary libraries, take a survey of favorite genres, books, or reading preferences (ebook, audio, print) and then show students how to take this data and manipulate it to make it visual! You can also collaborate with math/science teachers to show students how to manipulate and create visual data using Google Sheets and Google’s Looker Studio. 

TA TEKS 4. Digital Citizenship: Acting as a Responsible Citizen in a Digital Community

One effective way to teach Digital Citizenship is using picture books. This method is successful because of the conversations, and community building, that happen with a shared book. In Patrina’s TechNotes article “Seven Picture Books with Digital Citizenship Themes,” you can discover how to use picture books to teach digital citizenship concepts.

In secondary libraries, create a library blog where you have students write blog posts about digital safety and etiquette. You can also help students make Tik-Tok style videos and post them on the library blog as well. 

TA TEKS 5. Practical Technology Concepts: Using a Computer and Identifying the Pieces

With more and more state testing occurring online, our students are in dire need of correct keyboarding and mouse skills. Basic skills should be taught using a typing program, but you can reinforce those skills by having students type all kinds of things in the library. Let students type out book reviews or explanations for their coding activities. Students need to learn how to name, share, and organize their files, so let them share their documents with you. Buy nonfiction books about robots, computers, AI, coding, and other concepts that you can share with students. Display them with an old computer that you’ve taken apart so they can see the insides.

Librarians have been promoting makerspace, coding, robotics, good research practices, and digital citizenship for years. While these topics seemed like added components to the curriculum in the past, they are now a required part of every Texas school. Document your projects and share with your administrators the amazing work you are doing to support the new technology application TEKS in the library!

Patrina Nix

Patrina is a Library Media Specialist at Cedar Creek High School in Bastrop, TX, and the Lead Librarian for Bastrop ISD. She has been in education for 20 years as a teacher or librarian in Georgia, Colorado, Kansas, and Texas. She especially enjoys presenting at educational conferences and mentoring new librarians. When she’s not teaching or leading from the library, she loves two-stepping in dance halls and tubing down Texas rivers with her husband and three daughters! Patrina shares her library and family adventures on Instagram at @CedarCreekReads and @PattieNix

Stephanie Galvan Russell

Stephanie Galvan Russell is a School Librarian, Educational Technology Specialist, and Instructional Designer in Austin, TX. She serves as Chair of the TLA Spirit of Texas Reading List Committee, has been Chair of the Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Committee, and was a member of the 2023 TxLA Annual Conference Planning Committee. Stephanie is a graduate of the 2023 Class of TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute. Stephanie was the 2018 YART Young Adult Reading Incentive Winner and TASL Media Virtual Presence Honorary Award Winner for her blog, The Lispy Librarian. She also manages the TCEA Librarians Online Community. Her passions include effective technology integration, engaging and purposeful PD, and connecting students to diverse books. She can be found on socials @lispylibrarian.

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AssessmentClassroom ManagementGood TeachingProfessional LearningTechnical SupportTechnology Applications

Your Technology Integration Guide: FAQs for Educators

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

It’s a new school year and teachers both new and not have many questions regarding what this year should look like. You may even find yourself in that boat where you feel like you just need a little direction to get going. When you have questions related to curriculum or your content, you can easily pinpoint who to address those questions to. But, what if the questions are about integrating technology into your lesson plan?

Sometimes there is not a go-to person to ask your technology questions and find support, or there is but they are so busy getting everyone ready and everything repaired that it can make you feel guilty for trying to get enough attention to have your questions answered. So, to help you along, I’ve compiled this FAQ of questions that may arise at the beginning of the school year that you might find helpful. I also encourage you to jump in the comment section and share your response to one (or more) of the questions to give input on what you’d share with your teachers, or something helpful that was shared with you!

Q: How do I choose the right tools to use?

A: There are a lot of educational technology tools available. And, just because one works well for one class doesn’t mean it’s the best one for your class. Start by doing some basic research. You can find a short list recently posted by Medha Pandey  on Wiingy. As you scan the list, see if there are ones that fit your content and style of teaching as well as your budget.

The American Association for School Librarians has a list each year of top sites that were nominated. You can find the list at https://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/best. Voting for the 2025 list will begin later this fall, so you might want to nominate the tools that you decide to use. Scroll down past the awards information to see websites that were recognized for 2024, 2023, 2022, and so on.

Lastly, consider asking your peers what they use. Remember, it’s better to start small with just one tool and implement it well before adding additional tools to the mix.

Q: How do I effectively integrate technology into my existing curriculum?

A: Using the right tool to support your curriculum is critical. Besides making sure that the tool is safe for your students in regards to protecting their data, it’s important to use a tool that doesn’t distract from your content.

If you are just beginning to integrate technology into your classroom, consider using a simple tool for formative assessment such as Padlet, which provides a wide variety of ways for students to respond. Even though the tool is “freemium,” you may feel limited by only having access to create to 3 Padlets.

Padlet does have a lot of options that you can tweak so consider going to their Learn Page to watch videos on how to get started. Here is a sample Padlet I created for you to use as if you were a student; simply click on the plus symbol in the lower right corner and select how you want to share. Play around with it to explore the many different ways that students can share what they know.

If you have an instructional coach, ask to see what they suggest using to support a specific content area or lesson. They may have the perfect tool for you that has already be utilized by other teachers, making it easy for them to connect you with other teachers in your district who can possibly share how to make the most of the tool.

Q: How do I manage classroom behavior when integrating technology?

