(27 Jul 2020) The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released its inaugural list of Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning. Best Digital Tools combines the previously separate lists of Best Apps and Best Websites for Teaching & Learning. The new list follows the evolution of technology as websites develop apps and resources are produced which are not easily classified in either platform. By moving to Best Digital Tools, AASL can recognize the depth and breadth of resources available to educators. The list can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/best.
The recognition honors electronic resources that provide enhanced learning and curriculum development for school librarians and their educator collaborators. The digital tools recognized in 2020 are:
- codeSpark
- EmotionalABCs
- FabuLingua
- Facing History
- KidLit TV
- Masters of Tradition
- Parlay
- Talking Points
- TeachingBooks
- World 101
- Zoom
These user friendly tools are recognized for fostering the qualities of innovation/creativity, active participation, collaboration, exploration, and information/reference. The technology resources are also evaluated for their application of AASL’s “National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries” Shared Foundations of Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, and Engage.
“With the likelihood of many of us continuing online instruction for the foreseeable future, it is exciting to have such a rich collection of digital resources consolidated into one place,” said AASL President Kathy Carroll. “I know I will recommend these tools to my colleagues and will use them while I continue to provide the best teaching experience I can for my learners.”
Launched in 2009, Best Websites for Teaching & Learning recognized 275 sites for fostering the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation and collaboration. AASL added the Best Apps for Teaching & Learning recognition in 2013. Since inception, 175 apps across devices have been recognized for their embodiment of AASL’s Standards and support of the school librarian’s role in implementing career and college readiness standards. All previously recognized tools are available at www.ala.org/aasl/best.
The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.
The news release is here.
