Information  and Technology Literacy Across the Curriculum

Grades 6-8

 

 

Content Standard 1 - Definition and Identification of Information Needs

 

What do students need to know prior to using information and technology resources?

 

Define information needs and identify effective courses of action to conduct research and solve problems

Develop Interpretations

á      Clearly restate the scope and criteria for a given task, independently

á      Identify and discuss existing knowledge concerning a given task, without prompting

á      Determine an appropriate course of action for addressing the essential question, with minimal assistance 

 

Making connections

á      Frame an essential question using given information, and pose additional questions related to completion of the task

á      Identify, locate, and use an array of print, non-print, and electronic resources available through the library media center, independently

á      Identify, locate and use possible resources outside the school setting, with assistance

 

Content Standard 2 - Information Strategies

 

What are the learning skills and strategies that students need to successfully find information?

 

Understand and demonstrate a command of information skills and strategies to locate and effectively use print, non-print and/or digital resources to solve problems and conduct research

Initial Understanding

á      Use additional features of online catalog records and demonstrate the ability to locate information from all areas of the media center such as fiction, nonfiction and reference

á      Demonstrate the ability to identify and use a variety of features to locate information using an Internet search engine or directory

á      Demonstrate ability to take notes, print out or record selected information from a wide range of information sources

á      Use additional organizing features of print and non-print (e.g. menus, bibliographies and hyperlinks) to locate and use information

á      Demonstrate the ability to navigate through a variety of software menus to access information for research, publication and communication

á      Identify keywords for searching information sources, with minimal assistance

 

 

 

Making connections

á      Search, find, sort and evaluate database information from computers, CD-ROM, and on-line resources and know how to apply advanced search strategies to different search engines

á      Select and use appropriate resources and/or equipment to accomplish a given task

 

 

 

Content Standard 3 - Information Processing

 

How do students evaluate and use information resources?

 

Apply evaluative criteria to the selection, interpretation, analysis, reorganization and synthesis of information from a variety of sources and formats

Developing Interpretations

á      Apply evaluative criteria to discern stereotypes, biases and propaganda techniques in print, non-print and electronic resources

á      Use a variety of technology tools to organize and manipulate data to solve problems

 

Making Connections 

á      Develop and apply complex criteria for aligning resources with a specific need and presentation

á      Organize, analyze and synthesize information to draw meaningful conclusions and determine an appropriate format for presentation, with minimal assistance

 

 

 

Content Standard 4 - Application

 

How do students use information and technology to express and communicate ideas?

 

Use appropriate information and technology to create written, visual, oral and multimedia products to communicate ideas, information or conclusions to others

Initial Understanding

á      Understand strengths and weaknesses of various media formats as communication vehicles

 

Making Connections

á      Create databases, spreadsheets and a variety of multimedia products to organize, analyze and interpret information

Critical Stance

á      Determine the most appropriate technology and format to present information gathered from a variety of print and non-print resources

á      Create and deliver a presentation that communicates information and new knowledge appropriate for the audience and purpose

 
Content Standard 5 - Technology Use

 

What type of technological tools will students use?

 

Operate and use computers and other technologies as tools for productivity, problem-solving and learning across the content areas           

Initial Understanding

á      Operate school hardware and demonstrate the ability to use the school network to access and utilize school software, independently

á      Demonstrate the ability to independently use personal productivity software and multimedia to create products in a wide range of formats (newsletters, budgets, brochures, imported graphics, web pages, digital movies, etc.)

 

Developing an interpretation

á      Understand that technology tools are constantly changing and describe their potential for use

á      Describe basic criteria used to evaluate and compare different types of computers, peripherals (e.g. printers, scanners) and other technology tools

 

Making connections   

á      Identify ways computers and other technologies are affecting the way we live, work and learn

á      Demonstrate the use of technological resources to help plan, coordinate and complete group projects

á      Identify hardware and software problems that accompany everyday use and seek assistance

á      Use content-specific technology tools and software

 

Critical Stance -                      

á      Determine the most appropriate technology(s) and format(s) to present information

á      Create and deliver a presentation that communicates information and new knowledge appropriate to the audience and purpose


 

Content Standard 6 - Responsible Use

 

What are student responsibilities regarding the use of information and technology?

 

Demonstrate the responsible, legal and ethical use of information resources, computers and other technologies

 

Initial Understanding

á      Demonstrate responsible and ethical use and care of print and non-print information resources, computers, other technologies and networks

á      Recognize copyright as protection for the copyright holder

 

Making Connections

á      Routinely paraphrase not plagiarize material

á      Apply established citation standards for giving credit for information or ideas used

á      Differentiate among various types of ownership and protection of intellectual property (e.g. copyright, patents) and observe Òfair useÓ guidelines as they apply to each

á      Adhere to the DistrictÕs Acceptable Use and Copyright Policies and understand the relationship to local, state and national legislation

 

Critical Stance

á      Debate the copyright issues inherent in the protection of intellectual property (e.g. copyright, trademarks, fair use, etc.)

 

 

 

Content Standard 7 - Assessment

 

How do students evaluate the process and the final product?

Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of their own choices and uses of information/technology for problem-solving and communication

Making Connections

á      Assess whether the process and information gathered was relevant, complete and accurate in response to the assigned need

á      Assess whether their products meet established standards for process, product and presentation

 

Critical stance

á      Defend how well the product answers the essential question


Content Standard 8-Literature

 

How do students develop reading habits that foster personal enrichment and continuous growth?

 

Assess the effects of personal reading choices on life long learning

Developing an Interpretation

á      Define and use a variety of evaluative criteria when selecting materials, (e.g. interest, readability and relevance)

á      Choose various genres for pleasure reading and listening

Making Connections

á      Recognize how literature offers a wide variety of life experiences and perspectives

á       

 

Critical Stance

á      Reflect upon the role of personal choice in the development of life-long reading/learning habits

 

 

Content Standard 9 - Media Literacy

 

How do students develop a deeper awareness of media literacy?

 

Develop skills necessary to identify and critique media messages as they relate to informed decision making

Initial Understanding

á      Use basic terms and concepts of media

á      Recognize the purposeful and careful construction of media productions

Developing Interpretations

á      Discuss citizensÕ rights and responsibilities with respect to media

Making connections

á      Demonstrate how cultural heritage and experiences influence interpretation of media

á      Explain how media can represent either accurate versions or fictional versions of the same event

á      Explain how advertising can influence and impact life decisions

Critical Stance

á      Analyze, question and think critically about the content, intent and effect of media messages on the audience

á      Evaluate elements of media to facilitate selection for personal and educational use