Navigating the New TEKS for Technology Applications Standards with STEAM Learning

Staying ahead of the changes within edtech is no small feat for teachers. In Texas, the recently updated TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) for Technology Applications (TA) standards represent a significant shift in how schools approach digital literacy, problem-solving, and technology integration. These changes prioritize hands-on, interdisciplinary approaches to teaching technology, making STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) more vital than ever.

But how do educators integrate STEAM learning into schools while keeping up with these new standards?

In this article, we’ll explore the key updates to the TEKS for Technology Applications and demonstrate how Strawbees can help you implement STEAM learning seamlessly and effectively.

What’s New in the TEKS for Technology Applications?

The revised TEKS for Technology Applications emphasizes real-world applications of technology. While previous standards focused more heavily on specific software or tools, the new guidelines focus on teaching digital fluency and critical thinking.

Key Changes in the TEKS (TA) Standards

The revised TEKS for Technology Applications emphasizes real-world applications of technology. While previous standards focused more heavily on specific software or tools, the new guidelines focus on teaching digital fluency and critical thinking. Below are the key changes in the TEKS (TA) Standards.

1. Focus on Computational Thinking: Computational thinking is now a cornerstone of TEKS. This means teaching students to approach problems logically, break them into smaller parts, and develop algorithms to solve them.
   
   
2. Emphasis on Creativity and Innovation: Encouraging students to use technology creatively to design, develop, and innovate, directly supports STEAM learning, particularly the integration of arts with traditional STEM subjects.
   
   
3. Increased Collaboration and Communication Skills: Highlighting the importance of students working collaboratively, both in-person and in virtual settings, while leveraging technology for effective communication.
   
   
4. Alignment with Real-World Applications: Lessons must focus on preparing students to apply their skills in real-world contexts, including digital citizenship, ethical technology use, and career readiness.
   
   
5. Hands-On, Project-Based Learning: Project-based Learning (PBL) encourages students to actively engage with technology through hands-on exploration and problem-solving.
   
   
6. Inclusivity In and Out of the Classroom: Changes to the standards have been constructed to include educators, administrators, students, and parents, emphasizing everyone’s shared role in building a supportive learning environment.
   
   - Educators: Empowered to create inclusive, engaging learning experiences.
   - Administrators: Key to fostering a supportive environment for implementation.
   - Students: Gain critical thinking skills, STEAM foundations, and tech exposure.
   - Parents: Support learning by encouraging STEAM activities at home and providing resources.

These updates are a big step forward in preparing students for the changes to the workplace in the 21st century—but they also present challenges for educators. How can teachers and schools keep their curriculum engaging, aligned, and impactful with these new requirements?

The emphasis on computational thinking, creativity, and collaboration makes STEAM learning the perfect framework for meeting the new TEKS standards. STEAM integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into interdisciplinary projects, helping students develop critical thinking, communication, and confidence—the very skills the new TEKS require.

STEAM learning isn’t just about teaching isolated skills; it’s about fostering a mindset. For educators, this means finding flexible and creative ways to implement the updated TEKS standards through engaging, hands-on activities, such as Strawbees.

How Strawbees Helps Educators Integrate STEAM Learning into Schools

Strawbees kits and online resources (Strawbees Classroom) align well with the new TEKS standards, empowering students to create, code, and experiment with their ideas. Designed for learners of all ages, Strawbees combines physical construction with digital tools like micro:bit and programmable robotics to make STEAM concepts tangible and accessible.

For further clarity, here’s how Strawbees supports educators in navigating the new TEKS for Technology Applications:

1. Promoting Computational Thinking
   With Strawbees, students learn computational thinking in a hands-on way by building models and coding them to perform specific tasks. Students can construct and program robots by integrating micro:bit to code sensors and motors in creative, meaningful ways. Breaking this process into smaller steps allows each student to practice algorithmic thinking individually or collaboratively.
   
   
2. Creativity and Innovation
   Encouraging open-ended exploration that allows students to think outside the box and bring their ideas to life. For instance:
   
   - Students can design structures, machines, or artwork using Strawbees, combining engineering principles with artistic expression.
   - By iterating on their designs, they learn to innovate and improve, meeting the TEKS focus on creativity and innovation.
   
   
3. Supporting Collaboration and Communication
   Strawbees projects are perfect for group work, collaboration and communication. Teachers can design activities where students:
   
   - Work in teams to build large-scale Strawbees models, such as bridges or prototypes of cityscapes. 
   - Present their creations to the class, explaining their design process and coding decisions.
   - Encourage further development and learning outside of what is seen as the ‘traditional’ classroom.
   
   
4. Integrating Cross-Curricular Learning
   Strawbees projects naturally blend multiple disciplines, making it easy to meet the TEKS for Technology Applications while reinforcing other subject areas. Examples include:
   
   - Science & Art: Creating bio-inspired designs such as insect wings or plant structures, while learning about biology and geometry
   - Math & Engineering: Teams can calculate load distribution when building bridges, applying geometry and physics principles.
   - Coding & Storytelling: Programming robots to act out scenes from literature, combining coding with creative writing.
   
   
5. Enabling Project-Based Learning (PBL)
   The TEKS focus heavily on Project-Based Learning (PBL), and Strawbees is the ultimate PBL tool. For example:
   
   - Students can tackle real-world challenges, like designing a structure to withstand simulated earthquakes.
   - Teachers can develop open-ended challenges, such as “build a vehicle powered by a motor,” to encourage innovation and teamwork.

Professional Development for Teachers: Navigating the Transition with Strawbees

Adapting to these new standards can be challenging, but Strawbees provides resources to support educators through three critical resources:

1. Curriculum-Aligned Lesson Plans: Strawbees offers pre-designed lesson plans that align with educational standards, including TEKS standards.
   
   
2. Online Guides and Tutorials: From how-to videos to coding guides, Strawbees provides a wealth of resources through Strawbees Classroom, the online platform,  to help teachers feel confident in using STEAM tools. These resources not only make the transition to the new TEKS easier but also empower teachers to integrate STEAM learning into their schools with confidence.
   
   
3. Teacher Training Workshops: Educators can attend hands-on training to learn how to implement Strawbees effectively in their classrooms.

The updated TEKS for Technology Applications standards place an exciting emphasis on computational thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, all of which align perfectly with the goals of STEAM education. By integrating Strawbees into your classroom, you can meet these new standards in a hands-on, engaging way while inspiring students to explore, create, and innovate, preparing them for success in the 21st century.