Remember that your site librarian has specialized training in teaching critical thinking skills and developing information literacy. And for even greater effectiveness, a flexibly scheduled library program with collaboratively taught lessons allows for dynamic grouping, targeted instruction, peer support and cuts the teacher/student ratio in half!
Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
Number of replies: 13
In reply to Annette Lynn Finkelstein
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Pam Betten -
LYnn - Thanks for the great reminder. I think we have tremendous potential with many of our librarians as we move to integrate technology in meaningful ways and i think we need to step out of the box to really make use of the resource.
In reply to Pam Betten
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Jennifer Flores -
Using librarians flexibly is a 2nd order change that can only benefit those schools which still don't choose to do so, but it involves getting past the teacher-centered concept of equity and planning time, to the student-centered issues of who needs what help and when. I've done my best with my shotgun approach to teaching basic tech skills in the library, tied to a fixed schedule, for ages appropriately K-5, but if students don't have an opportunity to use what they've learned in a meaningful way, at home or at school, then whose time has been wasted?
On a more positive note, I see this initiative as a way to emphasize the acquisition and use of information ethically and critically to engage in authentic problem-solving in a variety of formats.
In reply to Annette Lynn Finkelstein
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Deleted user -
The librarians are a wonderful resource. The librarian at our school helps teachers in the classroom as well as in the library with teaching technology. The librarian and the fifth grade team have looked at the standards and where the students are struggling, then she helps to enrich these standards using the technology in the library. She finds resources for us to use and always welcomes students into the library to use the computer lab or the net-books. For example, she has set up Skype in the library to show the students this amazing resource. That is just one example. We are very lucky at Liberty to have just a wonderful, helpful librarian.
In reply to Deleted user
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Lily DeBlieux -
Librarians need to be media specialists and help teachers and students alike. We need them as an extra resource to help with the technology initiative. A flexible schedule would be wonderful. I hope funding allows us to do that.
In reply to Annette Lynn Finkelstein
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Edna Hernandez -
We must stop looking at our librarians as another way to get 30-40 minutes of planning time. We are doing our students a disservice by not giving our librarians the time to develop (on their own or collaboratively with teachers) lessons that are meaningful and that focus on developing critical thinking in our students. Each of our schools is lucky to have a librarian, let's take advantage of their expertise in teaching and technology.
In reply to Annette Lynn Finkelstein
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Debra Ann Garcia -
I totally agree that we need to bring in librarians to address these HOTS. The librarians are very knowledgeable of how to integrate many of the skills we need to support our students in the 21st skills. Thanks for reminding us of this important position and its role in supporting this initiative.
In reply to Annette Lynn Finkelstein
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Amanda Larriva -
Our librarians are great resources. Elvira's has always integrated technology into her lessons and now that each student has a laptop they now bring them with them to library. They may spend about 5-10 minutes checking out books but the rest of time students are learning how to use office programs, organize files, etc. I am very thankful that our librarian is integrating technology and teaching our students computer basics. It has helped to make my job a bit easier.
In reply to Annette Lynn Finkelstein
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Dedee Lyngstad Brown -
The SUSD librarians have jumped into the computer initiatives with both feet. Our librarian spends the great majoirty of her time with 5th graders teaching the technology standards during their library time. She also utilizes the 12 computers available in the library with other grades to prepare them for 1:1 in future years. Thanks for all you do to support student learning and teacher instruction!
In reply to Dedee Lyngstad Brown
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Anna Warmbrand -
We have great librarian at Craycroft. She teaches reading, math, and technology skills to our students. She is a collaborator who is always looking out for the students best interests. She is an experienced teacher who also manages our library. With the new technolgy for our 5th graders she is eager to assist in any possible.
In reply to Annette Lynn Finkelstein
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Deleted user -
As I said in my response to this chapter, it is a challenge to plan and work with technology and information literacy skills for so many different levels of students all in the same week. I think all of us struggle with using the available technology and resources to the benefit of our students. It would be helpful to observe and work with others throughout the district in peer coaching situations.
In reply to Annette Lynn Finkelstein
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Amelia Roed -
I am always amazed by the work our site tech/librarian/computer teacher can accomplish. She is a great resource and a hub in our school. I like the idea of teaching side by side and cutting those ratios but also realizing that with the library she can do things that may not be possible in the regular classroom. Planning time is important but it may in fact cut down planning time if the skills and ideas are passed to students and teachers alike.
In reply to Amelia Roed
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Anne Urban -
You make a good point about planning time and the value of having someone working collaboratively with you to meet the standards who can help to support enrich your practice. It is not funding but creativity and the ability to think outside the box that usually is holding us back from really using the rich resources we have in this district!
In reply to Anne Urban
Re: Critical thinking and digital/information literacy skills development
by Deleted user -
Our librarian is consistently providing teachers with collaboration for lesson implementation using digital resources, and updating teachers with posts on resources available for instruction. She also brought in an author through skype that interacted with classrooms about a book they had authored. She continually educates herself on current advances in technology and helps teachers and administrators with building their knowledge. As other people have commented we do need to look at our librarians for more than a break in our schedule and a true partner in the student learning that can occur with technology.