Lincoln Public Schools

Mission Statement / Essential Element 3

Author:
Doug Dickeson
Posted:
11/13/03; 11:47:28 AM
Topic:
Mission Statement / Essential Element 3
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21 (top msg in thread)
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Technology

The use of technology is necessary for the development and implementation of curriculum in the classroom and in the library media center. It is an essential tool for organizing and managing library media program resources and services and for teaching and learning. It is also an essential information literacy skill for students.

We live in a dynamic, global learning environment where knowledge is growing faster than our ability to manage, store, and use it. The proliferation of technological retrieval systems and information presents both challenges and opportunities for education today. The ability to process and use information in many formats becomes a basic survival skill and, more importantly, it means empowerment for our students. The use of technology in the library media program facilitates sharing and consolidation of resources to promote equal access to information. The library media center provides a learning laboratory for the application and use of technology as it relates to information literacy. Learning takes place through a variety of resources and formats connecting the student to a world far beyond the walls of today's classrooms.

An effective library media program provides many opportunities for learning by using technology to provide information and access to resources. Resource sharing is facilitated in the district by an automated library media system in each school that accesses a central resource catalog. The Internet and other online products supply timely worldwide information. These new technologies require an approach to locating information that differs greatly from more traditional methods. Educators must be able to teach and reteach students how to search effectively for information in all formats as technology changes. It is critically important that students know how to analyze their information needs and how to evaluate information to establish credibility and academic worth.

While the use of technology as an essential learning tool is the shared responsibility of all staff, the library media specialist is uniquely qualified in using technology for information retrieval purposes. It is the responsibility of the library media specialist, as an important member of the technology leadership team at every school, to facilitate staff and students' use of technology in the library media center. It is equally important that library media specialists, classroom teachers and computer teachers/liaisons work together to use technology in ways best suited to achieve instructional goals and objectives. The daily operation and maintenance of school library media center technology needs a high level of district technical support and training.

The use of technology by staff and students must continue to be available in all library media centers. Library media specialists are the key component to making technology work effectively and efficiently in the library media center. Technology training, equipment and resource acquisition, and collaborative planning with other technology experts will increase the use and quality of technology in our schools.