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Nearly a third of Americans have trouble navigating the Internet

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Nearly a third of Americans have trouble navigating the Internet

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Interesting article. Might help us think about what we are up against.

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Technology Solutions That Drive Education

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A new challenge is emerging from the cracks of the digital divide: digital readiness - helping those who have Internet access, but lack the skills to use it effectively. And librarians could play a huge role in turning the tide, some experts say.

On Tuesday, the American Library Association hosted a panel of four experts in Washington, D.C., who pooled their research to address the growing problem.

The Internet's integration with society has reached a tipping point, said Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of the D.C. Public Library. A growing exclusivity in Internet aptitude is leaving those with less technical know-how in the dark.

"The world has lost its patience, I think, with those who cannot navigate the online world," Reyes-Gavilan said. "There's not a conspiracy around this. It's just easier for people to work in this exclusive online environment."

Some libraries have attempted to bridge the digital divide by increasing the availability of Internet-ready devices. But ensuring that everyone has the skills to browse the web is the next emerging issue, according to technology consultant John B. Horrigan.

Nearly a third of Americans have a low level of digital readiness, Horrigan said.

The figure comes from a national survey taken in 2013 that measured respondents' understanding of Internet terms and their confidence in retrieving online information. Naturally those without access to a connection displayed a low level of skills, but even among those with access, an estimated 18 percent possess a low level of readiness, Horrigan said.

A Silent Dilemma

Barbara Stripling, the president of the American Library Association, said educators are beginning to recognize a disconnect between modern curriculum and students' digital access.

An estimated 75 percent of K-12 teachers assign homework that requires the use of a digital device, but only 54 percent of teachers say students have sufficient access to the digital tools they need, she said.

"This is a silent dilemma," Stripling said.

Without being well-versed in the online world, students fail to identify valuable sources, instead turning to the top hits on a quick search. Beyond that, some students lack the ability to assemble information from multiple sources, to recognize bias and other critical thinking skills, Stripling said.

Public libraries could also take the initiative in giving a competitive edge to those without online skills, says Reyes-Gavilan.

Before coming to Washington, D.C., he facilitated the opening of the Shelby White & Leon Levy Information Commons at the Brooklyn Public Library. The commons is a new approach to the concept of the computer lab, designed to help people learn digital skills. Other libraries could take a cue from it, Reyes-Gavilan said.

"How many public library computer labs exist in a basement?" he asked. "Who wants to learn in this oppressive environment?"

Horrigan said states could help bridge the divide by mandating state-certified librarians at schools. These individuals have a track record of increasing achievement, literacy levels and developing connections with students.

Time for Change

But expanding services like these means expanding budgets. And these needs come at a time when public and school libraries have been on the chopping block of the recession.

As testing becomes more valued in some states, school libraries are being converted to testing centers, which Stripling said infringed on children's needs.

"By shutting down these spaces for learning, we're shutting off our kids from opening the doors to discovery," she said.

Horrigan suggested libraries look to public-private partnerships and philanthropic communities to raise funds. Reyes-Gavilan said libraries should cultivate a change in their public perception.

Clarence Anthony, executive director of the National League of Cities, said it was time for librarians to become vocal about the need for additional state and federal funding.

"We must make the argument and be more vocal about using media to show the value of libraries," Anthony said. "We must get some federal legislation ... to make sure that we get all these issues up front."

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Educators Face 'Silent Dilemma' in Digital Skills Divide

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A new challenge is emerging from the cracks of the digital divide: digital readiness - helping those who have Internet access, but lack the skills to use it effectively. And librarians could play a huge role in turning the tide, some experts say.

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Graphite, a free digital media rating and review platform for pre-K–12 teachers

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Graphite, a free digital media rating and review platform for pre-K–12 teachers

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This might be really useful when looking for specific programs, websites, etc. to use in the classroom.

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Technology Solutions That Drive Education

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Finding great educational apps for classroom use is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. Ask a teacher or instructional technology specialist for guidance - let alone a definitive source of high-quality, high-value content - and they'll likely respond that "It really depends on what you consider to be educational."

The Elements of Graphite

Graphite's reviews and ratings are organized by:

Type (Apps, Console and PC Games, and Websites)

Subjects (Language and Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Arts and Hobbies)

Grades (Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12)

Price (Free, Free to Try and Paid)

The reality is that there are hundreds of thousands of loosely categorized and sorted "educational" technology products in online marketplaces right now. Separating the wheat from the chaff - that is, finding relevant tools that match teachers' specific needs - can be difficult.

That's why Common Sense Media created Graphite, a free digital media rating and review platform for pre-K-12 teachers.

Launched nearly a year ago, Graphite streamlines users' searches for apps, games, websites and digital curricula that are both age-appropriate and enriching for students. The service's nearly 1,200 products reviews and 3,000-plus teacher-supplied "Field Notes" provide important contextual and experiential information that help school leaders make decisions about which media-based learning resources to use in the classroom.

Digging Graphite

Reviews, by nature, are subjective. But Common Sense Media has developed a process and framework to give users a comprehensive overview of each product that's derived from actually using it for educational purposes. Here's how we do it:

Start with a highly skilled team. Our editors and 30-plus expert teachers from around the world were selected because of their strong education, technology and writing backgrounds. To ensure that every contributor provides the same type of feedback about the products they evaluate, we offer ongoing training in Common Sense Media's learning approach and educational philosophy, which encourages students' critical thinking and building concepts for the long term.

Rate and review with rigor. Editors and reviewers assess each product's learning potential using a 15-item research-based rubric, as well as their own expert judgment. This systematic approach ensures consistency across ratings.

Draw on sound learning principles. Graphite's learning rubric focuses on three key areas that research has shown make a difference in how students learn with digital media:
1. Engagement: The product is engrossing, entertaining and well-designed.

2. Pedagogy: The product challenges students to think critically and build concepts for the long term.

3. Supports: The product adapts to different learning styles and integrates nondigital extension materials for students and teachers.

Invite all teachers to weigh in. A crowdsourced rating from teachers complements the editorial team's rating and provides a richer picture of each product. Teachers also write Field Notes that detail how they use each product in their teaching - and how their students react to it.

Curate content smartly. Graphite bundles editors' recommendations into Top Picks on an array of topics, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), special needs, English language arts products aligned to Common Core State Standards and even empathy. This makes it easier for teachers, technology integrators and administrators to find what they're looking for.

What's the Point?

Our users have told us that they typically spend hours each week searching for digital media that meet their instructional needs. They've also reported that it's especially difficult to test products that have price tags attached.

Our goal, therefore, is to present content in such a way that they can get to the "good stuff" - fast. Intuitive filters and search capabilities ensure that users can find what they're looking for quickly - typically, in less than a minute. Anything that helps them ultimately helps students, and that's really what it's all about.

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Which Digital Media Are Worthy of Classroom Use?

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Finding great educational apps for classroom use is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. Ask a teacher or instructional technology specialist for guidance - let alone a definitive source of high-quality, high-value content - and they'll likely respond that "It really depends on what you consider to be educational."

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Utilize technology to engage students, facilitate real-world problem-solving,

and promote critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

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The mission statement is spot on! Can't wait to see how we can measure success!