A: Begin by having clear guidelines as to when technology (especially personal devices like cell phones)is allowed. Realize that students may know how to use their phone to do many things but may not have received specific instruction on how to use it as an instructional tool. Consider creating signals or cues to let students know when devices are allowed, when to pause using their device for announcements or whole group instructions, etc. Your students can also benefit from conversations on digital citizenship and appropriate online behavior. If you aren’t sure about what rules to put in place, a basic Google search will show what others are using, allowing you to easily find out what is appropriate for your grade level.

Q: How do I monitor student device use during class to ensure they stay on task?

A: If devices are issued by the school/district, you may be able to make use of software like GoGuardian Teacher or Dyknow for real-time monitoring. You may also be able to make use of browser extensions like ClassroomScreen for browser-based monitoring. Check with your district’s technology department to see what they can suggest. They may already have a subscription to a solution that you and your students can be added to.

Walking around the classroom and monitoring the old-fashioned way, however, is still the best way to ensure that students stay on task. While technology can help, it isn’t a good substitute for paying attention and aware of what is going on in your classroom at all times.

Q: How can I effectively integrate technology into group projects?

A: Using collaborative tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams is a simple way to start. Besides being easy to use and intuitive, there are likely many teachers in your school or district that can give you specific pointers on where to start with either of these tools. Before doing group projects with technology, you’ll want your students to become comfortable using collaborative technologies as a whole.

As your confidence (and that of your students) grows, move technology usage to small groups. It helps to assign roles for each student to add accountability and give them focus when using technology. Consider keeping groups small with only 3 or 4 students max. Too many students in a group can make it more likely for some of the students to be off-task or misuse the technology.

As your students are using technology, walk around to each group periodically and ask how they are doing, if they are having any trouble, etc. Proximity can help them stay on task even if you don’t have specific roles assigned to each student.

Q: How do I integrate technology in a way that is accessible to all students?

A: Ensuring that all of your students have access to resources they need goes without saying. Unfortunately, sometimes we fail to consider that this applies to technology (tablets, cell phones, laptops/Chromebooks, etc.) and even Internet access. Consider adapting these Student Survey Questions for your classroom.

These questions focus on online learning, but can easily be tweaked to focus on using technology as an educational tool with little effort. While I wouldn’t recommend asking all the questions included in the survey, do consider identifying about 10 questions that give you adequate understanding of what your students have available. If your students need accommodations, touch base with your campus special education teacher or counselor for help in identifying and locating such technology.

Q: How do I troubleshoot common tech issues in the classroom?

A: While we joke about ‘restarting the computer’ the best way to troubleshoot technical issues, restarting a computer really does resolve many issues. Once restarted, consider if any changes were recently made to the computer, cables, or peripherals.

Ask your instructional coach, administrator, or technology department if they have a troubleshooting guide for frequently encountered issues. They most likely do! If you are asking for help, it is likely that others have been asking for that same help. Having a troubleshooting guide can go a long way in quickly resolving most of the issues without waiting for a trouble ticket to been process, assigned, and completed.

Also, don’t ignore the talents of you students. They may know how to troubleshoot a common issue because they’ve seen it happen in another classroom or with a previous teacher. Make use of their knowledge and recognize them for their ability to learn and share when possible.

Q: What if the technology fails during a lesson?

A: The question isn’t if it is going to fail but when. It is the nature of technology to act up for any number of reasons. That’s why it’s important to always have a backup plan (e.g., printable worksheets, an offline activity that engages students with the same learning intentions, etc.). Before using new technology, you might check with some of your colleagues to see if they have done what you are wanting to do and if they were successful.

Q: How can I incorporate technology to enhance assessment and provide timely feedback to students?

A: Explore formative assessment tools like Kahoot!, Quizizz, or Formative. Again, this is one of those situations where it’s helpful to ask your instructional coach or technology department for recommendations. They may already have a district or campus subscription that you can make use of which give you many more features than signing up for a personal free edition of a freemium tool.

Above all, as you are considering a tech tool to help with formative assessment and feedback, remember that the technology should not be a distraction to you or to the students. If it is, it may not be the best tool for your situation. We have shared a variety of tech tools for you consider on previous TechNotes blog posts so be sure to scroll through the available post options. You might just find the perfect tool to fit your needs!

A: Educational technology is a huge field that can look very different depending on what subject or grade level(s) you teach, as well as your unique school setting. What works for the elementary math teacher may not work for a secondary special education teacher, just like a middle school ELA reading teacher may have very different technology needs than an instructional coach or the gifted and talented teacher that services all campuses. You’ll want to make use of the following three areas:

  • Establish a local professional learning network of like-minded educators to solicit suggestions, support, and help from. Collaborating with people in your local area can go a long way in your successful technology integration.
  • Follow organizations like TCEA for current trends, easy to use tools, and even instruction on implementing complex technology to meet very specific needs. You can follow the TCEA TechNotes blog for detailed information or lean more towards social media such as @TCEA on X (formerly Twitter) for more succinct but just as powerful ideas.
  • Lastly, consider various professional development that best meets your needs. This can include self-paced online courses, weekly webinars that are recorded for your convenience to go back and review, targeted conferences for specific educator roles (elementary teacher, instructional coaches, librarians, etc.), or larger conventions that offer a ton of content over several days giving you maximum choice and learning potential. Check out TCEA’s Events page, as well as our website resources under Professional Learning, Courses, Collaboration, and more.

Did we miss anything?

