LIBE 477 Part C: Summarizing and Sharing

Resources for Inspiring the Implementation of Digital Literacy and Web 2.0 Skills

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In the past few blog posts I have explored many areas within digital literacy and the BC ADST curriculum. Through this process I have expanded my basic understanding, as well as focused my intentions in this area. To help me better pinpoint my direction for meaningful inquiry, I have had many discussions with colleagues around my inquiry questions. Researching this topic has helped me realize that the best direction for me proceed with involves feedback from those that I work with. Collaboration is key in our roles as teacher librarians, and much of my reflection seems focused on not only developing my own skills in this area, but also on supporting fellow colleagues. Upon reflection of my research and experiences to date, I recognize that I would like to focus on how I can facilitate knowledge around digital literacy, specifically web 2.0 tools, that can be effectively taught and utilized by staff members and students in my school. The focus with web 2.0 tools will be to engage student learning while enhancing teacher’s lessons and skills.

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This week’s blog is an annotated list of resources that I have found particularly useful in my research and exploration in digital literacy. I have examined a number of journal articles, web sites and blogs, and have found value in all forms of resources. Using the umbrella term “digital literacy” yields an enormous number of resources. When refined to “web 2.0 tools in the classroom” the results are fewer. There are still many results with this latter search term, however I found that many of the articles were from 2011 or earlier, and/or restricted to specific forms of technology such as 'blogs' or 'wikis.' Many of the articles are beneficial despite the earlier date, although I focused on finding resources that are more current. This impacted my final decisions when compiling resource selections.

Finding a balance between types of resources was important to me, as I want to have easy-to- navigate, current options, that highlight and showcase tools that can motivate immediate use in classroom teaching, while also including research based articles. I have therefore selected a mixture of resources that I feel benefit my immediate professional growth, yet can also be valuable for colleagues.

~Resources: Annotated Bibliography~

"7 Smart Ways to Use Technology in Classrooms"

Hailey Reissman is the editorial coordinator at TEDx. In this article, she highlights grade 3 educator Kayla Delzer, who discusses realistic ways that teachers can implement apps and technology tools into their teaching programs using a “student teaching student” model. Reissman and Delzer believe that “technology can truly revolutionize education — but only if educators make wise choices about what is used and how it’s used.” A combination of expertly and passionately stated ideas, with technology tips and a link to Delzer’s TED talk, makes this an excellent resource for beginners. An importance is placed on using technology in meaningful ways. Apps and tools are recommended for purposes of invoking creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. This is a resource that inspires deep thinking about digital technology and planning for 21st century learning. Below is Delzer's TEDx Talk, "Reimagining Classrooms: Teachers as Learners ad Students as Leaders."

Reissman, H. (2017, September 14). 7 smart ways to use technology in classrooms. Retrieved from https://ideas.ted.com/7-smart-ways-to-use-technology-in-classrooms/

"50 Powerful Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom"

This website has many current web 2.0 tools that are organized into the following sections: fun websites, presentations, resources, screencasting, and video/podcasting. The home page defines web 2.0 tools and lists ways and reasons to use such tools. Each app/tool has a brief introduction with step by step instructions for use. It is clearly and concisely laid out and easy to navigate. This is a good choice for those who are new to this technology and are looking for recommendations for quick implementation. There are many tools that I am interested in using but have not yet fully explored, which is a helpful addition to my personal toolbox.

EdCanvas - 50 Powerful Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/a/eastholmesschools.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-web-2-0/presentations/edcanvas

"Academic Librarians' Use of Web 2.0 Tools and New Media to Promote Students' Information Literacy Skills"

Barbara Blummer, a reference librarian from Maryland, and Dr. Jeffrey Kenton, a professor specializing in curriculum and instructional technology, have published many articles regarding technology integration and academic outcomes. This particular article, “Academic Librarians' Use of Web 2.0 Tools and New Media to Promote Students' Information Literacy Skills,” discusses teacher librarians’ use of technology and the impacts of web 2.0 tools in learning environments. Specific research findings serve as good discussion points for staff who are embarking on technology inquiries, with research-data backed resources. This article is clearly laid out, with sub-headings and it concisely explains research supporting to use of web 2.0 tools in the classroom. Many references are listed for further reading.

