Summary

Summary
We focused on the 21st century skill, Information Literacy, and best practice when integrating this skill into the classroom curriculum. We used the tool WikiSpace to share and collaborate ideas and lessons that incorporated this skill and challenges faced when teaching Information Literacy to our students. This is a broad topic that when taught within the different subject areas, can include a variety skills and topics including: identifying and evaluating resources, efficient searching of information, and ethical and legal implications when using online content.

Using a Wiki to share and collaborate ideas and lessons adds another tool to the LITE teacher' s toolbox of technology skills. The intent was not for teachers to go back to class and use this technology immediately if it wouldn't be a fit with a lesson. Awareness of new tools like Wiki's, allow for great online collaboration and sharing of information. Use these tools when opportunities present themself within a lesson or unit. Remember the adage "fit the technology into the curriculum, don't fit the curriculum into the technology".

How do you now incorporate Information Literacy in your subject area?
> and that their information is from a reliable source.
 * Use the internet for extending the students' math knowledge by accessing sites like classzone.com
 * I have to ensure that they are using purchased music or free/public domain music when they present

What tools do you use to increase Information Literacy?
Use of Wiki:
 * This is a random idea we didn't want to lose:
 * Independent Reading: Students can submit summaries/ratings, etc.
 * Guided Reading: Respond to student and teacher generated questions
 * Smartboard, internet, graphing calculator

What challenges do you face when teaching Information Literacy?

 * With our student population technology can be very difficult.
 * Time, planning, curricular timing
 * Think we need to find a way to get the kids collaborating with these tools. For example, if the students are working on an inquiry lab in which they know what they are trying to analyze but do not have specific "cookie-cutter" instructions as to how to do, coud they use wicki's as a collaborative tool to help each other out. How much real-time collaboration and peer teaching can we support. If we are stuck with the tyranny of curriculum are we able to?
 * Access to computers (both in-school and at-home access). Taking class time to teach the technology in addition to SS content.
 * Time - we have only 40 minutes a class period. Not a lot of time for research-based activities. Dificult to integrate minimal target language knowledge with authentic technology skill evaluation

//Consistent observation that time is a paramount concern when it comes to technology integration.//

What support do you need when teaching Information Literacy?

 * Need to teach it when needed
 * TIME
 * We would need more access to computers.
 * Consistent resournces available--Often, teachers find it difficult to plan on using technology when resources are not always available
 * Reliable network
 * Grade-level expectations to make sure each grade understands what they are responsible for teaching