26+October+2009

26 Oct 2009 =Information Literacy=

Our Vision
The Information Literacy Committee focuses on creating more effective and efficient uses of information technology to support the teaching and learning at IST by
 * designing and delivering ongoing professional learning and
 * building an infrastructure that supports the development of 21st century literacy skills

Our Mission
To facilitate learning literacies, knowledge building, collaboration and learning with technology.

Our Goal
Create a dynamic and interactive online space where we document and share excellence in teaching and learning.

With this in mind what do you see as pressing issues and your role as a member?
OR

Why have you chosen to be a member of the committee and what would you like to see accomplished?

 * Pressing Issues**

Platform choices at the school. Some teachers will be issued another laptop next summer. I would like to see a choice being made available to all staff whether they want a Windows only machine or a Macbook without a Windows partition only machine. The dual platform does not work effectively. Also I have heard that the parallels system and some other system that Dave Corollo tried is not effective on the Macbooks, maybe this is effective on the Macbook Pros but they are not being offered to staff as a whole.

We say we are a dual platform school but the staff are effectively being forced to only use the Apple platform(Macbooks) and students are in the vast majority of cases are only using Windows based software(both at home and in school).

Is there a plan to go with a laptop scheme for the whole of secondary? For one grade level? For Diploma?

Have any decisions been made about which platform? When this will happen?

I would like to see us move away from discussing platform and move towards discussing how to use technology in the classrooms. Personally, I think Apple is a better machine for us but the platform discussion is taking too much time from information literacy.

I agree..Macs are better machines but only teachers have them. If we want to expose students to a dual plataform system we need to equip at least one lab with macs.-Kleber

I would like to see off-site licences provided for software that is used in subject areas. For Maths (Autograph and Geometers Sketchpad), often students work is substandard because they don't have sufficient access to the relevant software.

I would like to see a school with both Apple and PC suites where students can get consistent access to both Windows based and Apple software and teachers are given the freedom to choose which platform serves their subject and students the best. A teacher can be issued with either type of laptop and investigate other software on the other platform using the available laptops in the school or the suites.

Obviously the problem here is the decision about which platform is the best for students to have on the laptops when issued. I would have to say windows as students are already much more familiar with the platform, the cost would be much less, and they could use the Apple based software in the school suites and maybe checkout Macbooks for various assignments.


 * Roles**. My role in the committee is to provide an elementary voice.

I want to be part of this committee in order to improve my own understanding and use of the technologies available. I am interested in exploring how (if at all) technology assists student learning and improves the quality of their thinking and their work. I do need to take issue with one component of "Our Goal" and that is the limitation to "online space". I think our goal should also include human interaction.


 * what is the difference beween tech and information literacy?**

In the UK, information literacy is defined by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals as: "Information literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner." This is clearly not what I signed up to this commitee for but the questions I have and suggestions on technology I have do not seem to have any other forum to be aired in.


 * Side Comments:**

October 26, 2009
13:27 Eleanor: Our Goal Create a dynamic and interactive online space where we document and share excellence in teaching and learning. 13:29 Eleanor: I want to be part of this committee in order to improve my own understanding and use of the technologies available. I am interested in exploring how (if at all) technology assists student learning and improves the quality of their thinking and their work. I do need to take issue with one component of "Our Goal" and that is the limitation to "online space". I think our goal should also include human interaction. 16:09 //unnamed//: ILC vs Tech Coordinator vs. IT Classes Vs. Dora & the Tech Department **SUMMARY** 16:15 beth: push-vs-pull 16:15 beth: overload of information and access 16:35 beth: identify literacies and share with the rest of school teams 16:46 beth: get tech list for skill sets and share with department heads -Tod will send out 16:47 beth: ILC depository how will this happen?

see also: http://etherpad.com/infolit