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.