The essential elements of digital literacies: Doug Belshaw at TEDxWarwick

Bost, Danielle

IL

*[Tedx Talks]. (2012, March 22). The essential elements of digital literacies: Doug Belshaw at TEDxWarwick [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8yQPoTcZ78.

Video describes 8 essential elements of literacy.

I found this highly useful as a newcomer to the teaching field.

Media Literacy - 14 Apps for Kids Who Think Reading is Boring"

MaryLee Helm

IL

Common Sense Media. (2017). 14 Apps for Kids Who Think Reading is Boring. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/14-apps-for-kids-who-think-reading-is-boring?j=5163384&l=512_HTML&u=78020539&mid=7000332&jb=509&utm_source=072117+Default&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly#

Browse through the apps, read a short synopsis of each, and decide whether it's something that could benefit your students (or children). They are all rated and can help you determine whether it's the right one for your situation.

Since we all created a Symbaloo account and started our webmix, the apps may be possible resources to add. There's something for all grade levels, so give it a look and hopefully you'll find something that appeals to you and your students.

Teaching Black Lives Matter

Thompson, Ayana

IL-Media Literacy

Austin, P., Cardwell, E., Kennedy, C., & Spencer, R. (2016). Introduction: Teaching Black Lives Matter. Radical Teacher, 106. doi:https://doi.org/10.5195/rt.2016.340

Summary: The author shows how teaching Critical Information Literacy (CIL) differs from Information Literacy because it involves skills in the reader being able to discern information in  the context of racial and social contexts. From this vantage point, information takes on a new form, and cannot be separated from its roots, often in injustices.  

Rating: This was an excellent take on evaluating information in the 21st century.  As racism is so deeply rooted in the fabric of our educational institutions, it has blocked voices of marginalized and disadvantaged populations from the information systems we place value on.  Today, social media plays a critical role in bringing these voices to the forefront and must have its place among other valid forms of media.

Wikipedia and Media Literacy

IL- Media Literacy
Kelly Karst

Hefner, A. (Host). (2017, April 1). Literacy and fake news. The Open Mind. New York, NY: Public Broadcasting Service.

This interesting PBS interview with Wikimedia Foundation executive director Katherine Maher covers topics related to participatory information sharing. Wikipedia strives to create a trustworthy space for users and creators to go to by not relying on advertising or tracking individual user statistics. Their platform allows anyone to participate in creating and editing articles within guidelines that encourage reliable secondary sources and also encourages the community to fact check and report any inconsistencies. It is a space anyone can access with any spark of inquiry and whose information is linked in order for users to be able to deepen their knowledge in their preferred topic. Wikipedia hopes that instead of a society holding highly polarized views with arguing talking heads in mass media, that we follow our curiosity to develop critical thinking skills and empathy to create open minded dialogue that finds a root in our common human experience.

Also, Katherine Maher was my grandmother's name!

Standing on a Corner

Amanda Rude

IL, CO

HARLAN, M. A. (2014). Standing on a corner Retrieved from http://libaccess.sjlibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lls&AN=98973023&site=ehost-live&scope=site

This article explores the various  accessibility issues of rural schools and proposes possible interventions to address them.  These issues contribute to the problem of a growing digital divide between these students and students from more urban areas.  This article addresses the equity issues created by geography.  But, it is interesting to note that many of these same issues could be encountered by students from low-income areas as well.

Truth, truthiness, triangulation: A news literacy toolkit for a "post-truth" world

Andrea Phillips

IL

Valenza, J. (2016, November 26). Truth, truthiness, triangulation: A news literacy toolkit for a “post-truth” world [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://blogs.slj.com/neverendingsearch/2016/11/26/truth-truthiness-triangulation-and-the-librarian-way-a-news-literacy-toolkit-for-a-post-truth-world/

Summary:

This post from Joyce Valenza's blog NeverEnding Search discusses the role of librarians in helping students navigate information landscapes in a post-truth world. Post-truth is defined as appeals to emotion and personal belief as having more influence in shaping public opinion over objective fact. Valenza cites the 2016 Stanford study showing that students have difficulty distinguishing between information and sponsored content on online sources, and a Pew Research study that showed most adults get their news on social media. She provides an extensive list of resources to help teacher librarians build news literacy (and information literacy) into their curriculum.

