Do we need a reality check on future directions? Discuss the major findings of this research. How will this influence your school/tertiary organisation?
O’Connell et al. (2015), commented that “technology has outpaced both fundamental conceptual understanding, and research” and that school libraries are struggling to harness this technology productively (p. 197 & 205); meaning that much improvement is needed before digital texts and technology are integrated organically and seamlessly into learning and teaching practices. In O’Connell et al. (2015), the major findings of the research were, that:
- A qualified teacher librarian (or library personnel) should establish and maintain the acquisition, management, and procedures regarding digital texts.
- The budget reflects and supports the diversity of digital texts.
- Digital texts should address curriculum standards, diverse student learning needs, and recreational or entertainment needs.
- Access to digital texts need to align with the technology infrastructure and platforms available within the school, whilst being aware of future development.
- Digital texts are relevant to learner needs and interests, in preparation for life within a technology permeated world.
- Professional learning is required for all teachers, to better understand digital texts and how to implement them successfully into their teaching practice to support learning and curriculum delivery.
However, I am incredibly sceptical about how to increase the balance/integration of digital texts to 50/50; as when I was employed as a TL, I found my school incredibly underequipped with digital resources and disadvantaged by lack of knowledge of digital texts (as a whole). Wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and is also feeling daunted still about how to successfully implement this 50/50 ratio?
I have noted that Combes (2016) suggests that we ‘start small and plan well’ when bringing about change. Therefore, I intend to start small, by educating myself better and undergoing more training so that once I am employed as a TL I will be able to equip my staff and students in digital literature and practices, before slowly working my way through the points addressed by O’Connell et al. Hopefully, this will be a less daunting challenge. Curious to see what others are planning to do upon completion of INF533 and how this will influence change within your school/institution.
References
Combes, B. (2016). Digital literacy: A new flavour of literacy or something different? Synergy, 14(1). https://search-informit-com-au.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/fullTextdn=216725;res=AEIPT
O’Connell, J., Bales, J., & Mitchell, P. (2015). [R]Evolution in reading cultures: 2020 vision for school libraries. The Australian Library Journal, 64(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/00049670.2015.1048043