My 8th Review: Winning with Information Literacy 12/8/10

Summary

The article Winning with Information Literacy by Jamie McKenzie can be summed up by the opening quote of “Information literacy is the key to a successful technology initiative” (McKenzie,¶1).  This article looks at the phenomena of upgrading schools with technology only to discover that the teachers are unable to integrate the programs and training necessary to utilize technology effectively in the classrooms.  One study indicated “traditional teachers are much less likely to allow computer internet use than constructivist teachers” (Becker, ¶9).  The article goes on to discuss that “traditional” teachers, being the majority, do not provide the students with adequate technology integration due to lack of inclination and preparation regarding technology (McKenzie, ¶11).  Luckily, there are multiple links provided throughout the article that address examples of how technology has been used to address learning standards, literacy, and critical thinking in the classroom (McKenzie, ¶20).  A list of websites demonstrating Scaffolding was also of interest, as it included not only WebQuests and curriculum ideas but also specific models for appropriate grade inquiries regarding science (McKenzie, ¶30).  The article concludes with ten myths surrounding the “software trap” while encouraging support of adult education and literacy as a growth process requiring time, budgeting and “invention” (McKenzie, ¶32-34).

Reaction

I felt that Winning with Information Literacy was an excellent article that provided a positive push towards increasing technology use in the classrooms.  The topic of disinclined and unprepared teachers seemed relevant in regards to technology only being introduced to schools within the last twenty years (McKenzie, ¶11).  And as students continue to use and improve technology, we as teachers will constantly be aware that our skills and knowledge must grow as well.  I also liked the many links in this article that provided positive examples of how teachers can gain skills or use products in various ways, and how McKenzie demonstrated that technology continued to meet state and local testing requirements (McKenzie, ¶18).  I support McKenzie’s views that as teachers we will need to embrace the paradigm of adult learner, continue to embrace new technologies, and find ways to incorporate technology as a means of enhancing information literacy for future generations.  Budgeting is still going to be a serious issue, however, it takes plenty of time and money to train teachers on how to use any specific type or version of software.

Source

McKenzie, J. (2000, Spring) Winning with Information Literacy

                Retrieved from http://fno.org/sum00/winning.html

Labels: Thinking it Through