·
One other blog entry on a topic
of your choice. You may discuss any topic that was mentioned in class or, if
there is a topic that is pertinent to the operation of your particular SLMC or
technology center then you may choose to discuss this topic. Entry should be at
least 3 paragraphs long and should include at least one link.
With the change from
the traditional library filled with only books, to the media center packed with
technology, comes a challenge that school library media specialists must
address. Technology can be extremely
beneficial to the education and learning of students, but it is a tool that
must be used positively and productively.
Technology does have the ability to have a negative affect (potentially
harmful) if misused. Since so much of
this technology is centered in the library media center, it is the job of the
school library media specialist to ensure that students are safely using the
technology in the most beneficial way.
First, the school
should be sure to have an Acceptable Use Policy put into place for all students
and faculty. Here are some examples of
Acceptable Use Policies: Cranford Public Schools http://cranfordschools.org/boe/pdf/BP_6142_10.pdf,
Wake County Public School http://www.ncsu.edu/ligon/au.policy.html,
Livingston District http://www.livingston.k12.mt.us/1393101210104745700/lib/1393101210104745700/_files/3612.pdf
Acceptable Use Policies can range from a page long, to multiple pages
long. These policies are put in place to
provide guidelines and rules on how to use the Internet and technological
devices in a safe, efficient, and respectful manner. School Library Media Specialists should
ensure that the school has an acceptable use policy in place and that all
students and faculty are made aware of the policy. Most schools have students and faculty sign a
copy of the policy, and have a copy of the policy sent home to parents.
With an Acceptable Use
Policy in place, students should know how to behave while using
technology. However, the school library
media specialist can take a few more steps to ensure that student behavior is
appropriate. First, it is important to
have a certain type of filtering program for Internet Use in the school. There are pros and cons to these types of
filtering programs. While programs restrict
access to pornographic and other inappropriate websites, some programs actually
end up restricting appropriate websites as well. However, it is so important to make sure that
students cannot access pornographic and other harmful websites in schools. Some schools may also wish to block social
networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
This is a decision that should be made by the school (SLMS included!).
Finally, I think it is
important for the SLMS to open the eyes of the students to the potentially
harmful effects of technology. This
could be through a program designed by the SLMS, through a presentation from an
outside source, or through another medium.
I once saw a presentation by IROC (http://www.iroc2.org/)
that really opened my eyes to the idea that things posted by individuals on the
Internet become public and permanent. I
think the school library media specialist has a responsibility to help students
become “digitally conscious” or aware of the impact of technology in positive
and negative ways. I would recommend the
IROC presentation to anyone in the media aspect of a school!
