So much information is out THERE, on dem internets!! It’s a WORLD of LIBRARIES… from wikis, to online books to blogs to encyclopaedias to the catalogues, data bases and actual content of libraries being available to anyone, anywhere.
At this very moment I am here in Vancouver using my Toronto Public Library membership to read the magazine Rolling Stone online via Zinio, while another tab is open to my school library catalogue and yet another to the UBC one.
Before today, I had not thought of this plethora of information in terms of a “world library” or as “world libraries”. It is an interesting way to think about it. ICT makes it possible to access so many resources previously unavailable unless physically in the place holding the resource (or unless using a reliable mail service).
VERSUS
- World libraries are living, breathing, growing entities (amoebas?) as opposed to static, dusty, book filled structures. Julie, my partner in inquiry, and I discussed how we could use iPads to contribute to world libraries. Some ideas included:
- Having students create content such as personal narrative videos,
- Students could be asked to access world library resources to connect with novels or could use the iPads to create and publish digital media to share with others around the world.
- Using the iPads to access primary sources (world libraries) that connect to what we’re studying in novels. e.g. if reading The Breadwinner, access information from Afghanistan. Or reading Holocaust-related stories, access Steven Spielberg’s database.
- Students could contribute to a global library by videotaping their stories, ideas.
- Using iPads to create first-hand stories of students’ immigration experiences, thereby contributing to the world library.
- Use Brushes app to take the fear out of drawing – easily create portraits of others. Exchange pictures with a pen-pal class and draw your pal’s portrait.
How does your school setting relate with developing world libraries?
I realize in my class we have been accessing world libraries… but my students aren’t contributing to them. I think it’s important going forward that students are given the opportunity (and encouraged to) to share their learning and ideas by contributing to sites, rather than just taking from them.
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A physical library’s collection include information that is represented in books, newspapers, manuscripts, films, maps, prints, documents, microform, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, e-books, audiobooks, databases, and other formats. In the future, all the knowledge from libraries across the world will be gathered and harnessed and accessible by anyone around the world at any time. Currently, I still think that libraries still hold their value. A lot of that information is not available in the internet, and sometimes books contain information that internet searches cannot. Have you heard of the Google book scanner? It’s an automatic book scanner that will turn all the physical books into digital format. My experience with the UBC library collection at Koerner, is that a lot of the books are old and out of date (new versions have been put out) and are collecting on the shelf (especially those books on the 4th level. Twice I went to the library to look for a book where the online database said it available but was apparently “lost”.
Having students share their work is, in essence, what the world library is all about. The internet is basically already a world library. People post their creations (artwork, stories, experiences, academic research) online and make it available to anyone who wants to seek it out. It is depressing that “information” is a commodity that certain parts of society feels can be bought and sold. Having students contribute to world libraries carries on the amazing online tradition of making things available for free. Our students can contribute a lot to the world library. Your examples of sharing personal immigration stories and portraits are perfect – what is created by students could be used by someone else to help them learn. If they then share their learning the cycle continues. It’s all very inspirational, isn’t it?
Another idea (perhaps on a bit of a tangent) that I’ve been thinking of is a Canadian ancestry project. I see the commercials from sites like ancestry.ca and find it so depressing that this valuable resource is basically a money-making empire. Imagine if all the children in Canada in a particular grade had the opportunity to participate in an online family tree. Do some research of their own family history, connect to the trees of other children. Crazy!
I think many of us struggle getting students to contribute their ideas on the internet rather than always taking from it. At the same time, it is crucial that we teach digital literacy and responsibility before we start encouraging them to contribute, but that is one of the main ways they can connect on a global level. Thanks for all the ipad use ideas. We just purchased 12 mini ipads for our library and these ideas have got my brain wheels turning. Brushes app is new to me but it sounds like fun. Definitely going to check it out!
I think it is going to be amazing to have students’ work contributing to world knowledge instead of disappearing into a file drawer. I believe it is going to change the meaning of being in school. I also believe it is going to change the role schools play in the formation of global human societies.