Digital Literacy.

Although I think that our district is moving toward  helping staff and students become digitally literate, I think that staff has a ways to go as a whole to become more comfortable in this area.  Once staff are literate they  will then be able to help students become more digitally literate and be able to comfortably and efficiently accomplish what is explained below about digital literacy.

http://digitalliteracy.us/

• The ability to use digital technology, communication tools or networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information. ¹
• The ability to understand and use information in multiple formats from a wide range of sources when it is presented via computers. ²
• A person’s ability to perform tasks effectively in a digital environment... Literacy includes the ability to read and interpret media, to reproduce data and images through digital manipulation, and to evaluate and apply new knowledge gained from digital environments. ³

Media literacy is a 21st century approach to education in which the Center for Media Literacy defines as:

• a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, create and participate with messages in a variety of forms — from print to video to the Internet. Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression necessary for citizens of a democracy. ⁴

The following are some links that would help educate staff on digital literacy, the importance of it and how to become more literate for staff and students.


http://www.medialit.org/media-literacy-definition-and-more

In doing so, teachers must help students become responsible digital citizens. Mike Ribble has two great books about this topic. Check out Raising a Digital Child and Digital Citizenship in Schools to learn more, both available at www.amazon.com.

http://www.p21.org/

Resources

1. Digital Strategy Glossary of Key Terms http://www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz/Media-Centre/Glossary-of-Key-Terms/ accessed August 21, 2008.
2. Paul Gilster, Digital Literacy, New York: Wiley and Computer Publishing, 1997, p.1.
3. Barbara R. Jones-Kavalier and Suzanne L. Flannigan: Connecting the Digital Dots: Literacy of the 21st Century; http://connect.educause.edu/Library/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/ConnectingtheDigitalDotsL/39969
4. Center for Media Literacy http://www.medialit.org/media-literacy-definition-and-more
5. Toward a New Golden Age in American Education: How the Internet, Law, and Today's Students are Revolutionizing Expectation, National Education Technology Plan 2004, U.S. Department of Education, http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf
6. http://www.P21.org

Two Digital Citizenship elements that stick out to me as important topics we could cover at our school are Digital Etiquette and Digital Literacy. It seems that digital etiquette is needed for all...including students and staff. I believe this is something that needs to be taught and addressed on an ongoing basis.

I want to talk about digital literacy. I am speaking from my perspective, as well as my personal needs.  I am surprised all that is available to us through the digital world. I learn something new everyday about what is out there from creating your own magazine to share to twitter.  It seems impossible to keep up.  There are tools for our organization, tools for our learning, tools for sharing and communication, etc. 

First, as teachers I think we have to be exposed and made aware of the what is available digitally.  I think this should be done through the modeling of our administrative staff. If they are using tools with us then we see how they are being used.  

After taking the class 21 things it opened my eyes to a wide variety of tools in the digital world.  I may have not learned how to use each tool but now I know they are out there. Teachers would benefit from knowing.

I wonder if each teacher was paired with a tech mentor for the year...a fellow teacher who is comfortable and confident?

I believe the culture of the school would benefit from teachers taking time to share what they are using in their classroom and the benefits of it...with the large group.

Besides teachers being aware and having a go to person, they have to have time and direction to play with and prepare to use and set up some of these tools. Sometimes it is just getting through something one time.


As I researched Digital Literacy, again was overwhelmed by the number of resources available.  The link below as just one site I found to have several valuable links.



http://www.scoop.it/t/digital-citizenship-in-schools

Michigan Online Learning Requirement

It is reassuring to know after reading through the Michigan Online Learning Requirements that our district is addressing them.  I have been in the district for a year. 
At our building we have adopted that all students will have devices in hand this school year. 
A training is being offered to all teachers with pay on the 21 Things for Teachers this summer to help prepare teachers to effectively use on line learning with students.
Our district has been given a grant through Verizon to help educate our staff to use online learning. 
Our tech team is continually sharing websites with teachers that would be good to use with students. 
Students have access to their grades and personal school information through a portal.
I have also had information passed along about a district Moodle for teachers to be part of to share ideas.

