Literacy with ICT
Across the Curriculum

A Developmental Continuum

Purpose and Definitions

What is information and communication technology (ICT)?

Information and communication technologies include computers, laptops, digital cameras, video cameras, digital microscopes, scanners, cell phones, electronic games, digital audio devices, global positioning systems, electronic whiteboards, the Internet, et cetera. ICTs in the classroom will continue to evolve as new technologies emerge over time.

What is Literacy with ICT?

Literacy with ICT means choosing and using ICT, responsibly and ethically, to support critical and creative thinking about information and about communication as citizens of the global community. Literacy with ICT consists of critical and creative thinking, ethics and responsibility, and ICT literacy.

This representation shows the relationship between ICT literacy (i.e., demonstrating ICT skills) and literacy with ICT (i.e., choosing and using ICT, responsibly and ethically, to support critical and creative thinking about information and about communication across the curriculum). ICT literacy is a critical component of literacy with ICT, but it is not sufficient in itself.

How do students develop their literacy with ICT?

Literate students choose and use ICT, responsibly and ethically, to support their critical and creative thinking about textual, numerical, visual, and aural information as citizens of the global community. They develop this literacy through a process of inquiry across the curriculum as they

• plan and question
• gather and make sense
• produce to show understanding
• communicate
• reflect on their learning

How do students develop ICT literacy?

ICT literacy is one component of Literacy with ICT. ICT literacy involves acquiring the supporting skills that are needed for students to develop their literacy with ICT. These supporting skills are most effectively developed within curricular context rather than on their own.

What is a developmental learning continuum?

A developmental learning continuum is an assessment tool for learning based on teacher observations. It describes what teachers see and hear students doing, as they demonstrate their literacy. Many teachers already use continuums for assessing learning in reading, writing, and numeracy.

What is the Developmental Continuum for Literacy with ICT Across the Curriculum?

The Developmental Continuum for Literacy with ICT paints a picture of how students develop their critical and creative thinking, in curricular context, and through the responsible and ethical use of ICT.

Why develop a continuum?

• Since ICT is not a separate “curriculum” in K–8, the Developmental Continuum for Literacy with ICT is congruent with and infused with existing concepts across the curriculum.
• Since the focus is on what students can do, learners of any age are able to find themselves on the continuum, from novices to experts, from pre-K students to Senior Years students and beyond.
• Since continuums are focused on the student, the Developmental Continuum for Literacy with ICT provides a vehicle for students to self-assess and set goals for their learning.