Evaluation:

This article discusses the importance of school librarians in teaching students how to think critically about the content their come into contact with online. Furthermore, the list of resources Valenza has curated provide helpful, concrete resources for teacher librarians to incorporate into instruction. Valenza’s blog in general is a useful tool for teacher librarians. This post in particular identifies useful resources and gives examples of how those resources can be implemented.

Computational Thinking and Media & Information Literacy: An Integrated Approach to Teaching Twenty-First Century Skills

DiZazzo, Cynthia

IL

Gretter, S., & Yadav, A. (2016). Computational Thinking and Media & Information Literacy: An Integrated Approach to Teaching Twenty-First Century Skills. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 60(5), 510-516.

Summary:

In this article, the authors discuss methods that combine creativity with critical analysis, utilizing skills of computational thinking and information literacy to “provide an all-encompassing continuum of 21st century skills” (Gretter & Yadav, 2016, p. 510). The authors describe complementary skills from the College Board CSP framework and the UNESCO framework  and relate these skills to seven big ideas: creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the internet, and global impact. Finally, they promote the use of Scratch, a programming tool that blends aspects of computational thinking and information literacy while being flexible enough to appeal to a variety of students.

Evaluation:

Although very dense, the information about computational thinking and media and information literacy provided in this article was very detailed and enlightening. Many of us acknowledge that students need to possess research skills, utilize technology tools and be adept at understanding the messages of media in order to find, evaluate, interpret  and synthesize information. However, these authors further insist that educators have a responsibility to encourage students to become knowledge creators, rather than apathetic bystanders who consume information without contribution.

Alicia Morales

CO

C-Span Classroom, C-Span retrieved from http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/ on November 28, 2016.

Summary: This is educator resource website, it includes lesson plans, news articles, archived articles, historical video clips, political campaign lesson plans, and they have other links to great educator websites.

Evaluation: I really enjoyed this site, this 2016 campaign was very difficult to cover in the classroom. It was difficult to find websites/resources to help support the teachers I was working with, however CSPAN provided what in my opinion was unbiased resources. Their debate coverage lesson plans were especially good. This is a great tool to use to approach content teachers, there is opportunity for co-teaching  and collaboration experiences here.

Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) Skills Curriculum Based on the Big6 Skills Approach to Information Problem-Solving

Dizazzo, Cynthia

IL

Eisenberg, M., Johnson, D., & Berkowitz, B. (2010). Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) Skills Curriculum Based on the Big6 Skills Approach to Information Problem-Solving. Library Media Connection, 28(6), 24-27.

Summary:
In this article, Eisenberg, Johnson and Berkowitz (2010) describe the Big6 skills and express the need for the integration of technology into content areas, providing a curriculum for using ICT skills in combination with inquiry-based learning. As the authors explain, “the end result of technology literacy is not knowing how to operate technology, but rather to use technology as a tool for organization, communication, research, and problem solving” (Eisenberg, Johnson & Berkowitz, 2010, p. 24).

Evaluation:

This article eloquently defines and describes the Big6 skills needed by students in order for them to use technology tools in a flexible, creative and purposeful manner. A curriculum that integrates technology with information literacy skills is detailed. Teachers and teacher librarians can utilize this curriculum to promote technology competence in students while applying an information problem solving model. Descriptions of student proficiencies within each of the Big6 skills is particularly useful.

Teaching Information Literacy Now by Laura Gardner

Alicia Morales

IL

Gardner, L. (2016). Teaching Information Literacy Now. School Library Journal. Retrieved on November 29, 2016 from http://www.slj.com/2016/11/industry-news/teaching-media-literacy-now/#_

Summary:  This article discusses a study from Stanford University whose results indicate that students are not properly prepared to differentiate between fact or fiction while using online resources. This election cycle has taught everyone the value of pointing out "fake news". The author also reflects on her own teaching strategies/lessons and realizes that in a world that is saturated in online news, her methods of teaching students to approach news sources is outdated.

