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The standards describe the clear skill goals for each unit.
Northstar Lesson Plan Routines
Northstar Lesson Plan Routines
Source: Northstar Teacher's Guide (PDF)
Warm Up
Warm Up
Each lesson begins with a warm-up. These activities allow the instructor to discover what learners may already know. This may also be an opportunity to introduce a new concept to begin the lesson. Warm-ups often involve pair or small group discussions allowing learners the chance to share with their classmates and build schema for the work ahead. Teachers may also choose to use this time to pre-test learners on the corresponding Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment module.
We will learn...
We will learn...
This is an opportunity for the instructor to share the objectives for the lesson in learner friendly language to help set goals for learning. It is recommended that instructors share the objectives with learners visually and read them aloud, taking time to explain any new words or concepts. Communicating goals is motivating and grounding for adult learners.
Model & Explain
Model & Explain
Here the teacher models the new skill for learners while explaining how they are doing it. Learners observe during this time and may engage by answering quick check-for-understanding questions from the teacher. Learners should not work on their own computers during MODEL & EXPLAIN. This is an opportunity for learners to see the skill modeled by the instructor. Working on their own computer simultaneously would make it challenging for learners to give their full attention to the teacher. This portion should be kept short, in line with the lesson plan, to avoid overwhelming learners.
Do It Together
Do It Together
The teacher asks the class to restate the steps used to complete the digital literacy skill that was modeled and explained. To support learners to restate the steps, the teacher may prompt the class with questions. For example, “What should I do first?” “Do you remember how to __________?” This is an opportunity for the class to talk through a skill before trying it.
Pair Explore
Pair Explore
Digital literacy is developed through practice. For mastery, learners need dedicated opportunities to experiment with new skills on the computer. This section of each lesson supports learners in building their capacity for problem solving and asking for assistance from teachers and peers. In this section of the lessons, learners are building their confidence to try a skill on their own. Allow learners space to explore these skills with a partner without step-by-step guidance from the teacher. Check out this Supporting Pair-Explore Guide for more support.
Task
Task
Learners utilize the skill/s learned to complete a real-world task, such as filling out a form to apply for a job, or performing an Internet search to find the best price for an item. Tasks are mostly independent, though some ask learners to work with a partner for additional support.
Vocabulary Work
Vocabulary Work
Here learners will practice vocabulary that has been presented throughout the lesson. Having vocabulary work come at the end of the lesson, after words have already been introduced and practiced, allows learners to have context for the words they are practicing. Each lesson plan contains a maximum of seven vocabulary words- this ensures that mastery of new digital literacy vocabulary is manageable. This section will allow teachers to check for learners’ understanding of the terms presented in the lesson.
Wrap Up
Wrap Up
This is a final check in with learners. It may be an opportunity for review of the learning, a time to reflect on skills learned, or a short check for understanding. It is important to leave time at the end for this closure activity for learners to reflect on what they have accomplished. You may also wish to refer back to the We will Learn section at the end of class, to reflect with learners on the objectives of the lesson. This is also an opportunity for teachers to post-test learners on the corresponding Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment module.
Classroom Wall Signs for Digital Literacy
Classroom Wall Signs for Digital Literacy
These were made by ALP Digital Literacy instructor Lauren Neuman!
English Integration Guide
English Integration Guide
Strategies to include Digital Literacy in English classes.
Teacher Resource Guide Integrating Digital Literacy Skills into Core Content.c4fed92880b4.pdfFrequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum?
What is the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum?
● The Northstar curriculum is aligned with the following standards: the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, College & Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (CCRS) and the ACES Transitions Integration Framework (TIF).
● The Northstar curriculum supports adult learners in meeting the requirements of the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments.
● Lesson plans are learner-centered and interactive. The lessons give learners multiple opportunities to build digital literacy skills through practice tasks and application of skills.
● Lesson plans are independent of each other and are not required to be taught in sequence. They can be taught in order, or teachers may choose lessons for their class based on desired instruction for specific skills or standards.
How much time will each Northstar Lesson Plan take to teach?
How much time will each Northstar Lesson Plan take to teach?
● There are currently 12 curriculum units available for instructors. The curriculum unit topics available are: Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows 10, Mac OS, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Social Media, Google Docs, Career Search Skills and Supporting K-12 Distance Learning. We continue to develop additional curricula. Each unit topic contains 7-15 lesson plans. Each lesson plan is estimated to take two hours to teach, however this varies depending on learner level.
How much time is each Unit Project estimated to take?
How much time is each Unit Project estimated to take?
● The time each project takes to complete is dependent upon learners’ digital literacy background knowledge and English language level. For Intermediate level learners, we estimate each unit project to take around 3-6 hours to complete. Northstar recommends teachers break up the sections of the unit projects to fit their class timeframes and learner level. Also, revisiting unit projects during different class periods can increase learner engagement.
What do you need to teach the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum?
What do you need to teach the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum?
● The lessons were written to support classroom teachers, as well as volunteer tutors working with small groups. Lessons may be adapted by teachers for one-on-one instruction.
● Access to computers, a projector, and Internet are necessary to facilitate the curriculum in person.
● Northstar provides tips for teachers to facilitate the lesson remotely.
What level will the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum and Unit Projects support?
What level will the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum and Unit Projects support?
● The lessons were written to support adult learners at a mid-level English reading comprehension ability or higher; this reading ability is also required to complete the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and the Northstar Online Learning Modules.
● The curriculum will support adult English language learners at an Intermediate Level, as defined by the NRS (National Reporting System) as a CASAS reading level 211, or higher, or a TABE (11-12) Reading Score of 501 or higher. Because of the predictable structure of the curriculum lessons, and because scaffolds and guidance to teach vocabulary for learners reading at an intermediate ESL level are provided, teachers/programs have successfully adapted the lessons on their own for lower level-English learners.
How should I use the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments in conjunction with the curriculum?
How should I use the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments in conjunction with the curriculum?
● We suggest that instructors give learners the corresponding Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment module as a pre-test before beginning instruction in order to assess the standards on which learners need additional practice.
● Instructors should plan to give the corresponding Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment module as a post-test after teaching curriculum content relevant to learners.
How should I use the Northstar Online Learning resources in conjunction with the new curriculum?
How should I use the Northstar Online Learning resources in conjunction with the new curriculum?
● Northstar Online Learning provides the optional ability for testing locations to create individual learner accounts, which include a direct link to online instruction and practice resources as well as a list of completed assessments with scores. There is a robust reporting mechanism for ABE programs wanting to claim proxy hours for out-of-class work completed by learners.
● The Northstar Online Learning online instruction and practice resources, like the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum, are aligned with standards and support adult learners in meeting the requirements of the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments.
How should I use the new Northstar Unit Group Projects in conjunction with the Northstar Curricula and Northstar Assessments?
How should I use the new Northstar Unit Group Projects in conjunction with the Northstar Curricula and Northstar Assessments?
● Northstar recommends guiding learners through instruction of a complete unit of Northstar Curricula and asking learners to complete the Northstar Assessment for that topic prior to teaching a CCRS Unit Project. The Unit Projects extend learning by asking learners to apply foundational skills gained in the Northstar Curriculum for that topic. (See picture below)
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