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It is imperative that schools implement the NETS today. We live in an increasingly technological world. Currently character education has been gaining momentum in my school. It is every teacher’s job in the school to model and engage students in the core values so it becomes not just procedural but behavioral. Likewise, all teachers should be applying the NETS and AASL standards. After reading the AAL and watching a video of a lesson where fourth graders researched the rules of debating, it has me reflecting on the practices
and use of information literacy in my own classroom.
The website Route 21 defines information literacy as:
- Accessing information efficiently and effectively
- Evaluating information critically and competently
- Using information accurately and creatively
This means that students need to be interacting with text in different ways today. With easier access to a multitude of resources, students need to be able to
think critically about what they read from the validity of the source to
perspective and purpose to synthesizing for new ideas. Furthermore when we give students the opportunity to be engaged in inquiry-based learning, we are
teaching them to be resourceful and collaborative.
I have noticed that there has greater emphasis is being placed on reading nonfiction today. While we have a unit on nonfiction reading in my grade level, I try to drum up more excitement for nonfiction by scheduling every day 10 as “Expedition in Nonfiction.” After watching the video from S.O.S. for Information Literacy of fourth graders who researched the rules of debating, I realize that the next step is to create more inquiry-based activities where students can work collaboratively. For example, I could have them research geographical and historical facts about Taiwan from safe sites. Students could pick a place or landmark of their interest and research it together. In their group, they can compare information from several sources and create travel brochures or a book to teach children about Taiwan.
I think the NETS and AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner provide a framework and common language for educators to use. Standards and benchmarks were once explained to me as being the signposts along the road for student learning. They’ve helped educators to improved curriculum design. Likewise, I think the NETS and AASL Standards will provide teachers with a clear direction for applying technology skills and ethics across the school.