Blummer, B., & Kenton, J. M. (2015). Academic Librarians' Use of Web 2.0 Tools and New Media to Promote Students' Information Literacy Skills. Journal of Education Research, 9(2), 151–175. Retrieved from
<http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eue&AN=1121
66225&site=ehost-live&scope=site>.

“ClassroomScreen: A Useful Tool You Can Use Tomorrow!"

This is one resource that I discussed in my previous blog post. Kathleen Morris, a primary teacher from Australia has an extensive web site referring to many aspects of digital literacy. I discovered her page on twitter, and note that many fellow teacher librarians share her ideas and resources. The page is organized in the following sections: newsletters, blogs, digital literacy and research skills. Current ideas, tips, discussions, lesson plan ideas and colourful posters are all easily accessible. Specific tools are showcased through the blog posts with step by step instructions for efficacy and use. Overall, this resource is well laid out, easy to navigate and is a wealth of resources and knowledge.

Primary Tech by Kathleen Morris: Technology in the Classroom Made Easy. (2019, September 17). Retrieved from http://www.kathleenamorris.com/

Common Sense Education

Common sense education is a comprehensive resource. It offers general information, reviews, and tools for all aspects of digital literacy. There are tips, videos, lesson plans, topic toolkits, detailed app and tool descriptions, and articles. While there are numerous aspects of this resource that make it an excellent choice, I am including it primarily for its EdTech tools and reviews section. Many current web 2.0 tools are included in this section with pros/cons reviews from educators that highlight real tips for implementation and uses in teaching. Each app or tool has recommended grade levels, detailed explanations of ways to use the technology, as well as a “take a look inside” option for previewing. The sections “How can I teach this,” “What is it,” “Is it good for learning,” give a good sense of the tools for educators. I feel that this a go-to resource for me to introduce to my colleagues who are just beginning to add technology options and tools to their teaching.

Common Sense Education. (0AD). Retrieved from https://www.commonsense.org/education/

MediaSmarts

MediaSmarts is a comprehensive website that encompasses current, fundamental components of digital literacy/media literacy. Such campaigns such as “media literacy week,” are showcased on the website. It targets several audiences, with information and resources geared for educators, parents and students. Material is organized into specific sections such as: digital & media literacy, research, teacher resources, parent section, and blog section. It contains a Canadian Digital Literacy Framework, broken into grade levels for easy reference. The research section has many components, including well referenced and current articles and studies that range from issues such as cyberbullying, to digital citizenship, to using technology in the classroom. While this resource is comprehensive and takes time to explore, it is valuable for a wide range of users.

There is one article accessible from MediaSmarts titled "Connected to Learn: Teachers' Experiences with Networked Technologies in the Classroom" that peaked my interest immediately. It is lengthly, and one to digest over time, but is one that I will continue exploring.

MediaSmarts. (n.d). Retrieved from
http://mediasmarts.ca  http://mediasmarts.ca/sites/mediasmarts/files/publication-report/full/ycwwiii_connected_to_learn.pdf

“Nurturing Young Readers: How Digital Media Can Promote Literacy Instead of Undermining It.”

This is an article by Levine Guernsey that examines how the use of technology can enhance and promote literacy. The topics discussed underscore serious debate currently occurring about the amount of screen time that children are accessing today. As discussed in Will Richardson’s book "Why School?," it is a topic that is not only relevant when discussing digital literacy and the addition of web apps and tools, it is imperative. For this reason, I decided to explore and include articles that speak to this topic. Richardson speaks passionately and reasonably about the subject, and this article serves as a valid counterpart.

