As a reflect on my experience in LIBS 602, I realize while I have utilized many of the applications and platforms we explored this semester in my classroom, I had no idea how many technological resources were available. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with an awesome Instructional Technology Resource teacher who has kept me and my classroom colleagues up-to-date with technological advances we can implement with and for our students (she even publishes a monthly newsletter, “ITRT Newsflush: Get Techy while you Potty” — yes, she posts copies in the faculty bathrooms). In addition, our school has an amazing Makerspace facility, provides a Chromebook to every student, 75-in SMART Boards in every classroom, VR headsets, several computer labs with both Windows and Apple Macintosh desktops, and multiple 3-D printers. However, my experience as a Summer School library media specialist at a different school in my district, revealed that not every school, and thus not every teacher and student, have the same access and opportunity. Thus, it is vitally important, that as I embark on my career as a school librarian that I keep abreast of technology for the library. Assuring that I take “deep dives into something new” (Rayome, 2017), will assure that I will “keep [my] skills sharp, [my] knowledge fresh, and [be] on the cutting edge of what is going on” (Rayome, 2017).

School librarians work closely with classroom teachers to actively co-teach, supplement, and enrich classroom lessons. In fact, librarians help students evaluate and implement a myriad of digital resources for research, create lesson plans and activities for teachers to use in their classes, and assist students with new creative works and collaborative endeavors. (Burroughs, 2022). Clearly, librarians are an asset to their schools.

Library media specialists have access to a variety of websites, blogs, and other resources to assist teachers in delivering engaging lessons to their students. One of my favorites which in my classroom is Ditch that Textbook. This site not only provides lesson ideas, blogs, and videos, but also links to a variety of applications and platforms that make teaching and learning more fun by bringing technology into the classroom. (Ditch That Textbook, 2023). One of the blogs I clicked on was Teach Like a Pirate (because who doesn’t want teach like that) and discovered a few ways in which to incorporate social media in the classroom and library. The Google slide social media reply template was especially intriguing as it couples social media with digital citizenship. (Ditch That Textbook, 2023). I plan to put this activity into practice this school year.

Much as has been made about the use of AI in classrooms and libraries. In article for the New York Times, Kevin Roose explained that any technology there are pro and cons. (Roose, 2023). He argues that while AI helps students cheat, it also helps detect cheating. In addition, students are able to brainstorm more effectively, however, teachers are having to significantly alter their lesson plans. The crux is of argument is basically that today’s students are digital natives, so why not meet them where they are. (Roose, 2023). While Roose points out several ostensibly valid reasons for incorporating AI into classrooms, I am not sure I agree yet; but I am willing to learn more on my journey as a school librarian.

References

Burroughs, A. (2022, July 8). Tech-savvy school librarians provide value to modern learners. Ed Tech Magazine. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2022/07/tech-savvy-school-librarians-provide-value-modern-learners

Miller. M. (2023). Ditch that textbook. https://ditchthattextbook.com/

Rayome, A. (2017, September 17). 10 ways that IT pros and developers can keep their skills up to date. Tech Republic. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/10-ways-that-it-pros-and-developers-can-keep-their-tech-skills-up-to-date/

Roose, K. (2023, January 12). Don’t ban ChatGPT in schools. Teach with it. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/technology/chatgpt-schools-teachers.html?searchResultPosition=1