Information literacy develops the knowledge and skills students need to navigate complex information environments. Adopting a model like the New South Wales (NSW) Information Process integrates information fluency and can be implemented using a schoolwide approach (NSW Government Education, 2023). The role of the teacher librarian (TL) supports teaching and learning by providing quality information services. Research guides offer an opportunity for TLs to embed library instruction into classroom practice when time restraints limit in-person contact (Puckett, 2015). A structured guide with a pedagogical focus including curated resources and logically sequenced menu items helps make researching less stressful for students (Friend, 2023b, August 27).
The Australian Curriculum, including the general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities was recently upgraded to Version 9.0 (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, n.d.). The new version was confusing, until I realised the NSW history syllabus is undergoing Curriculum Reform and has not been mapped to the new content descriptions. I can appreciate how collaboration with a qualified history teacher is essential for holistic curriculum design. This task reminded me that information literacy skills must accompany technology use for students to develop valuable 21st century learning skills (Friend, 2021, April 29). I identified accessibility, relevance, and safety on the discussion forum as key considerations when integrating technology into library programs (Friend, 2023, August 17).
While searching for images, videos and learning objects I realised the potential of Creative Commons licenses to save time for busy TLs, although I often found it quicker to create learning objects than to search for them online. I became frustrated when searching for images on Google, because filtering by usage rights returned unsuitable results. I considered how smart searching strategies could improve my search results and created an infographic (Friend, 2023c, September 7). This has made me determined to teach students how to use online sharing platforms like Pixabay, Flickr and Unsplash when I become a TL.
It is important to design for accessibility and cater for a range of learning styles and abilities. NSW Government (n.d.) websites must comply with AA level standards of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. While checking colour contrast is straightforward, readability tests are more unreliable and require an element of professional judgement. Controlling the appearance of the website in WordPress was a challenge and there were display issues between the desktop and mobile versions. Online learning communities like forums were valuable for finding CSS and HTML coding solutions to override default WordPress settings. I discovered tooltip elements do not print, so used a Unicode symbol to ensure students could print the entire text as notes.
Throughout this subject I have learnt how the design process can improve user experience when interacting with library services. I understand how cleverly designed learning spaces set the library apart from the rest of the school (Friend, 2023a, July 30). This subject has taught me practical knowledge about involving the learning community in participatory design, curating quality collections, and creating instructional learning objects. Establishing dynamic information environments in physical and digital spaces allows the library to support modern pedagogical practices. Whether online or in person, teaching students to become 21st century learners will equip them with skills that are essential for their futures.
References
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (n.d.). Australian Curriculum. https://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum
NSW Government. (n.d.). Accessibility basics. Digital.NSW. https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/delivery/accessibility-and-inclusivity-toolkit/accessibility-basics
NSW Government Education. (2023, April 17). The information process. https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/school-libraries/teaching-and-learning
Puckett, J. (2015). Modern pathfinders: Creating better research guides. Association of College & Research Libraries.