If you didn’t find the answer to your specific question above, don’t worry! Just submit your question in the comments section below for an answer from our team. Also, I encourage you to share your favorite strategy for solving technology integration challenges. Your experiences and insights can be incredibly valuable to fellow educators facing similar situations. Let’s build a supportive community where we can all learn and grow together!

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CIPA compliance with learning.com
Digital CitizenshipLibrariesPlanning and PreparationTechnology Applications

CIPA Compliance Made Easy with Learning.com

by Rachel Minton
written by Rachel Minton

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), enacted by Congress in 2000, addresses
concerns about children’s access to harmful online content. It specifically applies to schools and
libraries that receive discounts for Internet access through the E-rate program, which provides discounts to schools and libraries across the United States to help them
with affordable Internet access).

CIPA Compliance Requirements

To maintain CIPA compliance, schools and libraries must focus on several key standards, including:

Internet Safety Policy: Schools and libraries must have an Internet safety policy that includes technology protection measures. These measures block or filter access to obscene, child pornography, or harmful content for minors.

Monitoring Online Activities: Schools must monitor minors’ online activities.

Educating Minors: Schools must educate students about appropriate online behavior, including social networking and cyberbullying awareness. 

Who is best equipped to help schools meet CIPA Compliance? 

We know that Librarians wear many hats throughout the craziness of a school year, but in many ways, they are a great fit for helping schools meet CIPA requirements and bring digital citizenship education to students. The AASL standards include digital citizenship as an important component, so if you can work to align district or school E-Rate goals with your standards and curriculum, students and educators will both benefit from the time saved and added organization.

Plus, Librarians are information and media literacy experts! They have the knowledge and skills to evaluate the credibility and reliability of resources, navigate digital information landscapes and critically analyze media messages. This expertise allows them to guide students in developing the necessary skills to be discerning and responsible consumers of digital content.

Tips for Success: 

Planning 

The most effective planning tactic you can use is communication. Always ensure everyone in the school or district is aware of the plan to avoid confusion. Some districts file E-Rate through E-Rate coordinators or Technology Directors, so my suggestion for librarians or library teams is to select curriculum for each grade level, ensuring that it meets the CIPA for E-Rate requirements and coordinate the plan with the person responsible for filing for E-Rate funds.

Implementation

Make sure that you, or the educators that will be leading the curriculum, have familiarized yourself with the lesson plans and student expectations. Print out any posters or resources you plan on using in the classroom.

Documentation

This is one of the most important steps in CIPA Compliance for E-Rate. It’s vital that you stay organized and document your process in case of an audit. 

For a comprehensive list of all documentation required for E-rate, the USAC website offers an Auditor’s Checklist.

How Learning.com Helps Schools Meet CIPA Compliance Regulations

1. Comprehensive Curriculum

Learning.com offers a K-12 digital literacy curriculum that aligns with CIPA requirements. Educators can seamlessly integrate lessons on internet safety, responsible online behavior, and cybersecurity.

2. Engaging Content

Our interactive modules keep students engaged while building essential digital skills. From multimedia presentations to understanding cybersecurity, Learning.com provides dynamic learning experiences.

3. Professional Development

We support educators too! Learning.com offers professional development resources to keep teachers informed about the latest trends in digital literacy. From on-demand training to webinars and blogs, our Online Training Center has a ton of resources for educators. 

Unlock State Funding with Ease

By using Learning.com to ensure the educating minors aspect of CIPA compliance, schools can more confidently access state funding. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the process, empowering educators to create a safe digital environment for students.

Remember, CIPA compliance isn’t just a requirement—it’s a way for schools and libraries to demonstrate their commitment to creating a safer online environment for students and library users!

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Back to SchoolDigital CitizenshipDigital LiteracyTechnology ApplicationsTEKS

Integrate the 2024 TA TEKS into Your Third Grade Classroom

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

The Texas State Board of Education’s new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications for K-8 students has educators working to update their lesson plans to meet overarching educational goals. This change can feel overwhelming, but implementing the new 2024 TA-TEKS into your elementary coursework just takes some creativity and a little elbow grease! 

NOTE: For information on TA-TEKS for students in kindergarten, first, and second grade, check out our Technology Applications: TEKS for Grades K-2 online course. Keep an eye out for expanded grade level offerings in the near future. 

2024 TA TEKS Updates

The new TEKS list was formally adopted in 2022, but does not take effect until the 2024-2025 school year. With the former TEKS in place since the Fall 2012 semester, members of the board decided it would be more beneficial to set goals for each grade level, rather than banding several grades together as they had done in previous years. Third-grade TEKS, specifically, represent five core strands that include:

  1. Computational thinking
  2. Creativity and innovation
  3. Data literacy, management, and representation
  4. Digital citizenship
  5. Practical technology concepts

The new set of TA TEKS will place a heavy emphasis on problem solving. And, for educators, that emphasis is a great place to focus when creating lesson plans for the new year and beyond.

Three Ways to Use the New 2024 TA TEKS in Your Classroom

When crafting lessons that not only weave technology into core educational goals, but that also follow the required benchmarks set by the state, it’s important to emphasize critical thinking and digital literacy in an age-appropriate way. 

Keep in mind that, even though we’ve honed in on ideas for third graders in this specific article, these lessons can be tweaked and reshaped to fit any late-elementary grade levels. 

Encourage Creativity with Digital Storytelling

2024 TA TEKS strands involved:

  • Creativity and innovation
  • Practical technology concepts

To enable students to utilize technology in fun and creative ways, help them create and share multimedia stories. Start by introducing the concept of digital storytelling. At this point, students should be familiar with the general cadence and structure of their favorite books, so you may consider choosing an existing story to use as the basis for an example project where you share a tale they know and love in a new way. You may also want to provide a list of themes or prompts to help your students brainstorm or encourage them to think outside the box!

