Technology Integration
Information Literacy
The School Library Media Center – The Place to Start
The school library media center is no longer just a place for books. Today’s schools have virtual library collections, online catalogs, network connections to classrooms, access to resources from home, media production centers, television studios, and professional Media Specialists who work with teachers and students through the research process. This process is the heart of information literacy.
School Media Specialists are knowledgeable of this process and the curriculum and provide the leadership and support of connecting the research process, resources, and curriculum objectives. A great place for information about today’s media programs and the role of Media Specialists in learning and teaching, information access, and program administration is the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Their web site offers a wealth of information as well as examples of best practice. Don’t miss their publications Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning and Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning. Visit the AASL web site at http://www.aasl.org.
Partnerships for Success
The Partnership for 21st Century Learning has created a framework that defines a vision for learning to strengthen our schools. Check out www.21stcenturyskills.org to see how the framework was developed and to learn about the partnerships among K-12 schools, communities, higher education, and business.
The framework defines 6 major components: core subjects, 21st century content, learning and thinking skills, ICT literacy, life skills and 21st century assessments. There are several tools on the web site to help you assess your school in relation to the framework.
ICT literacy is defined as
“…the ability to use technology to develop 21st century content knowledge and skills, in the context of learning core subjects. Students must be able to use technology to learn content and skills – so that they know how to learn, think critically, solve problems, use information, communicate, innovate and collaborate.”
The School Library Media Center is the place to begin creating learning opportunities that build ICT literacy skills. Collaborations among Media Specialists, Technology Coordinators and Classroom Teachers create powerful instructional opportunities for students.
What are information literacy skills? The School Library Media Center – The Place to Start Resources for Information Literacy Information Literacy Publishers and Researchers |
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