Media (is) the message?

In my opinion, the medium is not the message.  I see that there is a correlation between the medium and the message but I feel that the medium in which the content is delivered does not determine if students will learn or not.  To this point, I feel that students will automatically be more interested if their learning occurs on an iPad, computer, or video game.  Engagement seems to be a huge factor for students in today’s fast-paced world and technology engages our students.  When it comes to technology we need to plan content with the end in mind. 

The role the librarian plays is huge.  Librarians are the center of the school and learning environment.  Librarians must be available to help roll out professional development that will help students and teachers become digital literate in an ever-changing technology environment. Librarians must have the knowledge that will increase student achievement and must know what technology will best suit learners. 

At this point I feel that districts have great ideas and want technology in the hands of students, but are not exactly sure what that entails.  Students merely having technology in their hands does not mean that they are learning anything.  If districts are wanting technology to be used to teach and learn then I feel that their starting point is with the teachers.  Teaching teachers how to teach using technology is vitally important for success in technology to enhance learning.  Some districts are finding that having technology in classrooms with teachers that aren’t sure what to do with it is ineffective. 

For librarians to support this vision we need to learn about as much technology as possible and stay current.  Librarians will need to develop strong professional development pieces to deliver to teachers and show them how they can implement the technology into the classroom.  Librarians will need to be flexible and relatable for teachers to trust the process of change that implementing technology will bring. 

The largest block I see that will hinder the adoption of technology is teacher attitude.  If teachers are not on board with technology use, then inevitably it will fail.  Ensuring teachers are well equipped to teach using technology will ensure success of technology in education.  Another block to adoption of technology will be budget constraints that are placed on school districts.  When money becomes an issue then technology implementation could fall by the wayside.