Guernsey L, Levine MH. (2016). Nurturing Young Readers: How Digital Media Can promote
Literacy Instead of Undermining It. American Educator, 40(3), 23-28. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1115515&login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site

LIBE 477 Reading Review Part B

Literature Research and Data Review:

 Delving Deeper into ADST/Digital Literacies

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My previous blog post was centered around brainstorming specific areas that I’d like to explore more with technology and digital literacy in the library. My thoughts have been primarily focused around examining ADST curriculum on a deeper level with the intent of extending my own practice, as well as supporting my colleagues in the classroom.

This week’s search has led me through multiple forms of information and has prompted me to broaden my ideas around ADST and digital literacy. Supporting my colleagues seems to keep rising to the forefront, which means I need to have a better grasp of all it entails. I know that I want to explore more web 2.0 tools, but to fully embrace those I need to expand my overall understanding. I discovered that I was trying to compartmentalize components of ADST when I really could be connecting them, at least at this stage. I needed to step back into the broader topic of digital literacy and connect what I have learned to what I need to learn, alongside with what I know can be supported by my district DRC.

The NTCE (National Council of Teachers of English) has established 21^st century literacies that our learners must be proficient in to be “literate” and successful in our ever-changing technological world. As Will Richardson points out in his book Why School? this is proving difficult to achieve, as many of the new 21^st literacies are not focused on standardized tests, haven’t breached traditional learning ideas, nor are they on all of our educator’s radars in terms of instructional practice. After contemplating this again, and again, over the past week I decided to approach a variety of resources around ADST and Digital literacy, with more of an open-mind.

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What does digital literacy really encompass? A quick Google search, brought me to a brief article from Education Week, "Digital Literacy: An Evolving Definition." This was an excellent starting point, as  it complements the NCTE 21^st century literacies well,  and can be used both for new understandings as well as discussions with classroom teachers who are new to this area and eager to embark on new learning. I particularly like the discussion about finding and consuming digital content, creating digital content, and communicating and/or sharing digital content.

Please see link for further reading. 

Considering the importance that Richardson and the NTCE have placed on 21^st digital literacies I was curious to see what information exists from the BC Ministry of Education (in addition to the ADST curriculum). The BC Ministry of Education has a Digital Literacy BC page, with a Digital LiteracyFramework-guiding document in PDF format. This Framework defines digital literacy and outlines connections to BC curriculum. It is a short, concise document that is broken into sections, with grade level bullets for ease of information. It nicely supplements the ADST curriculum, and can be used in discussions with teachers for collaborative projects and ADST opportunities. I have copied the framework, and added it to my collection of resources to share with staff in an effort to share learning in this broad area.

While browsing my twitter feed, the following poster caught my eye, and led me to  Kathleen Morris’ blog: Kathleen Morris:Primary Tech-Helping Teachers Create Digitally Literate Global learners. 

Kathleen is a primary teacher from Australia, who has been blogging since 2008. Her blog is current, and is a wealth of resources and knowledge. I could get lost in here for hours! This is one of my favourite resources so far, as it is rich with information regarding many aspects of digital literacy and ideas.

Searches through EBSCOhost and ERIC have produced a few articles of interest. One article, "Web 2.0 and you," from Knowledge Quest, although dated (2009), is a survey from media specialists, which provides motivational reasons and examples for implementing various tools into educational programs. It is a quick read with valuable sources for further investigations. I will continue my search through the databases as my inquiry becomes more focused.

I chose to include the following two videos, from Youtube, that I found to share with colleagues who are interested in learning more about digital literacy and ADST. They are both good introductory videos that give the basics, while showing the importance of using and teaching digital literacy skills. One is narrated, while the other is sub-titled, and I can see both of these being impactful for different colleagues that I work with.  

~Thank you for taking the time to read along with my thoughts. I feel like I'm a little all over the map compared to last week but I need to explore more before I can pinpoint exactly where I want to focus. I am enjoying my ADST/DigitalLiteracy learning journey. There are so many paths to take~