Have students utilize storytelling apps like Storybird or Book Creator to build their creations, complete with text, images, and even audio clips. Then have them share their finished projects with the class to encourage public speaking and presentation, skill building that they’ll need later on. 

Spark Interest with Digital Research Basics

2024 TA TEKS strands involved:

  • Computational thinking
  • Data literacy, management, and representation
  • Practical technology concepts

Help students develop priceless research skills by utilizing digital tools and resources to learn more about a fun topic of your (or their) choice. Start by teaching students how to gather accurate data from reliable sources. At a third-grade level, steer them towards education-focused sites like National Geographic Kids or Smithsonian Kids and help them learn to navigate using the search bar and menu. 

You may even want to take it a step further and teach them how to evaluate online sources for credibility and accuracy. Make it fun with some outlandish examples. There was a period in the late 2000s where a certain site listed George Washington as a ninja who had a black belt, so there’s bound to be a silly example to highlight your point somewhere on the web. If you can’t think of one, check the the “Save the Tree Octopus! Helping Students Develop Critical Thinking Skills” lesson plan. Don’t forget to finish the project by having students create a slide deck and present their findings for an added educational bonus.

Foster Critical Thinking with Digital Citizenship and Safety

2024 TA TEKS strands involved: 

  • Computational thinking
  • Digital citizenship

Build on the basic digital citizenship and online safety knowledge students already possess at a higher level each school year. In third grade, start with a discussion on what being a good digital citizen means. You may consider subjects like respecting others online and protecting personal information. Include positive and negative examples in your lesson, and invite your students to deduct whether the example is one of good digital citizenship or not. 

You can also role-play scenarios that highlight safe online behaviors when students encounter potentially unsafe situations online. Include tips on what to do if they encounter or experience cyberbullying, phishing, and more. There are several interactive websites that simulate real-world scenarios that your students can use for additional practice like the FBI’s Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge. 

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K-8 Tech Apps TEKS Free, Editable Spreadsheets with "I can" statements and standards.
Technology ApplicationsTEKS

The NEW K-8 Tech App TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Teachers all over the U.S. are getting ready for summer! Who’s ready? *raises hand* Teachers in Texas are also preparing to implement several new TEKS in the upcoming school year. One area that got an update in 2022 was Technology Applications. Let’s look at the new K-8 Tech Apps TEKS to be implemented in August 2024. You’ll also get some free, editable spreadsheets that include “I can” statements.

What Are the TEKS?

In short, the TEKS are the curricular standards adopted by the Texas State Board of Education. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in each content area for each grade level. State-mandated tests are aligned with these standards to measure student achievement and skills acquisition. If you’d like to learn about other TEKS, take a look at these articles:

About the K-8 Tech App TEKS

The new K-8 Tech Apps TEKS were adopted in 2022 to be implemented in schools across Texas in August 2024. TEA has very clearly outlined the updates and revisions to these TEKS, and here are those updates summarized:

1. The Tech App TEKS are no longer presented in grade level bands (e.g., K-2). Each grade level has its own Tech App TEKS.

2. The knowledge and skills are organized into five strands with coordinating substrands that connect to real-world problems and encourage problem solving :

  • Strand 1: Computational thinking (new)
    • Foundations
    • Applications
  • Strand 2: Creativity and innovation
    • Innovative Design Process
    • Emerging Technologies (introduced in Grade 1)
  • Strand 3: Data literacy, management, and representation (new)
    • Collect Data
    • Organize, Manage, and Analyze Data (introduced in Grade 3)
    • Communicate and Publish Results (introduced in Grade 2)
  • Strand 4: Digital citizenship
    • Social Interactions
    • Ethics and Laws
    • Privacy, Safety, and Security
  • Strand 5: Practical technology concepts
    • Processes (introduced in Grade 3)
    • Skills and Tools

3. Communication and collaboration are woven throughout these TEKS.

4. The terms “with assistance” and “with or without technology” are included to clarify expectations regarding autonomy and technology use.

5. There is an emphasis on the fact that the Tech App TEKS can be integrated into all subject areas. Additionally, schools and districts have the freedom to use them in a “stand-alone course” or embed them within certain courses or subjects.

6. Within the standards, “such as” is used to illustrate examples, whereas “including” alludes to content that must be mastered.

For a breakdown of what is included in each grade level, you can see this slide deck published by TEA.

Screenshot by Emily Horn | “Understanding the Updated in the Revised Technology Application TEKS by TEA

Helpful TEKS Resources

Tech Apps TEKS Freebies from TCEA

As promised, here are some TCEA freebies for you! Below are links to editable spreadsheets for the K-8 Tech Apps TEKS. Within these spreadsheets, you will find a tab for the grade level TEKS and a second tab for “I Can” statements based on the TEKS. Feel free to make a copy of the spreadsheets and use them in whatever way would best benefit you. Is there something else TEKS-related that would be helpful? If so, let me know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.

Free & Editable Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheets
Grade K Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade K Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 1 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 1 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 2 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 2 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 3 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 3 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 4 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 4 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 5 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 5 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 6 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 6 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 7 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 7 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 8 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 8 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet

Additional STAAR and TEKS Articles You May Find Useful

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How Texas Schools Are Integrating the Tech App TEKS with Learning.com.
Technology ApplicationsTEKS

How Texas Schools Are Integrating the TA-TEKS

by Shari Tomlinson
written by Shari Tomlinson

Exciting developments are on the horizon for K-8 schools across Texas as they gear up to implement the new Technology Applications TEKS (Tech Apps/TA-TEKS) in the upcoming school year. With a focus on integrating the Tech Apps TEKS into core curriculum areas, schools and districts are charting their unique paths to ensure seamless adoption and effective instruction.

