Sunday, June 12, 2016
21st Century Classroom in the Library
According to the The CDW-G 21st Century Classroom Report, "a 21st-century classroom leverages technology to engage and empower teachers and students." This study surveyed 1,000 school Information Technology Specialists, high school students and high school staff to learn more about how students and teachers would like to use technology in the classroom. Other topics included reviewing how technology is changing and ways to improve the use of technology.
As educators strive to stay technology savvy and find meaningful ways to utilize technology in the classroom, the results were expected. Overall, the need for increased technology in the school setting is apparent. Yet, as with most educational initiatives, funding is a critical issue. This can prove to be a difficult obstacle when it is believed that having a wireless network, personal computer, interactive whiteboards, and digital content are all top choices that are considered to be essential to the 21st Century Classroom. Twenty four percent of those surveyed also expressed that technology does not always work. While technology can be unpredictable, items purchased should be reviewed, researched and of reliable quality to avoid encountering a new set of technology concerns from faulty networks or devices. Understandably, this all comes at a high cost that some school districts may not be able to fund.
The library could offer wonderful opportunities for schools to start to provide some 21st Century opportunities. If putting interactive whiteboards in every classroom is not an option, perhaps investing in whiteboards for the library would provide a viable alternative. If each student cannot have their own device, instead purchase several class sets of devices that are shared but can be brought into the classroom. Starting on a smaller scale would also give the librarian an opportunity to work with teachers and students in a more collaborative environment. This would also be a great chance to analyze what is truly needed and would be best used. If more funding would come available, better choices may be made.
The librarian can take on the role of the digital leader by first learning new technology and software. Thirty percent of the respondents felt teachers do not know how to use technology! The librarian should work as a partner with the teachers in order to assist and inspire them to bring more technology to their students. This can be done through offering technology support and training to those who are interested. Empowering teachers with technological confidence will hopefully lead to empowered, confident students who learn, communicate, and collaborate in a technological educational world.
THE 2011 CDW-G 21ST-CENTURY CLASSROOM REPORT. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2016, from http://webobjects.cdw.com/webobjects/media/pdf/newsroom/CDWG-21st-Century-Classroom- Report-0611.pdf
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Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post, as I had many of the same thoughts and enjoyed your positive ideas. I too made note of the funding issues presented in the CDW-G report. It truly is a critical issue and certainly the reason my district is a bit behind. While reading about this and further thinking about the issue of funding, it got me thinking about the diversity within districts. Having the knowledge of my district and understanding our struggles, I can only imagine how rural communities or even highly populated, lower-income districts must feel. In a roundabout way, these schools are truly at a disadvantage. Technology has become an integral part of meeting the needs of our students, but these schools are lacking due to a factor that may be out of their control.
I loved your positive ideas about starting small with implementing technology and purchasing what is needed. The idea of interactive whiteboards provided within the library is a great solution that would at least allow students and teachers access and exposure to the devices. Our school utilizes your idea of sets of laptops that can be brought in classrooms. The only issue is what you stated earlier in your post about the technology not always working. Unfortunately, it seems the carts of laptops always encounter multiple issues that almost make them more of a hassle to deal with. However, as you stated, by implementing devices within the library, the technology components are still available for use and provide an outstanding opportunity for the power of teacher and librarian collaboration to be shared!
Breann
Christina,
ReplyDeleteOne of the items that really stuck with me while reading your post is when you discuss funding. In the world of education, funding is crucial, yet lacking. Yes, we want to utilize all of these amazing technologies as teachers and librarians, but where does that money come from? Budget cuts are frightening and funding just is not given to a lot of schools anymore. The state of Illinois is in debt, and I fear that it will only get worse before it gets better for public education. So now the question is, how do we incorporate all of these items that you suggested while still staying within budget? There has to be a pull somewhere.
While I do not have a definitive answer to that question, I most certainly agree with you when you state that all technology needs to be researched heavily before purchased. Buying an expensive piece of equipment that has not really been tested or reviewed can either be a huge payoff or set-back. No administrator would want it to be the latter because it failed to function the way that it was intended. That would be a waste of precious funds that could have been better spent in other areas. Therefore, when we librarians are searching for technology to purchase, it is imperative that we keep these factors along with necessity in mind before presenting major purchases to administration.