Literacy Innovation Library (LIL)

What is an innovation library?

• An innovation library is a set of tools that teachers can pair with literacy lessons to enhance, extend or engage students in learning literacy concepts and skills. Not only do theses tools promote student agency, but they also provide opportunities for young students to engage in joyful, play-based learning.

Why a literacy based innovation library and how do robots relate to literacy?

• A LIL can provide opportunities for students to learn foundational literacy skills, while integrating other skills into lessons that focus on real-life experiences. Thoughtfully designed lessons can provide a rich learning experience for students by integrating content knowledge and skills, soft skills and technical skills; all of which are essential for 21st century learners.

• Using a LIL provides students with opportunities to practice essential skills in conjunction with literacy learning. Some of these skills such as computational thinking and problem-solving can positively impact reading scores (Randles, 2021). It also promotes social learning, while still keeping the focus on an academic learning goal.

• Some of the skills that can be naturally woven into a LIL-supported lesson include: creativity, computational thinking, communication, collaboration and team work, critical thinking, problem-solving, design thinking, conflict management, digital civics, digital literacy, time management, flexibility, independent thinking, cultural and racial awareness and connection. It can also build self-confidence and provide students opportunities for constructing their own knowledge and agency with their own learning.

• Innovation and creativity in literacy lessons can increase student engagement in learning targets. However, as educators, we need to be thoughtful in our use of technology to support student learning, whether using an application or device. We need to design lessons that will promote authentic engagement in a learning task. For example, teachers can enhance a lesson by using robots so students can represent the journey of literary characters through programmed robots (Valenzuela, 2021). When we design literacy lessons using the LIL tools, there are three key elements that need to be present (Kolb, 2020):

  1. Lessons that incorporate the LIL tools should focus students minds on the learning tasks without being a distraction to the learning.

  2. Of course, initially, the tools will cause excitement. Students can be motivated by the joy and fun of the tool, but the tool itself should be used in a way that motivates students to engage in the learning task.

  3. Learning with the LIL tools should be done in a way that promotes social interaction and active hands-on learning.

How can a LIL support my class?

• Innovation tools can bring joy, creativity, play-based and real-life activities into learning. When done intentionally, this often results in an increase in student motivation and engagement in learning.

• Incorporating skills such as computational thinking alongside more traditional content provides opportunities for learners to connect with an interest at a young age that they may not receive exposure to in other ways. The opportunities we create in our classrooms can help address under representation of groups in the field of computer science, such as female students and students of color.

Why are we spending money on these tools?

• The $8 million MHCRC grant that funds TechSmart will be ending in June 2022. PPS ended up with unencumbered funds due to the passing of the technology bond that provided a refresh of devices for TechSmart schools. MHCRC required PPS to use the remaining funds on devices and software that will be used in the classroom - we are not permitted to use the funds for personnel, extended time, or contracted services. As a result, PPS has taken this opportunity to invest in classroom robotics equipment that will give our students a set of unique learning experiences that they would not otherwise have had.

What is included in the TechSmart LIL?

• Each TechSmart school will receive:

  • Dot & Dash (4-5 kits/school)

  • SAM Labs (2 kits/school)

  • Spheros (1 kit/school)

  • Beebots (2 kits/school)

  • Padcaster (2 iPads & Media Kit/school)

• List of books to support centrally created lessons:

• List of other consumables, supplies and storage solutions:

Kolb, Liz. Learning First, Technology Second in Practice. First edition, International Society for Technology in Education, 2020.

Randles, Julie. "Use Coding to Engage Students in Reading, Writing Lessons." International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), 26 Feb. 2021, www.iste.org/explore/Computer-Science/Use-coding-to-engage-students-in-reading%2C-writing-lessons.

Valenzuela, Jorge. "Incorporating Robotics Across the Curriculum." Edutopia, GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, 17 Dec. 2021, www.edutopia.org/article/incorporating-robotics-across-curriculum.