Week:  Nov 8-14

Essential Question:  How do the ISB TAIL Standards fit in with content learning and instruction happening in classrooms at ISB?

We were asked to analyze the ISB Technology and Information Literacy (TAIL) Standards and determine where they fit in with content learning, age appropriateness, and assessment design. How can teachers and schools ensure that their students are learning what they need when it comes to Technology and Information Literacy?

A lot of our table discussion centred around whether or not the word technology ought to even be on the ISB TAIL Standards.  I wonder if the word technology were not there, then some teachers may still not embed technology into their classroom practice with many of the standards. However it would be virtually impossible to collaborate or communicate globally without the use of technology unless you are really stubborn and determined to complete these kinds of tasks using old methods (and I’m thinking about snail mail here).

As I’m a Grade 5 teacher (with a shameless plug (aka: hyperlink) to our class blog) I looked at the 3-5 Learner Profile. Our current Grade 5 team is doing an amazing job of providing students with a variety of experiences with technology – from individual blogs, class blogs, using flip cameras, iMovie, Garageband, creating podcasts and wikis to name a few.  Whilst some of the team are still becoming comfortable with the use of technology in rich and authentic settings, it is the willingness to try, the flexibility and the genuine belief in the power of technology’s use in Education that will enable Grade 5 students to become successful technology and information literate students.

There’s a very informative and practical wiki growing on the web already.  The NET.S Implementation Wiki.  Ideas, suggestions, rubrics and and resources are being added by real teachers in real classrooms to show a variety of ways that can help us ensure that students are learning what they need when it comes to Technology and Information Literacy.