LIBS 602 has provided me with many ways to explore technology as it relates to education and to develop, or sharpen, my own skills as it relates to certain technologies. While I am extremely fond of technology and use a lot of it daily, there is always something new to learn. Burroughs (2022) talks a lot about how librarians, especially in smaller schools, serve as technical support to teachers and students. She even points out that librarians may be the most technologically proficient person in their schools. With this in mind, I think it is vital for school librarians to keep up to date on new technology, especially as it is always rapidly evolving.
Thankfully, in today’s digital world, there are many ways to stay up to date with technology. One way I plan to do this is by who I follow on TikTok. Bogan (2021) states that, “social media is the best tool a librarian can have in their toolbox.” I am inclined to agree. I do not use social media very much, but I do have a personal TikTok account that I use to follow others for information, learning, or entertainment. Bogan has a list of several creators that would be good to follow, but there are also creators on TikTok that can help refine my technology skills or to help me stay current with technology I haven’t come across before.
Another resource from this week that I plan to use is the Tech 4 School Librarians website. This site lists a lot of technology that would be fitting for a school librarian to know in order to help students (and, perhaps, teachers) explore and utilize those tools. For example, Turner (2012) talks about a tool called CodeAcademy: “The lessons in HTML really break down the component parts of creation. It is a language unto itself and this allows students to learn by doing.” This tool has many lessons on code aside from HTML that can help students succeed beyond the classroom. I remember when I was a teenager I played around with HTML and CSS to perfect my MySpace page. I learned a lot by reading, but I think having a tool like Code Academy would have made the information stick better because today I couldn’t format a page like I did on MySpace without relearning these coding languages.
Aside from these resources that I can pinpoint right now, I know that I will likely discover new ways to stay current with technology in the future. Technology is something that I have a real interest in and I am always looking to learn new things.
References
Bogan, K. (2021, October 25). TikTok: 8 ways librarians are using it. Don’t Shush Me! https://dontyoushushme.com/2021/10/25/tiktok-8-ways-libraries-are-using-it/
Burroughs, A. (2022, July 8). Tech-savvy school librarians provide value to modern learners. EdTech. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2022/07/tech-savvy-school-librarians-provide-value-modern-learners
Turner, H. A. (2021, October 14). HTML & CSS CodeAcademy. Tech 4 School Librarians. https://www.tech4schoollibrarians.com/html-css-codeacademy/
TikTok intimidates me. I was intrigued by the library TikTok information from this week. I am impressed that you use the app!
I liked tech4schoollibrarians too. I’ll have to check out the tool for CodeAcademy since we do introduce coding on the primary level where I work. I’d like to have a clearer understanding of it so I can better assist my students.
I love the quote that you opened up with that librarians may be the most technology proficient person in the school. This drives me to know more. I love using technology in the classroom and would love to share!
Another reason to use TikTok. I just can’t commit to it but really need to.
I have seen a CodeAcademy mentioned a few times. I need to take a look at it.
I resisted Facebook for multiple years before I finally caved. Now I prefer Instagram over Facebook. I dabbled in Snapchat briefly, and never got on Twitter. And now TikTok… I have never explored TikTok and honestly, I don’t want to give in! Yet I do see the draw and how it could help connect students to the library. I know there have been previous conversations rolling around here about how can public libraries can youth and young adults more connected to the library, and well, maybe social media is the way! Let me know if you get it into it at school, I’m curious how it goes. We’ll have to keep this conversation going, as I think it is an important one!
I haven’t braved TikTok yet! I know it could be a valuable resource but I’m not sure I could juggle yet another medium. Twitter and blogs keep me pretty busy!
I agree that TikTok is a great, fun, easy way to get information in easy to digest pieces. Love it!