Tag: information

ETL401

2.3 – Information Society and what this means for the TL

Louise

Information Society

Information is such a broad word that can describe a variety of formats and deliveries. In 2021 we are bombarded 24/7 with new and changing information, it is complex in nature and it is constantly evolving. Our daily lives are fast-paced and defined by what is happening, when and where and we need to know now! Children growing up in this new information era are diminished in patience and it needs to be both taught and modelled. Device-free days and getting back to nature are in fact part of my family’s holiday routine. In an information society according to Webster (2014, p. 10), it is possible to define and distinguish five definitions of an Information Society. I found it interesting that he also mentions that they are not mutually exclusive.  

These being:

  • Technological
  • Economic
  • Occupational
  • Spacial
  • Cultural

When considering these defining terms of an Information Society, I think that we need to reflect on how we interact with each, and how they might define and understand the role of the teacher librarian in today’s world. 

Technological – What are the needs of the library space? How does the TL stay current? Who needs to support this within the school to ensure currency is upheld? 

Economic – Are technologies kept up-to-date? Are schools in low-socioeconomic areas disadvantaged when it comes to staying current? 

Occupational – How do TL’s ensure that they are familiar with the latest technologies and procedures? Is there enough PL support for TL’s? How influenced are we in placing importance on information shared on social media and are we critical thinkers when it comes to self-proclaimed experts in their field? How do TL’s ensure that information, from a student research perspective, is relevant? 

Spacial – How do we ensure we have “downtime” when it comes to communications, such as social media platforms? What are the expectations in response to new trends (eg staff communication using What’s App)? How do we teach patience when it comes to giving feedback?

Cultural – How do we ensure that library collections expand in both depth and width? How do we meet the needs of our students? How do we ensure authentic information is provided? How do we filter information that is not needed in an overpopulated world of resources? 

References

Webster, F. (2014). Theories of the information society. 4th ed. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

ETL401

2.1 Thinking about information – Is it overload?

Louise

Information

I found the whole concept of thinking about information interesting. I particularly connected to the PowerPoint slides and my current state of affairs in my family…choosing a high school for my daughter. Our state of chaos!

Gliding through the slideshow, I began to ponder the first statement on page 2, Learning is about knowledge. One cannot exist without the other.

But information systems have their limitations. (page 3). For two weeks in a row, my husband, daughter and I have explored 2 local high schools at their open days. “They’re like chalk and cheese really,” was a comment from my husband today. We began to weigh up the pros and cons of each and discovered that although from our point of view one clearly outweighed the other in the facilities and subject offerings, our daughter was sold on the simpler school. 

This all came down to the information hierarchy as seen on page 4 and ultimately decisions can be made more clearly with both knowledge and experience. The decision will eventually, I believe, come down to the Community of Practise. Our daughter is primarily interested in the “assembly” of like-minded people. The school she continues to favour, although with what my husband and I perceived as having inferior facilities, is closer to home, most of her friends will attend, it is smaller (which she prefers), and it made her feel more comfortable. 

I found the linking of this personal experience to what I have learnt in this section, gave me perspective about why she wants to go to the high school of her choice (and not necessarily her parents choice. It has shown me why it is important to her to go to a school where shared backgrounds, common purposes and social interactions are also pivotal in dynamic learning.

We are on our way to wisdom, just hope we don’t hit “information overload”.

Resources

Wideman, R.M. (2008). The Information Hierarchy. [Powerpoint slides]