Tools for Selecting Learning Resources for the Classroom
These materials are referenced in the Selecting Learning Resources for the Classroom professional resource. They are included here for use by educators, to support the selection process.
Learning Resource Selection Model
This info-graphic illustrates a model process for selecting learning resources. It provides questions and prompts for each stage of the process including:
- Ask: How do I decide whether to use this resource?
- Check: Has Focused Education completed a formal evaluation of the resource?
- Read: What information does the evaluation provide?
- Apply: Guidance on criteria for selection
- Reflect: How well does the resource fit with students and my instructional purpose?
- Decide: Will I use this resource? If so, how?
Social Considerations
When selecting a resource for your grade level and classroom, it’s important to identify elements in the resource that might require your further attention prior to its use with students.
Viewing resources through a social consideration lens can enable you to choose resources thoughtfully and to plan and prepare for instruction. This may include providing your students with context, engaging them in critical thinking and discussions, and preparing teaching strategies accordingly.
This graphic includes 13 areas of social consideration, and a brief explanation of what each represents.
Digital Privacy Guide
Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) teachers and districts have a responsibility to protect the personal information of students. This applies to any situation that involves the collection, use, storage and disclosure of personal information.
Use this 'stop light' table when considering use of a digital resource with students, particularly for a resource that has not been reviewed by your district, or licensed through Focused Education.
Design Elements
Each type of resource has its own specific design elements to consider. A graphic novel, print novel and picture books all have different attributes. Online reference databases may be viewed differently than an instructional digital tool.
This guide provides illustrated examples and highlights design elements specific to:
- non-fiction informational text
- picture books
- graphic novels and texts
- websites, apps, videos and audio
- e-books
Personal Bias Reflection
put text in here later
Additional Materials
See these privacy guides ie. reference guide to app privacy implications et and protecting student personal information.