Blog Post 4: Technology Leadership Role of School Librarians

Blog 4:  Technology Leadership Role of School Librarians

The Standards  for the 21^st –Century Learner approaches learning in a much different way than it did just a few years ago.  The 21^st-Century Learner is more independent and adapts to technology as a source of learning.  According to the American Library Association (2014), today’s students need to develop information skills that will enable them to use technology as an important tool for learning, both now and in the future.  One of the keys to being a successful 21^st-Century Learner is to adapt to the many changes of information.  Information and technology has become more complex, so it is vital that students think on a higher level.  The 21^st-Century Learner knows the benefits of technology and how to implement it.

As educators, there needs to be an awareness of possible and probable uses of technology, so that educators can identify techniques and methods that further our educational goals (Kussmaul & Dunn, 1996).  Educators become a model for these techniques and methods that are used in the classroom.  Technology provides tools that teachers can use to improve or facilitate the learning process (Kussmaul & Dunn, 1996).  Today, students have more interests, and technology can assist them in exploring their likes and hobbies.  If students become interested in something, they are able to research it and find information to assist them in their study.  Studies show that there has been an increase in academic knowledge, resulting in more discipline and more information (Kussmaul & Dunn, 1996).  Technology can link teachers and students who face different or challenging issues such as distance, handicap, and limited access due to financial means.

The school library is no longer just a place to sit quietly and read books.  Today, librarians must implement technology as part of their daily tasks.  Implementing technology may be challenging at first due to the constant changes and updates.  The more the librarian knows about different technology and media, the better they are able to serve and model tools for students’ learning.  One thing school librarians need to understand is that it takes time to build a 21^st-Century library (Mashriqi, 2011).  One of the greatest benefits for a librarian to become a 21^st-Century Librarian is the fact that they are able to reach children on different levels, abilities, and talent.  Because technology is so diverse, all students can learn from it is some way.  In conclusion, as school librarians, it is important to keep students up-to-date and teach them to use technology properly (Mashriqi, 2011).

References

American library association. (2014). Standards for the 21^st century learner.  Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf.

Kussmaul, C., & Dunn, J. (1996). Using technology in education. College Teaching, 44 (4) 123.

Mashriqi, K. (2011). Implementing technology and gaming lessons in a school library.  Knowledge Quest, 40 (1) 24-28.

Blog Post 3: Technology Implementation Strategies

Technology Implementation Strategies

Librarians have many roles in a school.  One of these roles is being an information specialist.  As an information specialist, librarians become knowledgeable in technology and information.   Librarians must adapt to the constant change of technology, and one way to keep up with the latest trends, is by being aware of the latest technology and gaming.  The article, “Implementing Technology and Gaming Lessons in a School Library” highlights how to implement technology and gaming, reinforcing learning, and hands-on learning.

First, implementing technology and games into the library and classroom makes reading and learning fun.   The 21^st century school librarian can collaborate with teachers by integrating technology and games into their lessons as extensions.  Students are excited to learn in this type of environment because it’s what they know and do on a daily basis.  The author points out that using technology and games are a way to differentiate instruction.  This is a great way to reach students with different learning styles and abilities.  One of the main reasons games are effective in the classroom is the fact that they can be played on different levels (easy to hard).  Today, students have the ability to take virtual tours of books and playing games to help them read.  Another tool the author highlights is the interactive whiteboard.  This is a special tool because students can learn and be engaged all at the same time (Mashriqi, 2011).  In addition, competitive games that build vocabulary and literacy have been proven to enhance testing skills.

Next, the article addresses how technology and gaming reinforces learning.  Reinforcing learning helps strengthen the lessons that have been taught.  The author approaches a lesson using technology and gaming with the Dewey Decimal System.  First students watch a movie on the topic.  The lesson is then reinforced as students takes notes over the movie.  To further reinforce they’re learning, questions are asked about what they have learned using the KWL chart.  After listening to songs and working on an interactive whiteboard, students play online games about the Dewey Decimal System (Mashriqi, 2011).  This lesson was a great example because students were engaged and were able to apply and reinforce what they learned.

Finally, the article discusses how implementing technology and gaming creates hands-on learning.  This type of learning gives students an opportunity to apply what they have learned.  Students use technology to create videos and presentations on various topics.  Students are also given the privilege to make a movie over a lesson taught by the librarian.

