Standards for the 21st Century
Learner
According to the American Association of School Librarians, the core value is to realize that reading is the key to success. “Reading is a foundation skill for learning. Reading goes beyond decoding and comprehension to interpretation and development of new understandings.” (2007). It is imperative that all students are taught to be independent learners and to learn to evaluate themselves. It is the role of the librarian to ensure that all students are taught to utilize technology with integrity and remain ethical as well. Technology is the way of the future, and we must teach technology skills early on so students are confident when applying technology to schoolwork or building up toward a career skillset. No matter the demographics or socioeconomic status all students deserve an equal opportunity to have access to technology applications while at school.
Benefits of Technology in Education and
School Librarian’s Role in Implementing Technology
With ever-changing technology, it is inevitable that schools will soon become more technology based. Some may see it as a downfall, while other have research to show proven student success not only with every day projects, but standardized state tests as well.
David V. Loertscher (2011) states:
Teacher librarians and teacher technologists are in the best position in the school to watch the development and impact of technology in the lives of the teachers and students. In every report we have seen, there is a constant call for everyone in the school community to learn how to learn in a rich information and technological environment. Smart phones, network capacity, and devices with solid state drives allow the “computer” to always be waiting on the user rather than the user waiting on the device. When reliability goes up and wait time goes down, there is a direct impact on the efficiency of the entire organization and on the individual learners. In schools where we see the most progress there is a grand alliance between tech directors, teacher librarians, teacher technologist, classroom teachers, and, most importantly, the students. When collaborative culture arises spurred by sound technology infused learning strategies, everything changes. (p.46)
With technology available and collaborative efforts between classroom teachers and the librarian or teacher librarian, there becomes a great opportunity for the students to gain academic success and confidence. Librarians need to stay abreast of new Web 2.0 tools and technology so they can keep classroom teachers informed, so they can in turn teach the students.
L.V. Edinger (1966) notes:
A teacher in the technological society knows that his role must change as he uses the power tools in education. The learning situation will be constructed of more that book, learner, and teacher. It need not become media-centered; indeed, it should become more student-centered, and both student and teacher should have easy access to all the new educational technology the school provides. Teachers must not fear change or innovation. They should be flexible in attitude, willing to experiment with new ideas; indeed, they should, in many instances, become agents of change. We cannot teach for the tomorrow that is sure to be, with the tools of yesterday. (p. 75)
Boldly stating the obvious fact that we cannot expect our students to be successful if we don’t give them the current tools that are available in today’s technological world. Librarians need to be willing and available to give on site mini trainings to staff and students so the new tools and technology are easily understood. This gives the campus personnel and student’s confidence to implement the new technology that has been presented.
References
American
Association of School Librarians. 2007. “Standards for the 21st-Centrury Learner.”
Edinger, L.V. (1966). Technology in Education. Wilson Library Bulletin, 41 72-75
Loertscher, D.V. (2011). Unleash the power of technology in education. Teacher Librarian, 39(1), 46. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/902627384?accountid=7113
