Technology today is a given part of a student's educational experience. Students today have never known a life without smartphones, home computers, and tablets. For myself, however, I still remember the first time I ever saw a home computer and when my mom got to check them one out for the summer so she could learn to use it for school. Computers was a separate class and where you learned keyboarding it was not integrated into the classroom like it is today. While I feel that I am very tech-savvy I still do not have the natural connection to technology like my students do. Since I did not grow up with the same technologies that my students have there will always be a difference in how we view technology. Students today view technology as a given, that it has always been there and always will be. I view technology as a tool that I can use to complete my job more quickly and efficiently. This difference in view of technology means that I have to work at integrating the use of technology in my library whereas my students naturally find ways to do this. I have seen in planing with younger colleagues how they are able to much more fluidly integrate technology than myself. I do see and find value in the use of technology. I feel that it opens up the realm of creativity for students and allows them to engage in content in a different way, therefore, deepening their understanding.
We have seen a shift in Bloom's Taxonomy model in the last 30 years with the introduction of technology. There are new ways to show learning in each tier of the pyramid. The categories have gone from passive to more active verbs to show that each tier is a process and not just something that happens. With the increase of technology, rote memory becomes less of a need and we see the need to learn the processes by which to find information become more the focus. One great resource for knowing Bloom's Taxonomy level of an application is Schrock's guide.
It is important to know what current technologies are out there and how they can support student learning. There are constantly news apps, websites, robots, tablets, etc. that come claiming to be the best new thing in the teaching world. It is important as librarians that we are able to evaluate these products and when we find ones that we feel will increase student learning and engagement be able to request such resources. When requesting a new app or technology for the library it is important to show how it will impact students. If you can not show that it will positively impact students the likelihood you would get it approved is slim. You also need to be able to show that your current resources do not fulfill the needs that the app you are requesting does. Keeping up with the latest technology in the library is important but we need to ensure that we are using our resources wisely.
The library is no longer just a place to find books and research. The library should be a place to collaborate, create, and grow in all aspects of learning and this includes technology. Librarians need to keep up to date with technology so that they can be a resource for their students just like they are for books. Not only should we be a resource for students but we should also be a resource for other teachers. Teachers are focused on what content to teach and how to teach it. They may not be aware of ways to integrate technology into their lessons. As librarians, if we can come in and collaborate with teachers and show them how to use technology within their lessons then students will benefit. Books will always be integral to the library however technology is not going anywhere so in order to make ourselves the most effective, valuable librarians we can we must embrace technology and learn all that it has to offer.
Bloomin’ apps. (2021). Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Everything. https://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html
Bloom’s digital taxonomy. (2020, April 1). Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/blooms-digital-taxonomy
Churches, A. (2008). Bloom’s digital taxonomy. http://www.ccconline.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Churches_2008_DigitalBloomsTaxonomyGuide.pdf
The first marist mindset list is released. (2019, August 19). Marist College. https://www.marist.edu/-/marist-news-the-first-marist-mindset-list-is-released
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