Information Literacy, Technology & Media


Information literacy, technology and media are hot topics for many schools, especially concerning the library. As a former 4th grade teacher and now elementary media specialist, I am seeing more and more how important and relevant these topics truly are. With our students in grades 3-5 one-to-one with Chromebooks, teaching and guiding students to properly find valid information is more important now than ever.

P21, the Partnership for 21st Century Learning, has “developed a unified, collective vision for learning known as the Framework for 21st Century Learning” (The Framework) (P21, 2015). This Framework focuses on building a productive, well-rounded learner in all areas of life. It “describes the skills, knowledge and expertise students must master to succeed in work and life” and  blends “content knowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacies” (P21, 2015). Many researchers have realized in order to be successful, students not only need core academic knowledge, they must also be able to communicate, think critically, solve problems, and collaborate with others. When schools combine what they already do (standards, assessments, etc.) with the Framework, students are more engaged and graduate as successful members of society.

In addition to core academic content and key subjects, the Framework focuses on the following areas:
  • Learning and Innovation Skills
    • Creativity and Innovation
    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
    • Communication and Collaboration

  • Information, Media and Technology Skills
    • Information Literacy
    • Media Literacy
    • ICT (Information, Communications and Technology Literacy)

  • Life and Career Skills
    • Flexibility and Adaptability
    • Initiative and Self-Direction
    • Social and Cross-Cultural Skills
    • Productivity and Accountability
    • Leadership and Responsibility



So, what does all of this mean for the elementary librarian? Although the Framework is not a set of standards, we must integrate its philosophy with age-appropriate standards and lessons. Librarians must work not only with students, but the faculty as well, to stress the importance of information literacy, creativity and collaboration, and leadership. As we were taught when becoming educators, self-reflection is essential if we want to make strides, grow, and be successful.

Although I am an elementary school librarian, I must stay informed about all aspects of literature, information literacy, technology, and digital/media in order for me to have a balanced information diet.  I currently have a technology assistant, which I love, but I feel that in the future, my job will be focused more on technology and less on circulation. Unless I have a complete understanding of these topics, I will not be able to teach the students and faculty I am entrusted to educate.

References:

American Library Association. (2015). “Framework for information literacy for higher education”. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework

Framework for 21st Century Learning. (2015). Retrieved from https://blackboard.sc.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-12634683-dt-content-rid-86934134_2/courses/SLIS761-J30-SPRING-2019/P21_framework_0515.pdf

P21 Framework Definitions. (2015). Retrieved from https://blackboard.sc.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-12634684-dt-content-rid-86934138_2/courses/SLIS761-J30-SPRING-2019/P21_Framework_Definitions_New_Logo_2015.pdf

The Liturgists Podcast. (2017). Fake news & media literacy. [podcast]. The Liturgists Available at: http://www.theliturgists.com/podcast/2017/3/7/fake-news-media-literacy. [Accessed 29 January 2019].  

Comments

  1. MoriahFebruary 1, 2019 at 6:18 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. MoriahFebruary 1, 2019 at 6:20 AM

    Hi Jayme,
    You make a great point by stating that we need to stay up-to-date on current trends in the library, no matter if it applies to our current setting or not. We never know when our given setting will change or when our setting will change physically and move to a different age category or a varied audience/patron list. Also, you mention you have a technology support person. That's great! I think it's easy to believe librarians are alone, but that shows we have people helping us and willing to help us when we need it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ashley_Anderson_SLIS761February 1, 2019 at 7:23 PM

    Great post, Jayme! I agree that it is extremely important for us to have an understanding of technology and be able to give students meaningful experiences with technology. I see us moving to teaching more technology in the future. We must be the example from which they follow. I also Google and I am finding myself being more selective in what I read. It is interesting that just bringing this to the forefront can make use more aware and allow us to find the real news to share. Just like with food once we cut out the bad and make this a habit, we will continue to find the real news for our students and our personal information.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Steve & JeannieFebruary 2, 2019 at 10:02 AM

    I completely agree that this framework is set up to be easily integrated into our standards. We are often the hub of the school working with teachers and students for information gathering. This makes it ever more important for us to be clearly versed in information literacy.

    ReplyDelete

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