Journal 10- Not Your Grandmother's library! (NETS I, II, V)

Perez, L. (2011, March/April). Feature article: not your grandmother's library!. Learning & Leading , 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Feature_Article_Not_Your_Grandmother_s_Library.aspx

While some school libraries are equipped with state of the art books and technology equipment, others lack such tools. Most librarians nowadays have acquired the skill set that is needed to properly prepare the school’s educators and students for modern technologically geared libraries. Libraries are a key aspect to the school environment. Although the traditional paper and print books are still used very widely in our country, more and more students are relying on digital sources of literature and information. It is very important that our schools stay up to par on a technological standpoint. ISTE’s Special Interest Group for Media Specialists (SIGMS) offers a great community for school librarians to extend their knowledge on technology that can help the operation of their school libraries. SIGMS provides several ways to get involved like contributing to the newsletter and helping to organize developmental activities. You can find more information at www.iste.org/sigms. Another great source for instruction is Joyce Valenza’s award winging blog. Her blog is an awesome School Library Journal called The Neverending Search. Through her blog, she tries to find the latest technologies and resources to support her students’ informational needs and creativity. She has conducted a number of effective projects at her high school in Springfield and shares the experiences through her site. Some teachers, such as Wendy Stephens, are preparing their students for technological advances that are only imaginable. She is infusing technology in her library to prepare her students for what future in technology in education has in store. About 1,300 students attend Stephen’s high school and the school library is equipped with 14 computers, several laptops, and digital and video cameras; along with thousands of books. Some schools are even going to the extent of using Skype in their libraries to contact of other schools around the world. The fact of the matter is, the stern roots of the technology tree have grown deep within the public schools system’s soil.

Question 1: How do you think schools split up the library hours so that each class gets a chance to explore the technological world?

Answer 1: As far as the library went when I was in grade school, it was pretty much first come first serve. The teacher could literally call at the beginning of class and tell the librarian that they were on their way. With the advancement in technology, I’m sure it’s a lot more difficult now. I’d think that would have to sign your class up to go to the library at least a week or two in advance. I’m sure that each teacher is only allowed to bring their class so many times a month or semester.

Question 2: Where do you think technology in education will be five years from now?

Answer 2: Like Wendy Stephens said, I can only imagine the advancement. I am pretty sure that public school libraries will have a large inventory of computers so that each student has their own computer when their class gets the opportunity to visit the library. I’m sure that schools will have assessments and require the students to be technology savvy.