Marlene Asselin

New tools for new literacies research: an exploration of usability testing software

Competency in the new literacies of the Internet is essential for participating in contemporary society. Researchers studying these new literacies are recognizing the limitations of traditional methodological tools and adapting new technologies and new media for use in research. This paper reports our exploration of usability testing software to observe the Internet literacy practices of adolescents during homework tasks. Data consisted of visual screens capturing all activity, including students’ faces, and oral think‐alouds carried out as students did their homework. Using this software for data collection resulted in a more in‐depth view of Internet literacy practices than what could be obtained by traditional methods. Students could work in their own homes and control recordings. Built‐in data analyses and presentation components were also beneficial. However, time and cost considerations for the researcher became apparent. Most importantly, new ethical issues arise with the use of new research tools such as privacy and ‘incidental data’.

Whither They Go

Abstract This study investigated how teacher education programs address the role of school libraries in supporting current educational and curriculum reform, especially integrated information literacy instruction. Methods instructors, practicum coordinators, and library staff from a stratified random sample of 17 teacher education programs in Canada were surveyed and interviewed. While results indicated that teacher educators value the role of school libraries in teaching and learning, pre-service teachers are not effectively learning about school library programs and services and information literacy pedagogy. Evidence-based implications for advocacy initiatives in teacher education programs are offered.

Exploring a new learning landscape in tertiary education

Purpose – This conceptual paper aims to stimulate discussion on the growing influence of digital technologies on the success of learners in tertiary institutions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is grounded in a synthesis of the professional literature showing how learners entering tertiary institutions have been influenced by their pervasive use of digital technologies. This evidence suggests that a more integrated use of libraries is needed, and more collaboration among librarians, educators and learners will be fundamental to responding to the changing learning landscape.Findings – The findings indicate that todays “new learners” expect more control of their learning situations, prefer active learning and they engage in networked communities for their social and professional lives. Research also shows that, while these learners are committed users of a wide range of digital technologies, they require support in developing their information and critical literacies. The paper also identified the ...

Accountability, Assessment, and the Literacies of Information and Communication Technologies

In this article, we have explored the issues that Ministries of Education confront in their large‐scale assessment policies and practices as literacy curricula expand to include the new literacies of information and communication technologies. Based on a series of interviews with Ministry personnel, we have described their current progress to include the new literacies, plans for the future, and the dilemmas and challenges in considering the demands of new times. We argue for a more balanced approach to assessment and accountability, one that recognizes the limitations of current public accountability measures and situates them within a broader assessment framework. Key words: large scale assessment, Canadian assessment practices, policy, testing, new literacies Dans cet article, les auteures etudient les enjeux auxquels sont confrontes les ministeres de l’Education dans leurs politiques et methodes en matiere d’epreuves communes au fil de l’integration des technologies de l’information et de la communication au sein des programmes de literatie. A partir d’une serie d’entrevues realisees aupres de fonctionnaires de ces ministeres, les auteures font le point sur l’inclusion des nouvelles litteraties, la planification du developpement envisage, les dilemmes et les defis qu’impliquent les exigences actuelles. Elles preconisent une approche plus equilibree de l’evaluation et de l’imputabilite, laquelle tiendrait compte des limites des mecanismes d’imputabilite actuels et les situerait dans un cadre d’evaluation plus vaste. Mots cles : tests communs, methodes d’evaluation canadiennes, politiques, nouvelles litteraties.

Learning from YouTube: an analysis of information literacy in user discourse

YouTube is one of the largest databases in the world, providing informative and entertaining video to millions of users around the globe. It is also becoming an important source of homework assistance to young people as they supplement their learning practices with user-generated tutorials on a range of topics. This poster presents our ongoing work in this emerging area of information literacy: how young people make meaning with information sources on YouTube to support their academic needs. We describe our system for analyzing user-generated feedback on video channels that support students academically, and report preliminary findings of our ongoing analysis. Drawing on several complementary frameworks, including information sharing, help seeking, and dialogic inquiry, we suggest that comments posted to YouTube provide unique insights into the ways young people engage with and make meaning from user-generated video to support their learning. This work has implications for educators, librarians, and the designers of interactive learning technologies.

Promoting a culture for reading in a diverse world

Drawing on the research linking literacy and libraries, this paper provides a conceptual framework for promoting and encouraging children’s reading for librarians working in diverse library settings around the world. Current successful examples of reading promotion programs from around the world are shared to demonstrate how different libraries take the lead in promoting literacy and building a culture for reading in their communities.

New perspectives on community library development in Africa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the constraints of and opportunities for the role of African community libraries in development, using an ecological framework for library development. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on a review of the literature and the three authors’ own experiences, the paper critically examines community libraries, mainly from Uganda and Ethiopia, and frames the analysis within an ecological framework of library development. Findings – There are many examples of community libraries that realize various elements of the ecological framework (context/environment, equity/social justice, partnerships/interactions, and action/research). Practical implications – The ecological framework further developed in this paper helps community library leaders to critically examine their programmes and services and develop strategies for further growth, and suggests closer collaboration between community librarians, local communities, and researchers. Originality/value – This pap...

Challenges and Responsibilities Facing Canadian Literacy Researchers Working in Global Communities

This article addresses issues facing Canadian literacy researchers who are working in global contexts and particularly the potential complications that arise when research conducted in developing countries is funded by sources such as international aid institutions, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and donor-based organizations. We focus especially on the issue of development of local research capacity and expansion of the knowledge economy. We first create a framework by describing the types of literacy projects funded by alternatives to the standard research grants of government agencies. We next review tensions that can arise between researchers and these types of funding organizations. We then turn to examples of current Canadian literacy research carried out in developing countries that provide guidance in designing, conducting, and publishing locally-empowering and globally-connected research.

ERGENLERDE İNTERNET OKURYAZARLIĞI UYGULAMALARININ İNCELENMESİ: ARAŞTIRMA YÖNTEMLERİNİN ARAŞTIRILMASI

Internet okuryazarligi gunumuzde bir ulusun sosyal ve ekonomik gelismesi icin oldukca onemlidir. Dunya genelinde egitim sistemleri ogrencilerin internet okuryazarligini gelistirmenin ve interneti ogrencilerin ogrenmelerini desteklemek icin anlamli bir sekilde kullanmanin yollarini aramaktadirlar. Ancak, uygulama cabalari yukaridan asagiya yapilanmis politikalarca ve internet kullanimi uzerine yapilan genis capli arastirmalar tarafindan yonlendirilmektedir. Gelismis mufredatin ve pedagojinin ulke genclerinin gunluk internet kullanimlari uzerine yapilan nitel calismalar tarafindan bilgilendirilmesi gereklidir. Bu makalede, genclerin internet okuryazarligi ve becerileri hakkinda ayrintili gozlem yapabilmek icin kullanilan pilot calismadaki coklu nitel arastirma yontemlerinin kullanimi ve bunun yaninda ogrencilerin, ebeveynlerin ve ogretmenlerin okullarda internetin etkili kullanimi uzerine bakis acilari orneklendi. Bu yontemler dijital goruntu aliminin yani sira, isitsel ve gorsel kayitlardan olusan coklu araclari icerir. Calisma, genclerin internet okuryazarligi hakkindaki bulgularin gecerligini arttiracak ve dolayisiyla egitim uygulamalarina katki saglayacak onerilerle sonlandirdi.