There may be more happening than I am aware of.

Systematic Improvement Data Warehousing

I looked at Data Warehousing, especially IGOR.  Our district in Greenville is utilizing this tool.  At our school we were introduced to IGOR to look at classroom and district math scores.  We had enough time to determine that we can track an individual, a class and our school to see where they or we are at, how they or we have improved and how they or we compare to the district when it comes to state assessments, as well as other assessment tools we are using to assess and progress monitor.  There were many reports to view.  I need to look more into this tool.  I do feel that it can help me to see how or why an individual is struggling and for how long they have been.  I can see how my classes are doing compared to the district.  I am sure there is much more.

This is a secure site.  We were able to get a login in through our district.  The FERPA applies as this information through IGOR is part of the students education record.

Critical Evaluation Process

We all look things up on the internet and assume it is truthful and worthy.  I do it daily.  The questions on this evaluation tool helped me to focus on looking for key elements...some that are quickly seen. I learned that when you open a site the technical and visual aspects should be addressed right a way.  I believe when we open sites we read what is there and we do not question the validity.  I do not think students are aware or skilled at how to determine if it is.

If we are asking students to research anything we need to walk them through the process and help teach them how to ask themselves these questions from the evaluation tool. We first need to educate, educators in how to do this and what to look for.

Research and Reference tools

I found Haite's work extremely valuable!  I actually was not surprised by what I saw as to what is effective in achievement.  The information on feedback and remediation with feedback I experienced in my math intervention class this year.  I found it to be the most effective learning tool we used. It seemed to give students responsibility for their learning.  It helped them know what they knew and didn't know.  It helped them to then ask the questions they needed and it motivated them.

It was neat to see the power of direct instruction as an effective tool.  It seems that teachers are always looking for the next new way to teach and I believe it is important they know the value in direct instruction.
Interesting to see that class size does not impact achievement as much as you might think.
Last, computer assisted instruction was near the bottom.  I think educators have to be careful as this is becoming a larger part of instruction.  It does not effect achievement all on its own nor does it effect it as much as some may think. This is very important in our district that we educate our selves on how to use computers effectively as a learning tool.
 
Looking at What Works...I was surprised that Every Day Math was rated at an 11.  Our school district has used this for a long time and we are not producing like we should.  It is interesting to see that The University of Chicago math Project 6-12 has a rating of 23! Our district quit using this at the middle school. As we look into what tools to use it is extremely important to check out this kind of research.  I am surprised how a company can sell you a product and convince you. 

UDL

The Universal Design for Learning Guidelines and the way they are presented has helped to give me a clearer and more specific understanding of how to reach all learners as I plan my lessons.  The way that the information has been broken down and specified will give me a guideline to follow as I create lesson plans using multiple ways of teaching, learning and assessing.  For me...the awareness of these Learning Guidelines will improve my instruction. I appreciate the organization of the 3 parts...Representation, Action and Expression, and Engagement.  As I looked through the checklist I was able to identify what I am doing well, what I need to do more intentionally and what I need to become educated on. 

Even though it may seem obvious to have teachers to begin with the end in mind, I believe often teachers get wrapped up in the planning of a great lesson and the lesson itself instead of the main learning goal or objective.  It seems that we as teachers believe that if we have covered the material in a fabulous way that the students must have grasped it.  Sometimes I think we try too hard to be creative instead of being real focusing on the goal and how students learn....being afraid to only be the facilitator.

It intrigues me that if we can focus and learn more about how students learn that we could be more effective than we think. The idea of the teacher becoming the facilitator and providing the tools for the students to take responsibility for their own learning is empowering!

Through out the guidelines it continues to express options....This seems like the most effective way of reaching all learners.