The essence of the new TA-TEKS lies in their integration into existing curriculum, rather than being taught in isolation. While this vision aligns with a holistic approach to education, many districts are grappling with the challenge of implementation. Understaffing and the rollout of new initiatives are causing administrators to tread cautiously and be mindful of not overwhelming classroom teachers already overwhelmed with responsibilities.

The Benefits of a Phased Approach

Learning.com's Tech App TEKS resources support computational thinking, digital literacy, and creativity.
Screenshot by Emily Horn | Learning.com’s TechApps for Texas

Districts like Deer Park ISD are launching an initiative that unpacks the new Tech Apps TEKS and provides comprehensive guidance for teachers. Kelly Grigg, Coordinator of Instructional Technology, highlights the dual purpose of this initiative: to visually introduce and embed Technology Applications TEKS into teaching practices, and to serve as a checklist for seamless integration across departments and grade levels.

Integrating TA-TEKS into core subjects emerges as a natural progression for many districts. English language arts and science curricula, for instance, seamlessly accommodate elements of the TEKS, fostering a symbiotic relationship between technology and traditional subjects. Moreover, districts with computer labs leverage these resources to cover additional TA-TEKS, supplementing classroom instruction effectively.

The phased approach not only cultivates teacher comfort with the technology curriculum but also sets the stage for broader adoption in subsequent years. Despite varied implementation strategies, the underlying consensus remains steadfast: the imperative to equip students with essential technology skills transcends any challenges encountered along the way.

How Learning.com Can Help

Learning.com offers supporting resources for integrating the Tech App TEKS.
Screenshot by Emily Horn | Learning.com’s TechApps for Texas

At Learning.com, we stand committed to supporting educators in this pivotal journey to implement the new TA-TEKS. The recent adoption of Learning.com’s TechApps for Texas further fuels our mission to empower teachers with equitable and easily implementable resources. From fostering digital literacy to promoting safe and responsible device usage, Learning.com is dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the essential tools to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

As Texas schools embark on this transformative endeavor, we invite educators to join us in shaping a future where technology empowers every learner to succeed. Together, let’s embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and equip our students for a world driven by innovation and digital fluency.

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Technology Applications

World Password Day: A Free Game to Teach Password Security

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

One of my favorite television shows features Jimmy Fallon and Keke Palmer— the Emmy-award-winning show Password. Every day, many of us play our own “Guess That Password” password game as we attempt to log in to one of our many online accounts. This can be hard since, on average, we need to remember 80+ passwords. On World Password Day, let’s make this game a little easier for ourselves.

Author generated flyer with password security tips and link to digital tools
Share this flyer with others | View Digital Tools for World Password Day

Did You Know?

World Password Day organizers seek to promote better password habits. Passwords are critical gatekeepers to our digital identities (source). Doesn’t it make sense to safeguard them?

Passwords in Schools

Business employees have to remember anywhere from 80 to 191 passwords to do their job. Let’s take a look at a relevant audience for K-12 education:

  • The average teacher has over 100 passwords to keep track of. Some have as many as 200 login credentials.
  • School administrators have stronger password and authentication requirements than others because they have more access to confidential student data.

While students don’t have to keep track of quite as many passwords, they do have a few to juggle. Why not teach them the right way to safeguard them early?

What is the impact on students and staff? In schools, staff and students often depend on single-sign-on (SSO) solutions. Those solutions can include ClassLink, which assists over 21 million students and staff. Other options include Clever, Google, and Microsoft.

Did You Know?

You can sign up for the Cybersecurity for Educators (Data Guardian I) online, self-paced course to learn more about safeguarding passwords, data, and digital tools.

Boost Password Security and Awareness

Looking for a quick way to engage students in remembering passwords as a lifelong skill? Why not use a game? Here are three games you can try:

TCEA’s Password Guardian Game

Let’s try another simple game, Password Guardian. The game teaches students about creating strong, secure passwords and using password managers. These concepts align with the Technology Applications TEKS goal of promoting cybersecurity awareness and safe online behaviors. The game incorporates principles of digital citizenship, which is a key focus of the Technology Applications TEKS. Students learn responsible practices like not sharing passwords, using unique passwords for each account, and regularly updating passwords

Canva Version of Game | PPTx, PDF, and Google Slides Version of Game

The goal of this game is for students to learn the benefits of using a password manager. It’s also to learn how to create passwords that are:

  • strong
  • memorable
  • complex

Students at all levels will understand how to craft passwords and protect themselves, their privacy, and their data.

Game Materials

  • Password Guardian game board printout for each team (Canva Version or PPTx, PDF, and Google Slides Version)
  • Game cards with different password creation challenges (include in the game links above)
  • Dice
  • Tokens for each team
  • Password manager information sheet

Setting Up the Game

  • Divide the class into teams of 3-4 students.
  • Assign jobs that include time-keeper, game card reader, die tosser, and scorekeeper. Job roles switch every two moves.
  • Give each team a game board, a token, a set of challenge cards, and a dice
  • Place the password manager information sheet in the center of each group

How to Play

  1. Teams take turns rolling the dice. They then move their token the corresponding number of spaces on the game board.
  2. When a team lands on a space, they draw a challenge card and read the password creation challenge aloud. For example, “Create a password with at least 12 characters, one capital letter, and one symbol.” Discuss why that would be better than your dog’s name.
  3. The team works together to complete the challenge within a two-minute time limit.
  4. If the team completes the challenge, they earn points based on the difficulty. For example, easy (1 point), hard (2 points), hardest (3 points).
  5. If a team lands on a “Password Manager Bonus” space, they consult the info sheet. They share one benefit of using a password manager like Bitwarden or KeePass to earn two bonus points.
  6. The first team to reach the Finish space wins. In case of a tie, the team with the most points is the winner.