After reading the article, the two technologies I would like to incorporate is using videos and allowing students to play vocabulary and reading games.  Allowing students to view and create videos would give them the opportunity to go on virtual tours and reinforce topics they have learned.  Students can also participate in creating videos on lessons such as cyber-safety.  By creating videos, students work hands-on and retain lessons longer.  I would also like to incorporate vocabulary and reading games in the library.  Gaming has been linked to higher test scores because of the interactive learning that takes place.  It has been proven that when students are having fun they learn more.  In conclusion, technology and gaming are valuable tools for learning and benefits the library for today.

Reference

Mashriqi, K. (2011). Implementing technology and gaming lessons in the school library.Knowledge quest, 40(1), 24-28.

Class Projects

Blog Post 2: Handheld Devices

On the topic of handheld devices in education, I found some points from the article called, "Potentials of Mobile Technology for K-12 Education: An Investigation of iPod touch Use for English Language Learners in the United States." This particular article highlights a study where a large school district incorporates iPod touches 24/7 to teachers and students of English Language Learners for two years. The study was presented at the elementary and middle school levels. Through this study, the results revealed the iPod touch was used to support language and content learning, provide differentiated instructional support, and extended learning time from classroom to home(Liu,Navarrete,Wivagg 2014). First, the article revealed that iPods and other mobile devices helped ELL students develop their language skills. The iPod devices gave these students an opportunity to practice the English language through internet projects and audio support. Students were also given the opportunity to collaborate with other students or teachers who were more advanced in the English language. As a result, these students enhanced their reading as well as their writing skills. The iPod increased student engagement and allowed the students greater connection to the "U.S. popular culture"(Liu,et. al 2014). ELL students gained an interest of the topic and wanted to know more about the culture of the United States. Next, the article shows that using handheld devices such as the iPod provide differentiated instructional support. Students were able to learn in a different style. For example, students who were audio learners, where able to listen to text. The students not were not only able to see what they were learning, but also able to hear the information given. Holding the handheld devices also helped students who were hands-on learners touch and feel the lessons. Students' mathematical skills also improved by having game-based learning. This brought a different approach for learning in the classroom. Finally, the article highlights learning time from classroom to home. Handheld devices makes it possible for students to be mobile and not forced to only learn in a school setting. The value of this type of learning is that students can continue learning after they leave the classroom. Students are given the privilege to still collaborate with teachers, librarians, and other students. In my own library, I would allow students to use handheld devices such as an iPod to look up the library's catalog. With the handheld devices, Students can look up books, articles, or journals in any location. Students can also use handheld devices in the library to collaborate and share information. Liu, M., Navarrete, C., & Wivagg, J. (2014). Potentials of Mobile Technology for K-12 Education: An Investigation of iPod touch use for English Language Learners in the United States. Journal of Educational Technology and Society, 17(2), 115-115.

Technology and Weaknesses

Based on the ISTE's - Nets, I believe my strengths include meeting the needs of all types of learners through technology and a willingness to engage in professional growth (ISTE, 2014).  Through tools such as a smart board, I have met the needs of students who were visual, audio, and kinestetic learners.  I have found this to be very important when teaching in the classroom.  To meet the needs of the visual learners, students were able to view the learning concepts on smart boards to learn by seeing pictures and other graphics.  Audio learners, were able to hear learning concepts through videos and audio tapes in order to learn.  The kinestetic learners, were actually able to write and put there hands on the visuals presented to meet their learning need.  So the smart board and other technical tools become a great resource in the classroom and one of my strengths.  I also believe my strengths include engaging in professional growth.  I have fallen behind in many of the latest technical trends, but I have a willingness to attend workshops and classes to adapt to learning the newest technology.  It has been many years since I have taken computer courses, but I am always willing to try to grow in the area of technology.
Some of my weaknesses include being behind on the newest internet trends such as Twitter and Instagram.  I am also weak in the area of creating visuals such as pictures and graphics on media sources.  I am also weak in the area of communicating information with parents.  To overcome my weaknesses, I plan to research and take tutorials in the areas where I can use improvement.  I will take such tutorials such as  how to create a twitter page as well as how to instagram.  To become stronger with communicating with parents, I plan to reach out to parents more through email or facebook.  Through this communication, I hope to give parents tools they can use at home to help their children such as "Think Through Math" or  "I station."
As an educator, I plan to continue using technology such as smart boards, personal computers, videos, and digital calculators to reach all learners.  I will also continue to grow as a professional by communicating with colleagues and going to workshops and seminars.
In conclusion, I would like to learn how to post pictures and graphics on my blog and other media sources.  I would also like to learn about more classroom tools such as a smart board.  I am also hoping to get a Twitter page soon to know how to navigate though this tool.