Library Media Specialists Infuse Technology into Classrooms

BY BARRY WARNER

School Library Month in April recognizes Library Media Specialists (LMS) who integrate the digital world into today’s classrooms and throughout the curriculum. Specially trained and knowledgeable in the use of information technology, they have become important instructional partners, working with students and teachers to effect change.

South Orangetown Middle School Library Media Specialist Patty Eyer and a Social Studies teacher collaborated on a student-centered ‘create your own political party’ project. Eyer indicated that she helped infuse digital technology tools, such as ‘Chromebooks’ and ‘Google Docs’ into the plan to make problem-based learning more active and authentic plus stimulate the development of information literacy skills.

‘Google Docs’ allow students to create and edit documents online while collaborating with other classmates in real-time. ‘Chromebooks’ enable students to drag and drop images, cite sources and search for quotes that they can use to prepare slides for exciting presentations to the class.

School library media projects prepare students for lifelong learning and 21st century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, information and communications technology plus social responsibility. For additional information access www.ala.org.