"Why would anyone need instruction in digital literacy?"

One of my favorite Twitter Pals asked last week, "Why would anyone need instruction in digital literacy?"  Some people might think that Digital Natives, (defined here as anyone under 25) do not need instruction in digital tools or on gathering information when there is clearly so much available to them.  Which probably sounds like a really good idea to those people who think that we no longer need educators either.  While some digital tools are indeed intuitive and there is a vast amount of information available online, children still need someone to teach them application, theory and ethics.

Let's just start with the tools themselves.  In the last five years alone we have gone from desktops to laptops and then handheld devices.  The devices are not only getting smaller, but lighter and more compact.  Also more powerful.  You can now access online tools and games from almost anywhere you can get a signal. Teaching students to integrate new tools into their learning is essential for continued growth and development as learners.  Helping them to apply those tools into learning situations will teach them to be adaptive in real work situations when they graduate.

Since students can receive information anywhere, this means that learning doesn't have to begin and end with a school day.  Most students I know are becoming hybrid learners.  They don't just learn in the classroom, part of their learning is done online.  Secondary schools and Universities are putting their lectures online as podcasts.  Students can watch these podcasts from some of the best teachers in the world about subjects they are interested in, but when it comes time for them to explain what they have heard, most will not be able to.  Why?  Because just hearing and seeing is not enough.  Students need to interract with a teacher in discussions, enforce content of an online lecture through reading and apply new learning to a product so that it can be synthesized into their experience. In theory students can get all the information they need to create something, but without instruction will they?

Finally let's talk ethics.  Children are dying in our country because we underestimated the power of Internet Communications.  Sexting, Social Networking, Cyberbullying...All of these opportunities for students who have not been told that something is wrong to get themselves in deep trouble.  So my question is, "Why wouldn't anyone need instruction in digital literacy?"

-AMA

Monitoring Legislation - What You Put In Is Almost Always What You Get Out

Over time most people learn that there is a relationship between how much personal energy you invest in something, and how good any product will be that you turn out.  The same is true for education.  Being fully vested in education has made me a better teacher and student.

Let's face it, most of us (people who have jobs, school or both) do not have time to keep track of legislation in our respective states.  For public educators, it's especially important to recognize where your resources come from: representatives at the local, state and federal levels.  Since it is not parents and students who directly support you, being a great teacher does not guarantee you a job anymore. Especially in tough economic times.

Though most states and unions do their best to keep as many teachers as possible working, on occasion people elect legislators who think it is simply too costly to educate public school children.  While it's true that some of the costs associated with public education come from special education, ESOL programs, administrative salaries, testing and supplies, when you start really peeling away the layers it boils down to salaries and benefits for teachers.  With some public officials it doesn't matter how hard you work or whether or not students are learning, all that matters to them is the cost associated with education.

That's why it's important to monitor ongoing legislation in your state.  All states have Education Committees.  These committees are made up of elected representatives and governed by administrative rules set by the state.  Most of these committees have web sites where you can see bills referred to them.

There are two particular things you want to pay attention to when reading legislation.
#1 Anything that is associated with funding will have a special code FN which stands for Fiscal Note. 
#2 Anything that changes teaching standards. 

If you are part of a professional association in your state, you're in luck.  Most organizations have an Advocacy or Government Relations person, who knows how to keep track of these things.  Pay attention when that person sends you an email asking for action.

Not a joiner?  Go to your state web site and keep track of what's going on at the Capitol.  Write when you see changes that may have an adverse effect on student learning.

Education is an investment in the future, what you put in is almost always what you get out. 

-AMA