Evaluation:  This article is very timely not just to what everyone is discussion (election news) but also is timely with regards to the relevance of librarians. What I enjoyed about this article was not just the discussion on the terrible consequences "fake news", but I appreciated the strategies that were shared - this article has helped me evaluate my approach to teaching the review of resources. I have found a useful lesson plan in this article.

Changing the Conversation about Librarians: A TEDx talk by Mark Ray

Jeff Johnston

Ray, Mark.  (June, 2016) "Changing the Conversation about Librarians" TEDxElCajonSalon.  https://youtu.be/IniFUB7worY

Summary:  How do we move from the librarian of the past (shhhh!) to the librarian of the future.  What skills does (s)he possess?  What does the library of the future look like?  In CA, less than 10% of the schools have specialized librarians.  What can school librarians do for a school?  Connecting librarians to the strategic plans, staff development, technology implementation, and curriculum of the school and district creates an invaluable resource.

Evaluation:    Teacher librarians are an essential element for a successful school.  Being in a school and district in the midst of a 1:1 technology device implementation, Ray's advice is timely:  librarians are teachers.  We have to be on the forefront of digital citizenship, information literacy, and curricular integration.  I really love the idea of a tech "Genius Bar."

Digital Libraries Postive or Negative

Shibrie Wilson

CA- Who Decides
IL- Analysis and Synthesis
IL-Media Literacy
IL- Other Literacies
IL- Integrated or Separate

The Good News and the Bad News. (2015, May 24). Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/blogs/annoyedlibrarian/2015/05/14/the-good-news-and-the-bad-news/

Summary: There is a constant debate among librarians regarding going digital. Many traditional librarians are opposed to materials being accessible to patrons digitally. The issue that some librarians prefer that patrons access library physically and not accessing just on website. Since libraries are constantly competing and defending its relevance we must continue to offer innovative content and materials for patrons. Individuals are seeking after materials in which they can access online without coming to a physical library. This article focuses on different arguments from across the board from those who fully support a digitized library. Some librarians are ready to change the stereotype associated with library of it being boring and just for purpose of "reading books." Libraries will continue to remain relevant due to preferences of different persons, according to article. 

Reflection: I resonated with this article because it is frustrating to think about different aspects of library and where it will leave professionals. There are different aspect because as professionals we must continue to provide innovative ideas in order to compete with technology. Yet, downside to such is that it can possibly eliminate our jobs. 

The Best Animation Tools, from CrazyTalk and Toon Boom to Free Web Apps

Alan Phelps

IL

Stern, J. (2011, May). The Best Animation Tools, from CrazyTalk and Toon Boom to Free Web Apps. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/2011/05/reviews/tech/the-best-animation-tools-from-crazytalk-and-toon-boom-to-free-web-apps/

Summary

This is a good informative review article discussing online animation tools and some of the ways they are being used in schools. The article talks about the importance of schools giving students a creative outlet and tools to express themselves but the bulk of the article is a review of the best pay and free online animation tools. CrazyTalk and ToonBoom were selected as the best pay tools and they recommend quite a few free online sites like AniBoom and CreaToon 3.0 as two of the best. They also review and recommend some non-animated comic strip creation tools that look fun and interesting.

Evaluation

I liked this article because it was non biased and informative. It gave good concise information on each tool or website and explained what they liked and disliked about each. I am particularly interested in this because next year I want to begin creating a maker space in the high school library at which I am the TL. Over the course of the next few years I want to use part of the library space for drawing, digital storytelling, animation, video making, and someday, maybe even 3-D printing. I will refer back to this article when I am ready to begin work on this space. While this article is from 2011 I think it is still relevant but I need to look into the recommended sites and tools to see if they are still at the top.