Tech Takeaways

I will admit that when this course started, I was hesitant of using a lot of technology in the library. It has nothing to do with being anti-tech. I am far from it. I love technology and am an avid user (and have been since youth) in my personal life. I was more concerned with whether it would take up too much time to introduce technology and then create a product. However, after taking the time to explore and finding how simple a lot of the technology we can use is, I feel confident that it will be easier to use technology in class. I also got to see in one of my observations for LBS815 how an elementary school librarian uses technology. It seems that if you have iPads, you're probably good to go. Maybe not that simple, but it does seem like my concerns were maybe unnecessary, especially since kids these days seem to be so natural with basic computer and tablet skills. You can teach them more because you don't necessarily need to teach them the basics, as much as you would've had to do 20 years ago. My first grader is coming home, telling me about how he was using the Chromebooks in class. So, by the time they're in fourth grade or so, you can probably do a whole lot.

I also learned more about the importance of being a leader within the school. In order to get people excited about your proposed technology, you need to reach out and show the faculty how it's done. This isn't something with which I am necessarily 100% comfortable, so talking about its importance was good for me.

There were so many new tools and apps I learned about. The reminder that you can find tools for almost anything online and to not get frustrated with the first one you try was also important.

I knew almost nothing about adaptive technology, at least not with that term, and I learned so much. Just knowing to look out for adaptive tools within the technology at the school is crucial. Add to that other specialized tools and ideas and I feel confident that I can reach more students.

I've really enjoyed the chance to explore that I was given in this course. I feel certain that if I stay on top of technology, I will be able to do creative and accessible projects with students in my own library some day.