Daily Archives: July 28, 2019

ETL401 Module 2.5

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One of the main roles of the teacher librarian is to help students and colleagues learn to safely, efficiently and ethically navigate the information landscape. TLs need to know about the state and evolution of the landscape in order to keep abreast of the developments that will inevitably affect the ways in which it is used.

In her webinar, Information, change and issues, Dr Combes refers to the myth of the ‘digital native’. Certainly, experience in NSW DET Primary schools in recent years would tend to support her view that, while teachers may hold the view that students know how to use computer technology safely, efficiently and ethically, this is a learned skill that many students are still developing. Many students learn to use the applications and peripherals quickly; it is the critical evaluation, ethical understandings and digital citizenship that must be a particular focus of instruction. The actual applications and devices the students use do, and will continue to, change rapidly so it is the underlying understandings that teachers must convey.  Being able to identify the difference between information, misinformation, malinformation and commentary will be vital skills for students to learn.

References

Combes, B (Producer) accessed 25.07.2019. Information, change and issues [Webinar] retrieved from https://connect.csu.edu.au/p46nev0a746/

Are Teacher Librarians an Endangered Species?

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Karen Bonanno (Australian School Library Association, 2011) argues that teacher librarians are more valuable than ever, yet they are somewhat invisible. She argues that TLs need to differentiate themselves in the school community. They must identify what it is that they can do or offer that others don’t. Make it visible, necessary. Follow a focus area through until successful. Establish relationships with students, staff and leadership. Show how the work of the TL enhances and develops the general capabilities. In her follow up article, A profession at the tipping point (revisited) (Bonanno 2015) Bonanno adds that TLs must keep abreast of developments in curriculum and pedagogy to ensure that the curriculum is effectively and efficiently resourced, and they can share their knowledge, advocacy and solutions with their colleagues.

References

Australian School Library Association (ASLA) (2011). A profession at the tipping point: Time to change the game plan. Keynote presentation, Karen Bonanno. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/31003940

Bonanno , K. (2015). A profession at the tipping point (revisited). Access, March, 14-21