The Wilton Public Schools has established the following core principles for the instruction of Digital Literacy through the Library Learning Commons:
Instructional Partnerships Throughout All Content Areas: In order for students to be grounded in the literacies of the digital age, Digital Literacy should be viewed as a responsibility shared by all members of the learning community with a strong instructional partnership with the Library Media Specialist. The work of the Learning Commons program is predicated on the philosophy of a collaborative culture that supports innovation, instructional partnerships, and dynamic and evolving resources to meet the current and future needs of our students.
Common Language & Frameworks: Teachers use a set of instructional practices with a common language and framework for inquiry across all content areas. By using consistent strategies and processes, students will form habits of mind to become critical consumers and producers of information in order to pursue passions, make decisions, and solve problems. The Wilton Inquiry Model is an example of such a framework.
Engaging and Innovative Learning Environments with Global Connections: Teachers organize flexible learning environments that enable students to engage in authentic tasks, pursue passions and interests, make connections, generate original ideas, and collaborate and contribute to the learning of others. Teachers and students will demonstrate global awareness by engaging with learners from other environments and cultures.
Project Based Performance Tasks: A productive partnership among various content areas, along with high quality instruction are critical for students’ success in project based learning. Teachers and students need frequent opportunities for inquiry driven, authentic tasks that access the technology and resources available to them. Formative and summative performance tasks will be clear, relevant, and designed for an authentic audience. Performance assessments provide data that informs both the teacher and learner on their progress towards learning goals.
Literacies: It is essential to develop fluency in both the foundational and evolving literacies emerging from the rapid changes in the world of information and communication. These literacies are fluid- they are not tied to a specific content, medium or technology. Both the traditional literacies (reading, writing, speaking, listening, numeracy) and evolving/emerging literacies are integral to citizenship in the digital age. Instruction must provide active engagement with these literacies in order to establish the transfer and adaptability of these skills. The Learning Commons Program supports the instruction of all critical literacies through the curation of appropriate resources, tools and expertise to teach students in the digital age. All teachers provide opportunities and choices for students to communicate, innovate and problem-solve using print-based and non-print-based literacies.
Creating Connections Through Home-School and Community Partnerships: The Library Learning Commons strengthens communication and the essential home-school partnership through a common and dynamic interface with our school community. Access is 24/7 to a wide array of curated tools and resources. Our families are empowered through strengthened communication, access, and education. Students practice skills and share projects and tools beyond our physical walls. All members of our school community have access to educational programs, opportunities to learn beyond the school day, and a chance to view performances and student projects virtually.
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