Designing digital literacy tutorials for education preparation programs

In this case study, a pair of librarians planned, designed, and revised digital literacy tutorials in support of a university educator preparation program (EPP), which prepares new teachers for certification pathways and professional work in elementary and secondary schools. For the library’s digital literacy tutorials, state certification requirements were met in a cost-effective, cooperative way by using learning objectives from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards. Five primary modules divided the ISTE content into shorter segments for student convenience and ease-of-use. Best teaching practices were incorporated, including sections on ethical online behavior, creating engaging learning opportunities, and assessment methods with digital tools. Throughout tutorial development and implementation, faculty provided feedback on completed drafts. For EPP use, spreadsheets and assignment submission forms were maintained during associated academic semesters. Takeaways include providing ample time and clear workflows for tutorial design, managing content quantity and quality to align with subject-area needs, and allowing student retakes and reflection for assessment questions. Overall, the tutorials successfully addressed state standards and were utilized by education faculty and students enrolled in the certification programs.