Useful Technology Applications and 1:1 Technology

As an educator, I need guidance with the use of technology devices in the classroom.  We work with students on a spectrum of technology usage in the kindergarten classroom.  Some students tell us they have unlimited iPad time and even eat dinner with a tablet while others are limited to only watching one television show after school.  We can help with this digital divide by providing students with rich resources on technology devices that complement the academic curriculum.  The library transcends physical books and needs to include other technological resources for reading and exploring books.  These applications include: Starfall, Epic!, ABCmouse, and Scratch Jr. (stayingcoolinthelibrary, 2024). This module's readings have helped me reframe my prior thinking regarding technology.  Applications are another way to help students experience books and develop a love of reading.  Not all learners enjoy reading a hard copy and technology can help us reach a greater population of students. 

The digital divide with students can be bridged through 1:1 technology access throughout the school.  Ensuring that all students have access to a technology device is the first step to bridging this gap. However, educators need the resources, training, and comfort of using these devices in their classrooms.  Librarians play a crucial role in professional development with educational peers and administration.  Educators can understand the importance of incorporating technology with curriculum standards but lack the training in the technology.  Librarians can help ease the demands of the administration and the technology department by providing professional development programs for teachers.  In addition, a librarian has a unique perspective on the needs of the community.  This perspective allows librarians to effectively reach the needs of students, the community, teachers, and administration (Smith et.al., 2022).  My takeaway from these readings is that librarians can fill another critical role in their school communities by being the “go-to” for technology assistance and also continued education for their peers.  At a time when school library positions are being eliminated, this is another opportunity for school librarians to validate their worth and necessity in the school community. 

References

Smith, D.L., Milburn, S.M., Yildiz, E., & Colby, D. (2022, May). Teacher perceptions of one-to-one laptop implementation: Suggestions for the role of school librarians. Research Journal of the American Association of School Librarians, 25(2022), 1-28.    

Stayingcoolinthelibrary. (2024, February 1). Educational learning apps bring reading adventures

            to life.    https://www.stayingcoolinthelibrary.us/educational-learning-apps-for-school-

            libraries/