The Password Guardian game is shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike license. Let’s work together to help students understand the importance of password security to online safety, and remember to have fun!

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Students can create apps for any type of content quickly and easily with no coding required.
Technology Applications

Student App Development with Glide

by Shane Peek
written by Shane Peek

Our lives are intricately intertwined with mobile devices and apps. From communication to productivity, entertainment to education, we rely on apps to navigate today’s digital landscape. Spend five minutes with a teenager, and you’ll quickly realize this trend is amplified in our students. But while students are consumers of tech, it is important to push students to become active creators in the digital world, fostering vital skills like creativity, critical thinking, and communication. One powerful and underutilized tool that can facilitate this shift is Glide, a free app development platform. Let’s explore this tool and its potential to cultivate digital designers.

What is Glide?

Unlike other app development methods, Glide requires no coding, making it accessible for students regardless of their tech background. With a versatile and user-friendly interface, Glide integrates with spreadsheets, allowing students to work with data and hone their spreadsheet skills. Teachers can upload an Excel spreadsheet, link to Google Sheets, or work within Glide’s platform, but I recommend using Sheets. Teachers create the Sheet and share it with students, who use their Google accounts to add content, edit, and build a mobile or web-friendly product. Glide has a few pricing options and offers Free, Maker, Team, and Business accounts, and you can accomplish a lot with the free version.

Plus, if you feel stuck at any moment, Glide provides robust support with educational clips, a blog, documents, templates, and an active community.  In one class period, students have the potential to collaboratively build a fully functional and informative app! Here is an example where students have made a spreadsheet with info about the solar system. With Glide, they can connect their spreadsheet data and view the information in an interactive app with images and more.

Four Stages of App Development with Glide

Shifting our focus over to integration, how does an educator start an app development project with Glide? For ease of use, we’ll break this into four stages: getting started, linking to a spreadsheet, customizing the app, and publishing the project. Here is a five-minute video to get you acquainted with Glide before we dive in.

1. Getting Started with Glide

A "how to" guide for getting started with student app development using Glide.
Get Shane’s “Getting Started with Glide” Guide | View Presentation | Edit or Download Presentation

Getting started is a straightforward process for teachers. At glideapps.com, sign up on the top right using Google credentials or with a work email. Upon logging in, educators arrive on a simple landing page. Click around and explore before navigating to the top, left-hand side to initiate a new team (e.g., class). While additional features like upgrading, templates, settings, and team member management are available along the lower left side, most educators will not need these extensive features for class projects.

Once a team is started, click “new app” in the main area. Teachers are prompted to select a template type or source of data, and I recommend Google Sheets. In the new window, teachers are prompted to choose a file, which allows Glide to automatically build the framework of the app, as well as instantaneously update the data as students add their research.

2. Building and Linking the Spreadsheet

A pivotal step in the app development process is crafting your Google spreadsheet. Before diving in, consider the following questions:

  • What are the goals of this project?
  • What are students researching?
  • What data will be included in the app?

With these considerations in mind, educators can create a spreadsheet with the end in mind. The answers to these questions may serve as the spreadsheet’s column headers. For example, if students are researching a particular organism, column headers may include “Organism,” “Student Name,” “4 Facts,” and columns for images (here’s a free template). Assign an easily recognizable name to your spreadsheet, then return to Glide and pick up where you left off (new app > select a file). In Glide, locate your spreadsheet and within moments, Glide builds the app framework based on your data. 

3. Customizing the Student App

A "how to" guide for customizing the student app in Glide.
Get Shane’s Complete “Customizing the Student App” Guide | View Presentation | Edit or Download Presentation

Once Glide generates the app layout, a new window opens providing educators with a range of customizations. Along the top toolbar, teachers can rename the app and toggle between the Data, Layout, and Actions tabs. While students edit from the spreadsheet, educators can make adjustments in Glide from the Data tab.

Slide outlining the Data tab function when developing an app in Glide.

The Layout tab offers a fully functional preview and allows for style adjustments such as card or list format. Pro tip: Disable a few options at the bottom right-hand side (i.e., allow users to add, edit, or delete) to prioritize spreadsheet editing over in-app modifications. The Actions tab provides advanced integrations. Feel free to dig into those, but they exceed the scope of this beginner’s guide. 

Slide outlining the Layout tab function when developing an app in Glide.

Additionally, the Settings and Publish options are accessible along the top toolbar to the right. Regarding Settings, explore the Name & Icon, Appearance, and Privacy tabs. You can customize the app’s name and upload an icon. Consider appsmashing with Canva to create a personalized icon using this template. Click on the Appearance tab and have fun with your class – allow students to vote on colors, layout, style, and other customizations.

Slide outlining the Settings tab function when developing an app in Glide.

In the Privacy tab, decide between the following accessibility settings: private, public with a link, or sign-in required. For classroom projects, I opt for public access without sign-in ensuring family members can view students’ creative work, but feel free to keep the project private if you desire.

