Blog 1 - Contrast and Comparison of ISTE and AASL Standards

     In this blog we are going to be looking at the differences and similarities between the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. As librarians, we use these standards daily in order to create a more well-rounded student.  The AASL and the ISTE standards are both similar and different as they can be woven together to give students the freedom to learn about all things in many different ways. Both sets of standards cover similar topics but achieve success in different ways. Using these standards together, librarians can create a curriculum that will empower students.

Website video on AASL standards. Picture is of colorful cogs with educational themed clip art in the center. 

   

    The focus of the AASL’s standards are more centered on the behavior process whereas ISTE is technology centric, allowing students to learn ways of integrating technologies to empower the learning process. The ISTE Standards (2024), integrated with the AASL Framework (2022), lets students achieve the ability to safely use technology while being guided by the AASL framework put in place to efficiently achieve the goals of the school and the student. Both standards inform me that as a librarian I need to make sure all students have access to online resources as well as in print resources. One way I do this is attending district and state department meetings when allowed.  This way I can stay abreast to the challenges that are going on in my district and my state. It is important that librarians speak out against censored information, advocate for students with disabilities and special needs for access to information and allowing students to have access to appropriate information. These meetings are where these actions can occur.

    The real contrast in the AASL and the ISTE are how the end goal is achieved. With ISTE, the main focus is on utilizing and integrating technologies while building skills the students require while taught. AASL is focused on the same mindset, however, the use of technology is not as integral to the growth of the student literacy as laid out in the framework for AASL in comparison to the depth of ISTE. As far as gaps go, they seem to exist on both sides if the programs stand alone. However, when properly integrated together, AASL and ISTE complement each other in the areas where they singularly fall short. For example, if only using the AASL standards, not proactively incorporating technology can impede the learning process by lack of efficiency alone. If we only used ISTE, some of the base humanism can be overlooked as we drive hard on technology use but may pull back from really seeing a student's growth. One major similarity between these two frameworks, is the depth and amount of information to understand in order to effectively implement these standards. Both can be a daunting and overwhelming task if not digested in small parts.  

Website video on ISTE Certification. Picture is a man behind a desk speaking. 

References 

American Association of School Libraries. (2022). AASL Standards Framework.  

        https://standards.aasl.org/framework/ 

 

American Association of School Libraries. (November 13, 2017).  AASL Standards –Standards Structure [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwuJgX9wxgA 

 

David Lee Ed Tech. (March 21, 2021). ISTE for Teachers [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHqMJDEqgpA 

 

International Society for Technology in Education. (2024). Standards. ISTE. https://iste.org/standards