Blog 4: Technology Leadership
Role of School Librarians
The Standards for the 21st –Century Learner approaches
learning in a much different way than it did just a few years ago. The 21st-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 21st-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 21st-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 21st-Century
library (Mashriqi, 2011). One of the
greatest benefits for a librarian to become a 21st-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 21st 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.
