The beginning research steps involved reviewing the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), other states’ student technology standards, and individual counties in Florida with student technology standards. The collected data was then transformed into standards and benchmarks that align with the NETS and specifically meet Florida’s needs. Next, stakeholders from the state were identified from attendees at the Florida Council of Instructional Technology Leaders conference. They attended a session to review and provide feedback on the student technology standards and benchmarks. An Advisory Group was created from the original stakeholders meeting along with other instructional technology specialists in Florida who did not attend the conference.

An expert review panel was developed from a small select group of educators with advanced technology skills.  Once the Advisory Group had reviewed and refined the standards and benchmarks, they went to the Expert Review Panel for a final set of revisions and approval.  The indicators were then developed from suggestions provided by the Advisory Group, and middle school teachers within the state.  The expert review panel compiled all of the suggested indicators and narrowed them down to the most grade level appropriate and relevant.

The advisory group will continuously provide feedback and act as liaisons between their individual districts for large-scale data collection. Districts have reviewed standards and benchmarks and responded via an online survey.  By using this method, over 500 people in education will have provided their opinions.

After the feedback was gathered and evaluated, the indicators were modified in order to create items for the tool. So far, most of the feedback has been positive, and all of the responses have been significantly helpful in the development process.