Some thoughts about "library/tech dilemna"

[JCONSTANT@UMASSD.EDU]

To LM_Net Colleagues:

        The following are some thoughts about the role of the school library
media center and school library media specialist, as opposed to that of the
computer technology center and computer tech specialist. When I last spoke of
this two years ago, I was told by one person that it was "too controversial"
to discuss at the time. Other people agreed that it might be controversial,
but that it did need discussion. Circumstances have caused me to resurrect
and modify my original file for distribution to colleagues in my state.

       I would be interested in your comments, suggestions, additions, etc.

                                                Best wishes,

                                                jconstant@umassd.edu

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KINDS OF  "EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY"


PRINT                         AUDIOVISUAL              COMPUTER

books                         pictures                 programming

periodicals                   slides                   applications
                                                          word processing
microfilm                     filmstrips                  data base
                                                          spreadsheet
microfiche                    video disks                 simulation
                                                          problem solving
encyclopedias                 films                       graphics
and databases                                             CAD
on CDROM                      video tapes                 music

on-line databases             audio tapes
accessed via
telecommunications

electronic
bulletin board information
exchange and file transfer
Internet:email,telnet,gopher,
WAIS, Archie, OPACS, etc.                              electronic bulletin
                                                       board information
                                                       exchange and file
                                                       transfer
                                                       Internet:email,telnet,
                                                        gopher, WAIS, Archie,


<2>POTENTIAL USES OF COMPUTERS IN CONJUNCTION WITH PRINT AND
AUDIO-VISUAL MEDIA FOUND IN A SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

<1>Encyclopedias, indexes, abstracts, and full-text retrieval periodical and
newspaper databases, whether they be accessed from a CDROM disk or an on-line
database are still print information sources which need to be accessed by a
computer. They supplement and complement the existing print sources in the
school library media center. Because many of these are electronic versions of
standard library reference tools, they belong in the library media center
where individuals trained in librarianship can assist students and faculty in
their use for research.

The Massachusetts certification standards for school library media
specialists require them to demonstrate knowledge of the following:

1. Characteristics, uses and design of information systems, including both
standard reference sources and information retrieval, utilizing new and
emerging technologies.

2. Selection, acquisition, organization and maintenance of information
resources and appropriate equipment for their use.

3. Program development, including components of planning, implementing and
evaluating the organization and management of school library media programs
and resource centers.

4. Literature for children and young adults  including the appropriate
techniques for selecting and presenting it in the school library media
center.

5. Theory and methods of curriculum development in general, and especially
the selection, adaptation, and production of instructional materials

6. Planning, organization and management of media programs and resource
centers.

7. Federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to media, including
those governing access to materials and reproduction of materials.

8. Ethical consideration, including major policy documents that relate to
library media service.

The above qualifications make them the logical educational staff to assist
students in acquiring the information competencies described in the first
draft of the Massachusetts Common Core of Learning, which is mandated by the
Educational Reform Act of 1993, and by the Scans Report Information
competencies. Information is considered one of the five basic skills.

Virtually all of the audio-visual technology listed above can be used in
conjunction with computer technology, although some of the audio- visual
elements are gradually being replaced by others. Many filmstrips are now
being converted to video format.

Pictures taken by photography students can be incorporated into a slide show,
which can then be videotaped, or the pictures can be photographed as a
television graphic used, for example, in a student made video documentary to
which computer generated subtitles, graphics, etc. can be added. Newer
photographic technology, such as zap shot cameras and video digitizers allow
computers to combine with audio-visual technology in new ways.

A computer can be connected to an Apple Video Overlay Card, Camcorder,
AudioCassette Recorder, VideoCassette Recorder, Microphone, and Audio Mixer
to permit the addition of graphics, animation, subtitles, and sound effects
to a video production. The Video Overlay Card also allows for large screen
projection of computer enhanced video productions.


Because a videodisc can store thousands of pictures, a computer connected  to
a videodisc player allows specific pictures to be selected for a particular
lesson. Combined with a videocassette recorder, it facilitates the production
of teacher made lessons which include still pictures, captions, video
pictures and sound.

Newer technology, such as the  Video Overlay Card, Videodisc Player, Zap Shot
camera, etc. definitely belong in school library media centers, as  do the
computers which allow the integration of audio-visual equipment on hand to
create student and teacher made productions. Many  audio-visual media
specialists in the school library media center are well qualified to assist
students and teachers in the use of this computer enhanced audio-visual
technology, because they have the necessary training and experience in the
use of audio-visual technology.  Although many of them have been keeping up
with the computer technology, some of them may need additional training in
computers, and they should be included in the InService Component of Mass Ed
Online proposed statewide technology plan.

<2>POTENTIAL USES OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN A  SCHOOL COMPUTER
LAB OR "TECHNOLOGY CENTER"

<1>Computer programming can be taught in a computer lab.
Computer applications can be taught in a computer lab.
Classes can be brought to a computer lab or "technology center" to  use  the
following computer applications  in conjunctions with class projects:
     word processing,
     databases,
     spreadsheets,
     graphics,
     CAD,
     music
     simulation,
     mathematical problem solving,
     telecommunications to other schools or to a local school bulletin
     board system to exchange both messages and files on collaborative
     projects.

Examples of students using computer applications in conjunction with class
projects are numerous. Several examples are listed below:

Irish Immigrant Experience: Student use of word processing, database and
spreadsheet applications in conjunction with a Social Studies unit on
Immigration.

Project Shine: telecommunications network of schools exchanging information
about pollution in Boston Harbor.

Producing a collaborative student publication, such as a school newspaper,
literary journal, etc.

Telecommunications and an interdisciplinary  science/computer unit on weather

SCHOOLS NEED BOTH COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE STAFF AND LIBRARY MEDIA
SPECIALISTS. THE INFORMATION COMETENCIES, HOWEVER, SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE
LIBRARY MEDIA STAFF WHO HAVE RECEIVED TRAINING IN THE SELECTION, ACQUISITION,
AND  ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION, IN CURRICULUM INTEGRATION, AND IN
MANAGEMENT OF MEDIA PROGRAMS AND RESOURCE CENTERS.


AMEN