NYC School Librarian Guidebook: Digital Literacy
Instruction in the Digital Age
School libraries play a crucial role in developing students' skills in computer science, digital literacy, and digital citizenship. In today's digital age, these skills are essential for students to succeed academically and in their future careers.
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards provide the competencies for learning, teaching and leading in the digital age, providing a comprehensive roadmap for the effective use of technology in schools worldwide.
Computer Science for All
Computer Science for All Curriculum
The New York State K12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards are currently in use in some schools and are expected to be implemented in all schools in the 2024/2025 school year. These standards include Digital Citizenship, Digital Fluency, and Computer Science. The Computer Science Standards are being aligned to the CS4All Blueprint to help teachers integrate computational literacy, algorithmic thinking, and problem-solving skills in every classroom and at all grade levels.
https://www.blueprint.cs4all.nyc/curriculum/
Digital Fluency
"Today’s media landscape is nothing short of challenging, and the librarian’s mission is to teach students to become digitally fluent, engaged, and empowered learners in that environment. Learners must develop knowledge and strategies to use digital tools and resources effectively to collaborate, communicate, create, network, and inquire". ("Empowering the Digitally Fluent Learner" ESIFC)
The NYSED School Library Program Rubric, Domain Teaching for Learning: Information Literacy
- New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards
- Digital Fluency Resources from the Empire State Information Fluency Continuum
Digital Citizenship
All students need digital citizenship skills to be active participants in their communities, both online and in person. The NYC Public Schools Office of Library Services has aligned the Common Sense Digital Citizenship Curriculum to the Empire State Information Fluency Continuum to help build these digital citizenship skills through an inquiry model for grades K-12.
Digital Citizenship and Social Media
Social Media and Students
In an increasingly digital world, we seek to offer our students the opportunities that multi-media learning can provide, which is why we allow and encourage the appropriate use of these powerful resources. As we challenge our students with new methods of learning, we continue to ensure that these tools are used responsibly, and enrich the learning environment in our schools.
It is important for school and central staff to use tools like social networks, blogs, websites, and other online media in a way that protects the privacy and safety of our students and employees.
With that in mind, we have created social media guidelines for students who are 13 years old and over and social media guidelines for students who are 12 years old younger. In the coming months, there will be interactive materials for students.
NYCDOE Social Media Guidelines for Educators
These Social Media Guidelines provide guidance regarding recommended practices for professional social media communication between DOE employees, as well as social media communication between DOE employees and DOE students.
It is important for school and central staff to use tools like social networks, blogs, websites, and other online media in a way that protects the privacy and safety of our students and employees.
To that end, we have updated the DOE’s social media guidelines to incorporate feedback we’ve received from educators. It includes a robust FAQ section of questions that we’ve received in information sessions and by email at socialmedia@schools.nyc.gov.
Additionally, professional development is available for school staff. Schools should be in touch with their network or send an email to SocialMediaPD@schools.nyc.gov for more information. The DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (IAUSP), provides additional information on appropriate Internet use.