Information Literacy refers to the abilities a person must have in order to recognize when information is needed and have the skills to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Information literacy also implies that we must understand the protocols of the techlology and media that we consume and create. The questions we need to ask ourselves as teachers is: How do we best teach the students in our classrooms how to use the information available to them?

In 2008 districts have to address the issues contained in the Chavez Bill, AB307,in district tech plans. These items could be included in new tech plan criteria in 2008. The guidelines and criteria shall include:

• a component to educate pupils and teachers on the appropriate and ethical use of information technology in the classroom
• Internet safety
• the manner in which to avoid committing plagiarism
• the concept, purpose, and significance of a copyright so that pupils are equipped with the skills necessary to distinguish lawful from unlawful online downloading
• the implications of illegal peer-peer network file sharing.

The district technology leardership will be working on organizing and presenting resources to address these issues on this site.