New York State Learning Standards
for Mathematics, Science, and Technology


Standard 2: Information Systems

Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.


Key Idea 1

Information technology is used to retrieve, process, and communicate information and as a tool to enhance learning.

Performance Indicators (Benchmarks)

Elementary Level Students:

  • use a variety of equipment and software packages to enter, process, display, and communicate information in different forms using text, tables, pictures, and sound.
  • telecommunicate a message to a distant location with teacher help.
  • access needed information from printed media, electronic data bases, and community resources.

Middle Level Students:

  • use a range of equipment and software to integrate several forms of information in order to create good quality audio, video, graphic, and text-based presentations.
  • use spreadsheets and data-base software to collect, process, display, and analyze information. Students access needed information from electronic data bases and on-line telecommunication services.
  • systematically obtain accurate and relevant information pertaining to a particular topic from a range of sources, including local and national media, libraries, museums, governmental agencies, industries, and individuals.
  • collect data from probes to measure events and phenomena.
  • use simple modeling programs to make predictions.

Commencement Level Students:

  • understand and use the more advanced features of word processing, spreadsheets, and data-base software.
  • prepare multimedia presentations demonstrating a clear sense of audience and purpose.
  • access, select, collate, and analyze information obtained from a wide range of sources such as research data bases, foundations, organizations, national libraries, and electronic communication networks, including the Internet.
  • students receive news reports from abroad and work in groups to produce newspapers reflecting the perspectives of different countries.
  • utilize electronic networks to share information.
  • model solutions to a range of problems in mathematics, science, and technology using computer simulation software.

Key Idea 2

Knowledge of the impacts and limitations of information systems is essential to its effective and ethical use.

Performance Indicators (Benchmarks)

Elementary Level Students:

  • describe the uses of information systems in homes, schools, and businesses.
  • understand that computers are used to store personal information.
  • demonstrate ability to evaluate information.

Middle Level Students:

  • understand the need to question the accuracy of information displayed on a computer because the results produced by a computer may be affected by incorrect data entry.
  • identify advantages and limitations of data-handling programs and graphics programs.
  • understand why electronically stored personal information has greater potential for misuse than records kept in conventional form.

Commencement Level Students:

  • explain the impact of the use and abuse of electronically generated information on individuals and families.
  • evaluate software packages relative to their suitability to a particular application and their ease of use.
  • discuss the ethical and social issues raised by the use and abuse of information systems.

Key Idea 3

Information technology can have positive and negative impacts on society, depending upon how it is used.

Performance Indicators (Benchmarks)

Elementary Level Students:

  • describe the uses of information systems in homes and schools.
  • demonstrate ability to evaluate information critically.

Middle Level Students:

  • use graphical, statistical, and presentation software to presents project to fellow classmates.
  • describe applications of information technology in mathematics, science, and other technologies that address needs and solve problems in the community.
  • explain the impact of the use and abuse of electronically generated information on individuals and families.

Commencement Level Students:

  • work with a virtual community to conduct a project or solve a problem using the network.
  • discuss how applications of information technology can address some major global problems and issues.
  • discuss the environmental, ethical, moral, and social issues raised by the use and abuse of information technology.