Technology is an
essential tool that teachers and librarians must utilize in order to enhance
the learning process in today’s classrooms.
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for the
21st Century Learner, has nine common belief statements. Throughout each of those statements, one will
find how the integration of technology is necessary in order for students to
achieve success. The standards also
include the importance of technology in order for the students to achieve each
of the four standards, which are: Inquire, think critically, and gain
knowledge; Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply new situations, and
create new knowledge; Share knowledge and participate ethically and
productively as members of our democratic society; and Pursue personal and aesthetic
growth (American Library Association, 2015). As an educator,
it is essential to ensure that all students are equipped with the skills and
tools needed in order to be successful in the real world. The fourth common belief statement claims
“technology skills are crucial for future employment needs” (American Library
Association, 2015). In order to
successfully prepare students for their future, librarians must act as the
technology leader in order to find creative and innovative ways to increase the
integration of technology.
Technology has become a part of
everyday life. According to Anne Shaw
(2009), the director and founder of 21st Century School, students
today have access to a variety of technology devices and have therefore become
“digital learners” (p. 12). As an
educator, one must meet the needs of the students to support their learning
styles in order to increase their learning experience. Technology provides students the ability to
“create knowledge and to create personal and social change” (Shaw, 2009, p.
15). Sharing this creativity with peers
and the community will enable students to learn “what it is to be a
contributing citizen and carry these citizenship skills forward throughout
their lives” (Shaw, 2009, p. 14). This form
of collaboration is essential in order to prepare students to become citizens
and leaders within the community, state, and world. Implementing more technology into education
prepares students be successful beyond the classroom.
While implementing technology may be
intimidating for some, teachers should look to their school librarian as the
technology leader and someone who can aid them in providing this essential tool
for students. Librarians play many roles
within a school community and being the technology leader is one of the most
important of them all. Librarians
naturally take on this role simply because “they work with each teacher, across
grade levels and departments” (Perez, 2013, p. 23). Librarians also know the curriculum as well
as all the students within the building, which makes them an essential
collaborative partner (Perez, 2013, p. 23).
Technology is an essential resource that educators must provide for the
21st century learner.
Teachers and school librarians collaborating to find creative and
innovative ways to implement this tool will better prepare the future leaders
of the world.
American Library Association. (2015).
Standards for the 21st century learner. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/aasl/standards-guidelines/learning-standards
Perez,
L. (2013). Master librarian. Knowledge
Quest, 41(4), 22-26.
Shaw, A. (2009). Education in the 21st
century. Ethos, 17(1), 11-17.
No comments:
Post a Comment