Webmaker/WebLiteracyMap/Background

A Brief History

In early 2012, we started work on something that could conceptually underpin our work around Webmaker. We talked to many smart people - experts, beginners, educators and learners - and put together an alpha framework which then developed into a more mature frame and white paper that were made available in January 2013.

In February 2013, we held a number of kick-off meetings to launch a project around creating a new, open learning standard for Web Literacy. Between February and July we met on community calls each week - occasionally adding ultra-focused hackjams on specific skills and competencies. We launched a first draft in April and a beta release in July 2013.

By the Mozilla Festival in October 2013 we were ready to release a v1.0 of what we called a 'Web Literacy Standard'. However, we came subsequently to realise that 'standard' is a loaded term and so changed to 'Map' in early 2014.

Why there's a need

When we first began our work, we identified two concerns surrounding web literacy. The first is that existing web literacy frameworks have largely been extensions of digital, media and/or information literacy. The web is different from other mediums, meaning that the skills and competencies required are also different.

The second problem with existing frameworks is that the great work that’s been going on has happened in unconnected silos. There are a number of different organizations -- from formal learning organizations to informal groups like Coder Dojo or DIY.org -- who offer to teach us web skills, but their focus or roster of skills aren't always aligned. Most of us who count ourselves as ‘web literate’ reached that level more by luck than by judgment and while that can be an enjoyable journey, it's also an extremely long and meandering path. We sought to remedy this by providing a single, co-constructed resource that anyone can align with.

What this is (and what it's not)

When we first began our work, we identified two concerns surrounding web literacy. The first is that existing web literacy frameworks have largely been extensions of digital, media and/or information literacy. The web is different from other mediums, meaning that the skills and competencies required are also different.In its current form, the Web Literacy Standard comprises a map of competencies and skills that Mozilla and our community of stakeholders believe are important to pay attention to when getting better at reading, writing and participating on the web. It isn't just about coding. The web literacy standard covers every part of web literacy—from learning basic coding skills to a base knowledge about privacy and safety.

We have chosen a simple grid-like structure to represent the layers of the standard to ensure that it is easy to read and compare/contrast with existing resources. The skills underpinning each competency are augmented with examples focused on action. We believe that knowledge should be accompanied by the ability to do something new. As such, the skills are all verb-based and are specific enough to be able to have meaning, while not being so prescriptive as to limit innovation.

Next Milestones: Aligning with the map

The Web Literacy Map isn't an end-all be all, but a pathway for those who want to teach important web skills. As the web continues to change and grow, the Web Literacy Map will grow and change with it.

One way you can currently align with the map is by looking for links between existing curricula and resources, and the the Web Literacy Standard. For example, a gap analysis could identify if there is anything missing (from either side) followed by the development of additional learning materials to support learners working towards specific parts of the standard.

Feedback

We’re looking for feedback from educators, from policy makers and from learners. If you have an opinion then we want to hear from you! What have we missed? Can you map your work against it? What needs changing or tweaking?

You're very welcome to join us for our regular community calls in which we discuss the standard and issues around it. We also discuss use the Mozilla Webmaker discussion group for these purposes.

If you have private feedback about the Web Literacy Standard, please get in touch with Doug Belshaw. He will be able to answer your query/suggestion directly - or put you in touch with someone who can.