Colleagues:
After reading the entire National Ed Tech Plan, I have to agree with
Peter that it's sad that school libraries weren't mentioned.
Following are some of my thoughts regarding the report.
There is obviously no understanding by the authors regarding the value
of librarians and the library. Mention was made several times of the
"tech-savvy" students leading the ed tech reform movement. I would
suggest that there is a tremendous difference between being
"tech-savvy" and being information literate. Unless students (and,
unfortunately, some classroom teachers) become more information
literate with regard to Internet use, we will continue to be "a Nation
at Risk."
Have students truly "mastered the wonders of the Internet"??? I think
not when it comes to research for school work. Further, using
California as an example of excellence in educational technology and
internet use is horrifying in light of how the state's librarians and
libraries and treated (this coming from what I read here and in
professional journals).
It was interesting to note that one of the recommendations was to
strengthen technology leadership. However, no mention was made of the
traditional tech leader in many schools... the librarian. What I have
seen is that NCLB has undermined technology leadership in buildings
with regard to librarianship. How many of us have experienced a
negative impact on their professional situation since NCLB was enacted?
The truly sad part about this entire report, imho, is that once again,
the folks who will be reading and internalizing this report will have
their opinions reinforced regarding the quality of student Internet
research, and continue to be in the dark about the direct and positive
relationship between libraries, librarians and educational excellence.
This report will provide the ammunition to further undermine, erode and
devalue our profession. Why have librarians and libraries when
everything students need is on the Internet?
_end of rant_
C. Ellen Wickham
Library Media Specialist
Bridger 8th Grade Center
Independence, MO 64057
816-796-4800
ewickham@indep.k12.mo.us
> --- Peter Milbury <pmilbury@IIS.SYR.EDU> wrote:
>
>> Dear LM_NET Colleagues,
>>
>> Just wondering how many others have seen the brand
>> new National Education
>> Technology Plan. If you have, please share your
>> thoughts with the rest of
>> LM_NET on how you think this new plan might affect
>> school libraries.
>>
>> My first impression was one of dismay that school
>> libraries were not
>> mentioned (at least I didn't see many mention).
>>
>> See:
>>
> http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/index.html
>>
>> Please feel free to post your comments and
>> observations to the entire
>> LM_NET group.
>>
>> Peter Milbury, LM_NET Co-Moderator
>> pmilbury@iis.syr.edu
>> School Librarian/CA TeleMentor, Chico HS, Chico, CA
>>
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