Technology has an integral role in the performance standards of these content areas. The purpose of these standards is to identify information and technology competencies for all students throughout the PK-12 curriculum. The competencies are designed to be integrated into the various content areas of the school curriculum. National Educational Technology Standards Goals 2000 launched the nation on a course of school improvement through a process which focuses on high standards for student performances and development of local, state, and national plans for their achievement. Technology has been specifically identified as an area which must be addressed in these school improvement plans.
Information literacy is the term being applied to the skills of information problem-solving.
Quite often, these tools include databases, computers, networks and peripherals. Two related terms are education technology and technology education. Education technology includes the broader spectrum of tools that can enhance learning, e.g. televisions, copiers, overhead projectors, and microfiche readers. Technology education is a discipline with a curriculum which includes transportation, communications, manufacturing and construction. Students access current information via CD-ROM or the Internet.