Curation Complete: Scoop.it and EdTech’s Effetiveness

Curation for EdTech 543 on Scoopt.it

It took quite a while to narrow in on a topic in Scoop.it. The platform is very attractive and works very well. But it was difficult to find content in specific areas within the Scoop.it search tools. However, I was able to focus on how 1:1, BYOD and education technology are working together in research and studies, either official studies or anecdotal evidence from teachers around the country. In the body of evidence collected in this curation overwhelmingly it appears that schools need to focus on PD and innovation. And teachers need to organize their tech integration for fluidity. Regardless, this subject opened up a lot of content published to online education journals and personal blogs.

See our PLN’s criteria below.

Criteria for Curation

Assessment:

Relevance: When considering the relevance of content in curation:

1. Has a niche/theme been identified and does the curated piece fit that niche/theme?
   • Each resource fits within the identified niche. 
2. What is the value of the curated piece in relation to the theme?
   • Each piece of content fits into the theme of trying to assess the effectiveness of Education Technology as it is implemented today. My insights point to directions for further success in addressing challenges in the future. 
3. Has the piece been filtered for originality and quality?
   • Some resources have been re-Scooped from other Scoop.it users, but otherwise each piece is relevant and unique to the topic and drawn from reputable resources. 
4. Is there evidence of inquiry in the piece? Going beyond the surface of the theme?
   • I’d like the reader to be presented with a variety of opinions on the subject-matter. So that they can make their own determination on how effective education technology can be in the classroom. 

Authority: When considering authority:

5. Is there proper attribution in the piece itself?
   • When necessary, each resource is properly attributed. Some pieces are original and do not require attribution.
6. Does the curated list reference both the presenter and the original creator of the content to the best of the curator’s ability?
   • All resources show proper attribution and are taken from public websites. 
7. Does the list contain pieces from recognized authorities or creators with credentials or experience?
   • The pieces come from notable authors in the field of education, teachers, bloggers and researchers. 

Purpose: When considering if curated content has a specific and useful purpose, consider the following thoughts:

8. Is there evidence of editorializing to provide context for the curated content?
   • The selection of each resource adds dynamics to the theme by creating substance and outlining alternative perspectives. 
9. Is there a summary that provides rationalization for a resource’s inclusion in a curated list?
   • My insight added to each article provides a brief summary and commentary, which highlight the reasons for inclusion. 
10. If the curator uses a social media site like Twitter to share resources, have they included their own perspective?
    • This post and posts on the Scoop.it sites are posted using #edtech and #edtech543 hashtags. 
11. Does the information fit into a clearly identifiable theme?
    • All content in the curation fits to the theme of how education technology is working or not working within a school setting.

Presentation: Strong content curation tools must be easy to use, simple, and straightforward. In order to assure that your curated content is presented and shared effectively, think about the following questions:

12. Has the curator chosen an appropriate presentation tool for its intended audience?
    • Scoop.it is an attractive and focused website used for content curation. 
13. Does the curated list address the needs of the intended audience?
    • Each piece is intended for educators or administrators who are trying to understand how education technology can be most effective. 
14. Has the curated listed been organized in a clear, concise, and easy to understand manner?
    • The resources are labeled with accurate titles that point to the meaning of the article. If a title was misleading, I provided insight to clearly identify summary the true content of the article. 
15. Is the list easily sharable by its users?
    • Scoop.it allows all users to share and re-“scoop” content. 
16. Is the chosen format updated regularly with new information?
    • Scoop.it allows you to find new resources every time that you login in to the site.