The NetSaavy Skills Framework

Project-based classroom learning is an ideal opportunity to imbed lessons to develop Internet and other information skills. To do this effectively though, the teacher must be aware of the skills students already have, what skills require additional practice, and which skills are brand new to students. The NetSaavy Skills Framework is a time-saving tool to help in this determination.

The Framework is formed around the 5As of information literacy that have been previously discussed. For each stage, skills are broken down into 5 broad categories:

• Essential Skills--skills needed to complete each stage successfully
• Prerequisite Skills--skills that the students presumably already have
• Techniques Skills--how the skills are achtually implemented
• Technology Skills--the equipment needed for the project
• Review Skills--the process of evaluating how well each stage is learned (Jukes, 2004, p. 69)

The Framework is set up so teachers can see at a glance which skills in each stage would be an appropriate focus at each grade level. For example, as a third grade teacher, it would be appropriate for me to plan a lesson which will give students an opportunity to practice determining what is already known and what needs to be known in order to answer a question. This is an Asking technique skill that is emerging in intermediate (grades 3-5) students. In my class, there will obviously be students who are already competently using this skill and others who have only been introduced to it, just like there are learning differences across every subject. I will have to design a lesson that allows all students to improve their skills, regardless of their current level. On the other hand, I would not want to plan a lesson with the objective of having students determine subjective and objective opinions, as this is an analyzing essential skill that is emerging in high school students.

I can use the NetSaavy Skills Framework in conjunction with my county's curriculum map to guide my lesson planning. The curriculum map tells me what I am required to teach, but I can use the Framework to help me plan lessons that will allow me to get the most "bang for my buck." While I am teaching the county's material, I can use lessons that introduce and enhance students' information skills. In the long run, I believe the skills developed using the 5As to delve into the world of Ancient Mali will be more beneficial to the students' future lives than memorizing facts that I spew at them for the test.