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Digital literacy is an individual's ability to use computer and software applications and to find, evaluate, and compose clear information through writing and other media on various digital platforms.
Digital literacy is an individual's ability to use computer and software applications and to find, evaluate, and compose clear information through writing and other media on various digital platforms.
ISTE Standards
ISTE Standards
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards are a framework to help educators and students develop digital literacy in technology. There are ISTE standards for both educators and students. There are 7 categories for educators and students. Each category details specific standards that should be met. It's important to note that students must be creators, designers, problem solvers, critical thinkers, communicators, and collaborators when using technology. As educators, it is our jobs to provide students with as many of these technology based learning opportunities as possible.
MA DLCS Standards
MA DLCS Standards
In Massachusetts, there are Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) State Standards. These standards are organized by grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. I will focus on the standards for grades 3-5. The standards are broken down into 4 different strands: Computing and Society [CAS], Digital Tools and Collaboration [DTC], Computing Systems [CS], and Computational Thinking [CT]. The MA DLCS Standards also outline 7 practices that students will accquire and apply in order to solve digital literacy and computer science problems. The 7 practices are as follows: creating, connecting, abstracting, analyzing, communicating, collaborating, and researching. There is a lot expected of students when it comes to digital literacy. It's our job as educators to help our students meet these standards.
Standards-based Practices in the Classroom
Standards-based Practices in the Classroom
It's important that students are provided with ample technology based activities that engage learners. When students are both consumers and creators they are able to increase their digital literacy. Here some examples of how I have used the ISTE and DLCS standards to inform instruction.
Throughout my Technology and STEM Education Course I have:
...identified digital information sources to answer research questions (ISTE.3c.Student/3-5.DTC.a).
Example: Research components in TPACK Marine Unit
...collaborated with my colleagues and peers to create authentic-real world learning experiences (ISTE.4a.Educator/5.DTC.b.1).
Examples: Google Slides, Google Docs, Flipgrid, PowerPoint, Padlet, Blackboard Discussions
...created learning opportunities that challenge students to use a design process and computational thinking (ISTE.6b.Educator/ISTE.4a.Student/ISTE.5a.Student/3-5.CT.d).
Examples: Maker Space, Engineering Apps, Computer Science Apps, and Lego Wedo Kits
...navigated between online networks and transfer files between each (3-5.DTC.a).
Google Drive, Word/Powerpoint, iCloud, and Blackboard
...designed authentic learner-driven activities (ISTE.5b.Educator).
Examples: TPACK Marine Unit, SMAR Math Lesson, Nature and Technology Math Lesson, Seeing Math in the Real World Lessons
Hardwares
Hardwares
Hardwares are the physical components of computers. Below are some hardwares that are ideal to have in a classroom.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks
A Chromebook is a laptop that is powered by Chrome OS. Students can easily collaborate with peers via Google Classroom, Google Docs, and Google Slides. There are also several other softwares that students can access on Chromebooks. If you have Chromebooks in the classroom, the possibilities are endless!
iPads
iPads
An iPad is a tablet computer that runs on iOS. This means that the apps used on an iPad must be supported by iOS, or Apple. Students are often creators when they use apps on the iPad such as Explain Everything, Stop Motion, and Padlet.
Document Camera
Document Camera
A document camera allows you to project different documents via a projector to your students. It is extremely helpful for teaching when it comes to modeling, completing guided practice, and giving directions.
Projector
Projector
The projector projects images onto a larger surface such as a Smartboard, or regular whiteboard. A projector is great to be able to show your students videos, websites, etc. from your laptop, and show documents from the document camera.
Teachers and students can set timers to help with time management, or timed breaks. Students can ask Google Home answers to their questions when working on assignments. Google Home can also be used to ask trivia questions.
(Grades K-6; $49.99)
The Qball is a smart microphone ball. This devices really helps insure that every single students' voice is heard. It makes classroom discussions fun and engaging!
(Grades 2-6; $199)
Softwares
Softwares
Softwares are all of the apps and programs that hardwares run. Below are several softwares that help build teachers' and students' digital literacy.
This is a fun and different way to assess students. Kahoot! is a site where you can create multiple choice quizzes where the students are competing against each other in real time. You can create your own quiz, search from the many already created quizzes, or have your students create them. I love to use it in order to review for a test. Students are situated as creators when they create quizzes for their classmates.
(Grades K-6; Free)
Padlet is an online interactive bulletin board. Students can respond to prompts created by teachers or collaborate with their peers. This can be used online, or as an app. Students are creators when they use Padlet.
(Grades 2-6; Free)
Google Classroom is a free website that streamlines sharing files between teachers and students. It's a great place to post assignments, and other resources that students may need.
(Grades 1-6; Free)
Google Drive is a free storage system created by Google. It allows students and educators to upload documents that can be easily accessed and shared to other users. It is especially useful if your devices, such as Chromebooks or iPads, don't have enough storage for photos, projects, and documents.
(Grades K-6; Free)
Google Slides is a free website that allows students to create presentations. Students can easily collaborate with their peers and work on the same project, while teachers can easily provide feedback through comments. Students are creators when they create Google Slide presentations.
(Grades 1-6; Free)
Google Docs is an online word processor. Multiple users can edit and work on the same doc simultaneously, while users instantly see any changes made. Teachers can easily suggest edits or add comments.
(Grades 1-6; Free)
Flipgrid is a website that allows teachers to create "grids" and facilitate online discussions via video. Students post video responses to teacher lead discussion questions. Students can also create their own Flipgrids in order to explain a math concept, or do a book talk. When students create their own Flipgrids they are creators.
(Grades 2-6; Free)
Explain Everything is a great app for students to create different types of presentations. You can use it to record videos, as an interactive whiteboard, and create slides. You can also collaborate with peers, and provide your students with visual feedback. Students are creators when they use Explain Everything.
(Grades 1-6; Free)
This app allows students to organize their thoughts and ideas in creative ways. This creative collaboration tool makes the brainstorming process fun and exciting. Students are creators when they use iBrainstorm.
(Grades 1-6; Free)
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