Saturday, September 7, 2024

Bon Appétit: AASL and ISTE on the Menu

 

September 7, 2024

After reading the article, Now Serving An Appealing Menu of Digital Literacy Tools and Resources (O'Connor, 2019), I no longer feel intimidated by the daunting task of incorporating technology standards (or ISTE) with the AASL standards. When I become a school librarian, my goal is to create inquiry-based projects where students learn through literature while using and incorporating technology safely and creatively. If I create projects that empower students with choices through literacy and modes of technology, students will be motivated to not only complete tasks the way they are most comfortable and competent, but also take control of how they share and present their results. When students are allowed to make choices throughout the learning process, they are more likely to complete projects, think deeper, and overcome obstacles along the way.

O'Connor's (2019) menu style of assignments provides students with choices of how students will complete tasks that will meet both AASL and ISTE standards. The lesson example used in the article was a favorite book and author study. The librarian provided a book and author that students would complete a project on covering both types of standards. Choices were given for each step along the way; Digital Resources for Think-Inquire, Create-Engage, Grow-Share + Engage. After students completed the inquiry processes, they moved to another menu which featured the Design and Create portion of the project. In this portion, students used the Maker Space part of the library to create and build their project where they were given choices of building materials. When students completed their build, they created a digital presentation to showcase their work. Once complete, they were required to look at other students' work and give feedback by using the strategy of  T.A.G. ("tell one positive thing they like, ask a question, and give one gentle suggestion" (2019)). 

As you can see, AASL and ISTE standards are similar because they both allow students the opportunity for collaboration while working through inquiry-based learning projects. The ISTE part of learning is stressed by digitally collaborating and sharing work. Both standards are learner-centered which allow students to become empowered through choices and taking ownership of how they learn and showcase their results.

The differences in the two standards come from how they are used. AASL standards cover different types of literacies like reading books and different types of media. Technology is the only focus in the ISTE standards.

The example provided above is a beautiful representation of how AASL and ISTE standards can be joined and work together to provide an ideal learning environment for students of all grade levels and abilities.

O'Connor, M. (2019). Now serving...an appealing menu of digital literacy tools and resources. Knowledge Quest, 47(5), 16-21. https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/KQ_mayjun2019_WEB.pdf

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