4. Publishing the Classroom App

Now that students have added their research, what’s next? Publishing the app is the final phase in bringing this project to life! Simply click on “Publish” and you’ll receive a shareable link. Upon selecting “Publish” again, Glide provides a QR code that can be printed for parents or displayed in the hallway for easy access. Educators can also send invites via email. Keep an eye on the Publish button – it may change colors to indicate completion (teal to black). Additionally, you’ll notice new settings (Share, Privacy, Publishing, and Domain) behind the Publish button, allowing for further customization should you decide to make changes later.

Your classroom app can now be shared with students, colleagues, and family members, allowing the world to explore your students’ collaborative effort and hard work!

Ways to Use Glide in the Classroom

Slide with icons for student app development ideas using Glide.
Shane’s Ideas for Using Glide in the Classroom | View | Edit or Download

At this point, I hope app development project ideas are flooding your brain. Here are a few recommendations:

  1. Start Small: Begin with an upcoming unit and experiment with a simple design. Introduce students to the spreadsheet interface cautiously, emphasizing similarities with documents while highlighting unique features. Encourage students to maintain organization within rows and highlight helpful shortcuts like Ctrl+Enter.
  2. Free Activity Ideas: Project ideas are vast with Glide. Anything involving research and sharing information on concepts in science, social studies, or geography is fair game. Students can create apps on the solar system, local organisms, historical landmarks in their backyard, biomes, presidents, states, and more.
  3. Interdisciplinary and Project-Based Learning: Glide lends itself well to project-based learning and cross-curricular projects.
  4. Parent Hub: Schools could leverage Glide to create a centralized hub for parents housing important information, documents, and updates regarding schoolwide events.
  5. Personal Planning: Glide isn’t limited to classroom use, educators also have lives outside of school (despite what our students may think)! Create an app for an upcoming vacation or side hustle, or use your skills to serve a local organization.

The project possibilities with Glide are endless. I’ve only scratched the surface! I invite you to share your ideas and thoughts through X or LinkedIn. Let’s collectively explore innovative ways to harness the power of free app development in education! Remember – it’s not just about teaching, it’s about igniting creativity and curiosity in our students. From simple apps to complex projects, we’re shaping a future where our students aren’t just consumers but creators with technology.

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TA-TEKS Technology Applications and Computer Science Standards
Coding/Computer ScienceTechnology ApplicationsTEKS

What the New TA-TEKS Mean for Texas

by Kelli Erwin, Ed.D.
written by Kelli Erwin, Ed.D.

In the ever-evolving world of education, staying ahead of the curve is crucial, especially when it comes to preparing our students for the future. With the 2022 adoption of the TA-TEKS, there is a shift on the horizon for computer science and technology applications education in Texas. Let’s explore what the new Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TA-TEKS) mean for educators, students, and the entire educational landscape.

Understanding Proclamation 2024

The Proclamation 2024 instructional materials adoption marks a significant milestone in Texas education, ushering in a wave of changes that will reshape how computer science and technology applications are taught in schools. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has worked to create a forward-thinking framework of standards that align with the demands of the 21st century. 

What’s New in the TA-TEKS

The new TA-TEKS, adopted in 2022, reflect a focus on equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in our increasingly digital world. By emphasizing problem-solving, critical thinking, higher-order thinking, and hands-on experiences, these standards aim to produce students who are not just consumers of technology but innovators and creators.

Broadened Curriculum

The revised TA-TEKS encompass a broader spectrum of topics within computer science. From coding and programming to data analysis and cybersecurity, the curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding, preparing students for a diverse array of future careers. By embedding communication and collaboration skills across the strands, it becomes more evident to teachers and students the importance of these concepts across all subjects and environments.

Real-world Applications

The TA-TEKS strongly emphasize connecting theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate projects and activities that mirror the challenges students may face in college or future careers, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter. With the changes in the standards, teachers need additional support to ensure students have not only the knowledge and skills but also the experience to solidify their learning. 

Inclusion of Emerging Technologies

Recognizing the rapid pace of technological advancement, the new TA-TEKS standards incorporate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things. This ensures that students are not only familiar with current technologies but are also prepared for the innovations of tomorrow.

Preparing Teachers for the Change

As Texas educators gear up for this transformative shift, there are several steps they can take to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation of the new TA-TEKS.

Professional Development Opportunities

Learning.com provides TechApps for Texas, a SBOE-approved curriculum for the updated TA-TEKS.
Screenshot by Emily Horn: Learning.com TechApps for Texas Page

Teachers should actively seek professional development opportunities to familiarize themselves with the updated standards, curriculum, and teaching methodologies. Workshops, webinars, and resources designed specifically to support educators in adapting to the changes are a good place to start. Learning.com, a Platinum Partner to TCEA, will be offering a webinar series that walks educators through our newest solution, TechApps for Texas. TechApps for Texas is a computer science and technology applications curriculum that has been adopted by the Texas SBOE (State Board of Education). 

Collaboration and Networking

Building a supportive community of fellow educators is invaluable during times of change. Collaborating with colleagues, attending conferences, and participating in online forums enable teachers to share insights, strategies, and best practices for integrating the new TA-TEKS into their classrooms. TCEA’s annual convention and exposition will be held in Austin in February. It’s a great way to meet fellow educators and build deeper levels of support. 

