Bridging the Gap: AASL and ISTE Standards in Adolescent Literacies

Hello, fellow learners! Today, we're diving into the world of adolescent literacies and how they intertwine with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. We'll be discussing an article by Jenna Spiering, titled "Engaging Adolescent Literacies with the Standards". The article explores the dynamic relationship between school librarians, literacy instruction, and emerging adolescent literacies. This is a topic that interests me immensely, and a majority of my graduate research has been focused on adolescent literacies. But we won't just skim the surface today; we're going deep to explore how these standards compare, what sets them apart, and how they can collaborate harmoniously. 

The AASL Standards: Unleashing Multimodal Literacies in School Libraries

The AASL Standards are like the secret sauce that makes school libraries magical. They're all about making literacy learning dynamic and authentic. What struck me the most is how these standards encourage students to follow their passions and explore different viewpoints. It got me thinking about how crucial it is for education to embrace students' unique interests and diverse experiences.

These standards also shine a light on the digital landscape, especially in the age of "post-truth." They urge educators to teach students how to evaluate various sources, including social media, for accuracy and intent. In a world where information is a click away, this is a skill that every student needs. I couldn't help but nod in agreement while reading this section.

ISTE Standards: Empowering Learning Through Technology

On the flip side, we have the ISTE standards. These standards are all about leveraging technology to supercharge learning. While they may not explicitly talk about multimodal literacies like AASL standards, they bring the technical prowess needed to implement modern literacy practices. In a world where technology is an integral part of our lives, these standards are a guiding light.

Harmony Between AASL and ISTE Standards

Now, let's talk about the harmony that can be achieved when we combine AASL and ISTE standards. Picture this: school librarians, armed with the AASL Standards, becoming tech integration whizzes and instructional maestros. It's a match made in education heaven! Isn't it a dream?

Here's how these standards can work together:

1. Student-Driven Curation: AASL encourages students to curate resources actively, and with ISTE's tech-savvy approach, students can take this to the next level. Together, they foster critical thinking and ensure diverse perspectives are represented.

2. Digital Remixing and Creation: ISTE standards can help school librarians guide students in using technology to remix and create content, aligning perfectly with AASL's focus on multimodal response. 

3. Ethical Information Use and Remixing: Both sets of standards promote ethical information use. School librarians can lead students in evaluating sources for accuracy while considering the ethics of information use and remixing (using technology and multimedia tools to create new forms of expression), cultivating responsible digital citizens.

4. Broadening Learners' Perspectives: Collaboration and inclusion are at the core of both standards. School librarians can facilitate inclusive, globally collaborative efforts, making learning more enriching.

5. Meeting Learning Needs: Combining AASL and ISTE standards positions educators to meet diverse learning needs. It equips students with the technical skills required for the digital era while nurturing critical thinking and a love for reading.

In a nutshell, blending AASL and ISTE standards transforms school librarians into superheroes of education. They bridge the gap between traditional literacy instruction and the digital age, fostering not only tech-savvy students but also critical thinkers who appreciate diverse perspectives.

Reflections:

Reading this article made me reflect on the evolving landscape of education. It's a reminder that we should never stop adapting our practices to meet the changing needs of our students. The synergy between these standards is a powerful tool in our educational arsenal. As educators, we have a responsibility to embrace it and empower our students for the exciting journey of lifelong learning.

References

Spiering, J. (2019). Engaging adolescent literacies with the standards. Knowledge Quest, 47(5), 44-49.