Script


 * Information Requirements: EIGHT KEY ELEMENTS **


 * Element One: **

The term literacy traditionally refers to the ability to read and write.

INFORMATION LITERACY refers to the ability to identify what information is needed, identify the best sources of information for a given need, locate those sources, evaluate the sources critically, utilize information from those sources, and share that information in an organized and compelling way.

INFORMATION LITERACY is extremely important in today’s world because the number of available information sources is vast and expanding exponentially. Some resources are authoritative, current, and reliable, but many are out of date, misleading, and false. Further, the types of technologies used to access, manipulate, and create information are evolving and increasing rapidly. Today’s citizens must know how to identify reliable sources and use that information productively and responsibly. Today’s citizens must also continually adapt to new technology tools, including computers, mobile devices, software, and a steady flood of new applications.

INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS are vital for students, employees, consumers, and citizens. They are essential for academic purposes. They represent required skills for employees in today’s work environment. They are important for making consumer decisions about what products and services to purchase. Finally, these skills are required for citizens to fully participate in a democratic society by remaining informed, understanding important issues, and understanding the electoral process.

Due to changing conditions in the world of technology and communication, the American Association of School Librarians published new national standards in 2007 entitled, “Standards for the 21st Century Learner.” Among the “common beliefs” asserted in the standards are the following:
 * Element Two: ** * **Information/statistics**
 * The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed.
 * Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs.
 * Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught.
 * The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.

The project-based courses offered in school library and technology specials classes at Inter-American are addressing the goal of teaching students information literacy skills. Complex projects such as these demand that students work collaboratively, integrating multiple technology tools to locate and identify relevant information, applying critical thinking skills, synthesizing findings to create unique information products, and sharing each others’ work in the classroom and the larger community. Tools will come and go, but Inter-American students will be prepared to adapt to new tools and innovations because they are using digital communication tools productively now!
 * Element Three: ****<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Connection to IAMS **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> –

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Mr. Padron about technology <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Ms. Coulter about social sciences, social justice, social consciousness
 * <span style="color: #943634; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Element Four: ****<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Interview(s) **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> –

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">I have been impacted personally by the project-based courses in library and technology at Inter-American. I have greatly improved my own information literacy skills and my ability to teach those skills effectively to students. I have joined teacher learning communities including the Project Technology Elite program and the Mobilary Project, both offered by the Chicago Public Schools Department of Libraries.
 * <span style="color: #943634; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Element Five: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> **Personal Experience**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The practice of project-based courses in library and technology has advanced student information literacy skills, thereby enhancing student literacy - a key component of the school's mission. Middle school students are engaging in robust research and producing and sharing excellent digital products. They are successfully navigating their way through information resources and juggling multiple technology tools.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">I have promoted information literacy skills at Inter-American by <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> collaboratively designing and executing projects. Other teachers can and are promoting mastery of information by engaging students in projects that require the use of technology tools. Students can further enhance their information literacy skills by working hard on technology-based projects and by enrolling in and participating safely and responsibly in online communities of interest to them, including online communities focused on literature, social justice, photography, the arts, and video.
 * <span style="color: #943634; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Element Six: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> **Personal Commitment**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The practice of teaching information literacy skills at Inter-American is related to the education of students in two languages. By engaging students in projects in both Spanish and English, we are preparing students to reach a wider audience in their digital lives.
 * <span style="color: #943634; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Element Seven: ****<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Connecting the dots **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The practice of teaching information literacy skills advances multiple goals, including literacy, high linguistic proficiency in two languages, and raised social consciousness at the same time.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">What kind of community are we trying to create in our school and in the world?
 * <span style="color: #943634; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Element Eight: ****<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Essential Questions **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> –

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">We are trying to create a school community in which our students utilize available technology tools along with print and online information resources to work collaboratively and to engage in discussions around issues of importance in today's world. We are educating concerned global citizens, leaders, professionals, and voters who will utilize technology and information to remain informed and to communicate their ideas and beliefs in a variety of formats that are compelling to others.