Access to Updated Resources

The Texas State Board of Education has released its official list of adopted instructional materials to support teachers in implementing the new TA-TEKS beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. As the only state-adopted curriculum meeting 100% of the TA-TEKS for all grades K-8, Learning.com is committed to providing educators with the tools they need for success. Take advantage of the available resources, like this guide created by the TEA, to understand the newest TA-TEKS. 

TEA TA-TEKS Guide
Access TEA’s Guide

The TA-TEKS adopted in 2022, and the instructional materials adopted as part of Proclamation 2024 herald an exciting era for computer science and technology applications education in Texas. The new standards reinforce the high value that educators have in shaping the future of their students. By embracing the changes introduced in the new TA-TEKS, teachers can empower their students to become proficient problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and leaders in the digital age. Through collaboration, professional development, and access to cutting-edge resources, Texas educators are well-positioned to navigate this transformative journey and prepare their students for success in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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AndroidAppleiOS Tips and TricksTechnology ApplicationsWeb 2.0 Tool

Unleash Your Wanderlust: 12 Essential Apps for Summer Travel

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Are wanderlust and sunscreen on your list as your two summer essentials? Whether you’re hitting the road or organizing your dream summer escape, I’ve curated a collection of 12 apps for summer travel planning that will sprinkle some extra magic on your plans. Get ready to embark on thrilling adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime with these apps at your fingertips!

1. Road Trippers

Image of Roadtripper home page

Buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready for your next road trip. Do you love road trips but find yourself dreading planning all the nitty-gritty details? Here’s the perfect solution for you: Road Trippers! This app will become your ultimate road trip companion, taking care of all the tedious planning so you can focus on the fun stuff. From mapping out the best routes to uncovering hidden gems along the way, Road Trippers has your back.

2. Whatshalfway

Image of What'sHalfway.com, a great app for summer travel planning

Searching for the perfect spot to meet friends halfway for lunch? Planning a long summer trip to catch up with family? Fret not. The ultimate solution has arrived for you. Whatshalfway will pinpoint the exact halfway point based on time or distance and select an ideal meetup spot. Don’t waste any more time searching aimlessly – head over to Whatshalfway.com and make your meetups or road trip stops an absolute breeze!

3. Texas Historical Marker Guide

Traveling in Texas? Don’t miss out on the incredible Texas Historical Marker Guide app. For the mere price of $2.99, this app is a treasure trove of information on over 16,000 markers scattered throughout the state. What’s more, it works seamlessly even when you’re offline, ensuring you never miss a fascinating piece of history. And here’s the cherry on top: it helps you track your progress, making your exploration even more rewarding. 

4. Gas Buddy

Stay one step ahead of your fuel needs with Gas Buddy. This nifty app assures you’re always in the know about the closest gas stations and the best fuel prices around. Plus, it goes the extra mile by offering handy tools to help you budget for gas, enhance your gas mileage, and even keep track of your fuel consumption. 

5. Roadside America

Image of Roadside America's home page. It's an app that can assist with summer travel plans.

Discover the quirkiest roadside attractions across the U.S. with Roadside America! This app is perfect for summer travel planning. It’s your key to offbeat and kitschy treasures along your road trip. It’s a collection of the most unique and photo-worthy spots. Explore museums, murals, tours, and even quirky restaurants. Roadside America is available for $2.99 on iOS only.

6. iExit 

Image of iExit app for summer travel planning

Don’t let the whirlwind of exit signs at 70 mph confuse your road trip pit stops. Say goodbye to backseat drivers with the iExit Interstate Exit Guide app. This handy tool tells you exactly what’s ahead on your route, from snacks and drive-thru lattes to public restrooms. It covers it all – food, lodging, fuel, and even hospitals. Best part? The app is free to download on both iOS and Android.  It’s a great addition to your apps for summer travel!

7. Recreation.gov

Image of recreation.gov homepage

Are you a fan of national parks and public lands? This app puts the power of exploration at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking to book a weekend getaway or plan a cross-country road trip, Recreation.gov is all you need. Discover and reserve campsites with ease. Get ready to get outdoors.

8. AllTrails

Love hiking, biking, or simply going for a walk? Look no further than AllTrails, the ultimate app to help you uncover incredible trails based on your location. With AllTrails, you can access reviews, save trails you’re eager to explore, and even keep a record of your completed hikes. The choice is yours: share your adventures publicly or keep them private.

9. TripTik by AAA

Plan your perfect summer road trip with TripTik by AAA. Enter your starting and ending points, and decide how many stops you want to make. It will customize the entire trip, including breaks. The app is free to use, even without AAA membership. Hit the road with confidence. This app for summer travel planning is a lifesaver.

10. Signal

Image of Signal homepage

If you’re traveling abroad this summer like my co-worker friends, Charlene and Emily, download this one first. Say goodbye to international fees with Signal because all Signal calling and messaging is done over the internet and encrypted. Plus, they’re a nonprofit, just like TCEA. 

11. Wi-Fi Map

Stay connected while traveling with Wi-Fi Map. Discover free WiFi hotspots with an interactive map and offline mode. When using the offline mode, you’ll see a list of all the hotspots with passwords in your chosen area. You can also contribute to the app by sharing new hotspots in the places you visit. Only available for iOS.

12. Wiman

Image of Wiman App for summer travel WIFI homepage

Don’t worry, Android users. I didn’t forget about you. Wiman is your go-to app for all the fantastic features of Wi-Fi Map. Discover free WiFi hotspots, enjoy an interactive map, and access the offline mode with ease. You can even join the community and share locations, too.

I hope these apps make your summer travel planning easy and breezy. If all else fails, keep calm, and summer on! 

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