Develop Relationships
I think first and foremost, a TL needs to develop relationships with the staff and families in the school so that they respect and trust you (Howard, 2009; Johnston, 2012). Once a rapport is built, others are more willing to accept feedback and let other educators and administrators know your value as a TL (Todd, 2004). Often teachers are hesitant to explore ICT tools because they can be overwhelming, but a quality TL can support them in integrating it into their practice (Johnston, 2012) so students are able to become well-rounded 21st century learners.
The infographic below was interesting to me because only 72% saw teacher librarians as tech leaders, albeit this is from ten years ago. I'm curious if you were to survey your staff, who they would say is the tech leader in your school? I love how the article told me to steal this infographic. We have to get the word out!
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| (Ishizuka, 2013) |
Collaboration
I work in an IB School where each grade has six units of inquiry based on a transdisciplinary theme. I think it would be amazing to have a meeting with each grade group at the beginning on each unit to discuss what their goals are for the unit and then provide some suggestions in terms of ICT integration (Eisenberg, 2002). TL's could acquire resources, evaluate and curate websites and apps, manage devices, and co-plan units (BCTLA, n.d.) It would be more purposeful and could be enacted right away. Often when I go to professional development workshops or read a professional development book and get inspired, the idea doesn’t apply to our current unit, and then when I finally teaching that unit, I forget about the amazing idea I read/learned about months ago! Does this happen to anyone else? Bueller?
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| (Mr.Janzen1984, 2019) |
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Curate Online Resources
Post interesting ICT tools or tricks on the SLLC website so teachers can go there for inspiration and send an email to staff with updates and links (Ross, 2022). Personally, I am horrible about checking our TL’s SLLC website, but I do when she sends me an email. We all get so busy that it doesn’t cross our minds to frequently check these types of websites, but if educators know that it is a gold mine of ideas and information, they might seek it out more!
Model Best Practice
Integrate ICT into your own teaching within the library and get release time for teachers to come in and observe (Karlen, 2008). Similarly, students may come back from their time in the SLLC sharing the exciting ICT tools they learned, and the teachers may want to continue within the class.
Join the Tech Committee
By being on the tech committee, I understand how technology is purchased for the school and how it is used, but I also have a say in future purchases that will support digital literacy (Johnston, 2012).
Troubleshooting
Make yourself available for troubleshooting technology related issues. I feel like I already fill this role in my school as I am part of the technology committee, but I have to say sometimes I don’t have the time or bandwidth to support all the staff with their ICT problems. I agree a TL should be an ICT specialist, but I think having a team of technologically savvy educators (and even students) could help alleviate the pressure.
Surveys
Find out what the staff and parents want to learn about regarding ICT and provide workshops based on popular requests (Burns, 2018).
Share Successes
When teachers use their new ICT knowledge within their classrooms, share this on the SLLC blog to inspire others to try it!
References:
Burns, E. A. (2018). Advocating for Change in School Library Perceptions. Teacher Librarian, 46, 8-14.
Eisenberg, M. (2002). This Man Wants to Change Your Job. School Library Journal, 48(9), 46-50.
Howard, J. K. (2009). Advocacy through Relationships. School Library Monthly, XXVI(2), 44–45.
Ishizuka, K. (2013, December 10). Steal This Infographic: Librarians as Tech Leaders. Thedigitalshift.com. http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/12/k-12/steal-infographic/
Johnston, M. P. (2012). The school librarian as a technology integration leader. School Library Research, 15, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1145/1940761.1940872
Karlen, H. L. (2008) How teacher-librarians can effectively support technology integration in 21st century schools. Graduate Research Papers. 991.
Mr.Janzen1984. (2019, February 17). What about T-L Collaboration? BC Teacher-Librarians’ Association. https://bctla.ca/2019/02/17/what-about-t-l-collaboration/
Ross, T. (2022). 10 Tips for Increasing Teacher and Librarian Collaboration in Schools | EBSCOpost. EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | www.ebsco.com. https://www.ebsco.com/blogs/ebscopost/2080337/10-tips-increasing-teacher-and-librarian-collaboration-schools
Todd, R. J. (2003). Irrefutable Evidence. School Library Journal, 49 (4), 52.
Hi Annette,
ReplyDeleteI really like that first infographic "Who is the tech leader in your school?" Think I'll steal it too. I wonder what today's stats would be?
Hi Annette,
ReplyDeleteI can completely relate to moments when Pro D is promising in the moment and then easily forgotten when it doesn't fit into your current goals. I agree that collaboration could be the perfect moment to support teachers with ICT learning. I like that it achieves two ends simultaneously: supporting with curriculum development and providing digital mentorships. In my research, studies illustrate that effective collaboration on tech learning can come from collective goals and learning to teach with the technology (rather than just learning how to use it). Collaboration with staff seems like such a great way to meet multiple TL goals.
References:
Kopcha, T. J. (2008). A systems-based approach to technology integration using mentoring and communities of practice. Educational Technology Research and Development, 58(2), 175–190. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-008-9095-4
Thank you Annette for the visuals! They are so nice! The collaboration method you mention is something that really resonates with me as I also think that allow the grade to meet at the beginning to discuss goals is super effective. TL's can curate resources, websites and videos to match the curriculum. I also agree that technology trouble shooting is not just on one person but needs a solid team as well! I wonder if the schools have the abilities to incorporate technology training for teachers during Pro D days or if they have already and what have they taught so far?
ReplyDelete~Michelle
This is a well-structured post that shares some strong strategies for how to support others with their ICT development. I appreciate your insight about the importance of developing relationships. I agree that this is key. I also appreciate your ideas about building capacity within staff and students to relieve the pressure. Great strategy.
ReplyDelete