Do we really need technology in the classroom?

I do believe that technology being used in the classroom is a must with this generation.  It would be like using the chalk board, white board or Elmo along the way as we have been as a learning tool. As the Common Core Standard states...we must help students be ready for life in a technological society. Outside of the classroom it is how students are learning.

 Using the technology as a tool to learning can increase motivation, interest, speed up the learning pace, connect students to a multitude of resources and give them ownership of their learning that is self directed.
"Students need to be “self-directed learners, effectively seeking out and using resources to assist them, including teachers, peers, and print and digital reference materials.”

As far as what would be possible with technology that otherwise wouldn't be.... the Internet has accelerated the speed at which connections between speaking, listening, reading, and writing can be made, requiring that students be ready to use these modalities nearly simultaneously

When making mathematical models, [students] know that technology can enable them to visualize the results of varying assumptions, explore consequences, and compare predictions with data. Mathematically proficient students at various grade levels are able to identify relevant external mathematical resources, such as digital content located on a website, and use them to pose or solve problems. They are able to use technological tools to explore and deepen their understanding of concepts.
 

 To a teacher who is reluctant to use the technology it is probably because they are not familiar with using it themselves and do not know how to implement it.  I would suggest to them they first become comfortable with it and encourage an open mind for students to help lead the way.

Getting Organized

I really do actually appreciate tools that help you stay organized...it's been a bit of a process getting there!  I did go ahead and sign up for Delicious, Doodle and the Calendar.  I will use the calendar first to see how it works with my family then hope to use it in the fall with the three T.A.'s in my room.  I am again, excited about all this learning!

My Vision Statement

My own personal vision for education including the role of technology…

If I ran our school system…… It is empowering to be asked this question! I have to start out by sharing that I am returning to the public school system after 13 years of being away from it and working in ministry. I will take my experiences, my intuition and my beliefs to develop the most effective system I can imagine….yet I can’t say it will be based on research.

First, the system would have a shared vision K-12 that all come around, staff, parents, students and community. The vision would lead the way for all decisions. This vision would be present in all buildings and communicated regularly to all.

There would be cohesion and a team atmosphere that was positive, supportive and focused on the goal K-12. The elementary, middle school and high school would not seem like separate entities but would be one team working together. The buildings would all be on the same campus.

Curriculum: is an overwhelming question. I believe that I would include how to be a productive citizen K-12. Expectations would be clearly identified and communicated in a positive way. These expectations would include staff as well. Academics I am not sure at this point I could narrow down. The curriculum goals would be identified and communicated with the learning community.

Teachers: Teachers are carefully chosen who have the following characteristics….have a passion and knowledge for learning, teaching, their specialty, best practices, classroom environment and the age of the child they desire to work with. Having the right people in the right places is crucial. The teacher’s role is to create an effective learning environment, create lessons that engage, motivate etc and where students feels safe and can take risks. The teacher then facilitates learning.

Students: Are in and out of the classroom interacting with other ages and in the community to see how their learning is relevant. School is in session year around with a week off here and there and two weeks in the summer. Students are initiating and responsible for their own learning . They are developing the questions, doing the thinking and exploring via technology. They are problem solving and seeing the need to learn additional skills.

Assessment: The learning goals would be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the content and learning styles. I believe the learning would be assessed in the application of the content or skills as much as possible. I do believe there needs to be more ongoing checks of progress across the board for every maybe 4 times a year system wide to see if progress is being made toward the end goals.

Technology: With limited knowledge I believe that minimally students would have unlimited access to use it in ways that would motivate, engage and support their learning. I would also hope they would learn to use it as a network for learning, as a resource and using it in ways they would use it in their own lives and careers some day.

TLA TAL - Getting Started

I am looking forward to learning more about professional networking, ways to use technology and become more savvy. I am hoping to learn ways to use technology in the classroom.  This will be a big learning opportunity for me.