I started a new policy this year that is really working well. Here's
the background:
I teach in a school whose campus has divided into 3 completely
autonomous small schools, with 3 different sets of rules, class
schedules, etc..... I decided it would be unreasonable to expect me to
link up each kid with it's school and school policy for electronic
devises. I also got to see Mark Prensky at NCCE last year and he really
brought me around to enabling digital interaction with kids. So I
established 2 Zones in my library (and each is labeled well)
1) Electronic Lounge -- the computer area, couches and a few tables on
the north side of the facility. Kids are allowed to use their phones
and MP3's as long as they are not bothering anyone (including
calling/texting people who are in class). If I can hear their MP3
players or phone conversation I give them a bad time, but otherwise I
leave them alone.
2) No Electronics Area -- this is the classroom area (actual 2 separate
areas) and they must put their "toys" away in these areas. If I see
kids using there, I remind them of the rules and ask them to either put
their stuff away or move to the lounge( if that's an option).
I have had no confrontations or arguments -- the kids understand that
this is a privilege and that it could be changed back to NO NO NEVER
NEVER at any time if it becomes too much of a problem for me.
Hope this helps!
Joanne Benson Glasgow
Teacher Librarian
Evergreen Campus Library serving AAA, HS3 and TEC HS
830 SW 116th Street
Seattle, WA 98146
206-433-2311 ext 235/234
glasgowj@hsd401.org
http://www.hsd401.org/ourschools/highschools/evergreen/library.htm
"More than a building that houses books and data, the library represents
a window to a larger world, the place where we've always come to
discover big ideas and profound concepts that help move the American
story forward and the human story forward." Barak Obama
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Hastings, Jeff
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 8:12 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: [LM_NET] MP3s in the library? I see nothing.
MP3s in the library? It's a great debate to have, Kathy. Over and over,
if necessary.
We have a no personal electronics policy in place where I teach, too.
But when I witness one of my best patrons blissfully tuning out her
noisy middle school world with novel in hand and earbuds in place, do
you suppose I spring into action to enforce that policy?
I'll let you guess...
Likewise, I had a student ask me this morning about using our wifi so he
could square off against farflung opponents on his Nintendo DS during
lunch. When I said "sure," he bashfully reminded me that the devices
were verboten.
"Oh...yeah."
So what you have is one of those tough calls. You have technologies
that, like any, can be used in positive or disruptive ways and, when the
latter surfaces, a blanket ban on the technology in question is often a
result. As far as I'm concerned, that's an abdication on the part of
adults who should be able to make gray-area calls about when, for
example, it is and is not appropriate to be listening to Fallout Boy,
and to do the appropriate, subsequent behavior management without
referring to the student handbook.
I mean, really. We're pro's, right?
Let me shift gears a bit: I don't know how old you are, but I've been
hanging out in Library Media Centers my whole life and I very much
remember when the hallmark of an excellent one was a listening area
where kids did just what kids in your library want to do: they listened
to music. Sure, they had chunky califone headphones on and got their
music off vinyl platters, but when exactly did what was once deemed
desirable become untenable?
I'm a pragmatist. If stuff is working, let it work, if stuff needs
tweaking, tweak it. While I am by no means suggesting that policies
banning certain technologies are never appropriate, I would suggest that
those policies need to be employed judiciously and reviewed often. I
also believe that policies intended to curb also keep organizations
behind the curve.
Hey what about this? Make a few audiobooks on MP3 available for kids to
load onto their devices. Who could object to that?
J. Hastings, School Librarian
"Howl" Schools
Hastingj at howell schools dot com
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Katherine Starks
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 8:23 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: [LM_NET] MP3s in the library[Spam score: 8%]
Hello colleagues,
I am engaging in a debate, both with myself and my administration, over
whether students should be able to listen to iPods and MP3 players in
the library (with earbuds firmly in place, of course). I am inclined to
allow them, but they are not allowed in my school during the school day.
I would have to request that the library be the one place where they are
allowed, which will take some evidence that others are allowing them and
some positive reasons why they should be allowed. Before I offer my own
opinions, I'd like to hear what others are already doing. And if you
don't believe they should be allowed in the library, please let me know
that as well and your reasons. It would help me to create a pro/con
list. I'll post a HIT of responses if there's interest. TIA for any
insight y'all can provide!
Kathy Starks, Library Media Specialist
Owego Free Academy
Owego, NY 13905
(607) 687-6714
starksk@oacsd.org
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