Computer Literacy   A District Graduation Requirement    Media Center

Why does District# 88 require Computer Literacy for graduation from the high schools for all students?
      
What will students learn?  Students will learn and demonstrate their ability to use the computer to answer the following questions:
    How are multiple sources used effectively to support your thoughts and opinions? 
      Why is it important to use information that is valid and reliable?
      How is a MLA citation created for specific sources?

What instruction is provided for each student?  Each freshman student's English teacher will schedule time  in the Library Media Center during the first quarter of the new school year.  That time will include an orientation to and instruction on the library services and databases.  In addition, students will be introduced to the concepts needed to use information effectively.  Students will have many opportunities during their high school career to practice using technology to refine their research and communication skills.
     First Visit:  Tour of LMC facility, Discuss Checkout Procedures, Study Hall/Lunch Procedures, Log into the Network, Overview of Library/Online Etiquette,  Review District #88 Technology Acceptable Use Policy, Students will open a Word document, copy and paste the AUP in Brief, and save the document to the network (the "S" drive).
     Second Visit:  Overview of Research Databases: Compare the databases then review access at school & home access.  Overview of Search Strategies.  Review and create citations.  Complete, save, and print a given assessment.   (Note that the given assessment may be modified to meet the research needs of the class.)   An MLA citation must accompany this assessment.  Review definitions of PRIMARY SOURCE and SECONDARY SOURCE documents.  A copy is given to the LMC Director at the conclusion of the class or no later than the third visit.  
     Third Visit:  Student will select and evaluate a URL from the World Wide Web. What is in the URL?  To evaluate an URL, students will use the form provided.   Plagiarism will be discussed.  (Permission Template).  Online Library Catalog.  Select and complete at least one exercise: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.  Optional: Scavenger Hunt.  Optional: Web Skills - Micro Modules
 

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This project is a collaborative effort of Dr. Elaine Buch, Ms. Vicky Edwards, Mr. Kurt Haberl, and Ms. Cathy Jugle.