As I started to look at the topics I brainstormed last week, I found some interesting articles and websites that have helped me narrow my focus somewhat.

I found a few articles which touched on both the practical (for example, the cost) and the philosophical issues (so-called “acceptable use) of introducing more technology into schools. The Cramer and Hayes article “Acceptable Use of Technology in Schools” (2010), looks at some of the issues raised around how students can utilize technology safely and what role teachers play in introducing it. The Jouneau-Sion and Sanchez article “Preparing schools to accommodate the challenges of Web 2.0 technologies” (2013), also discusses the role of teachers as guides and facilitators, rather than talking heads. Helen Adams also has an article titled “Bring your own device (BYOD) and equitable access to technology” (2012), in which poverty as a barrier to accessing technology is discussed.

My second area of interest is in personal learning networks (PLNs). There are many different blogs and websites offering suggestions, support, and resources on creating PLNs for both teachers and students. The site Getting Smart  has many resources, especially in the Ed Tech section. Lisa Nielsen’s blog The Innovative Educator also covers many aspects of PLNs and also has many resources to help a person navigate to meaningful, relevant information for modern educators.

Last year, I spent time considering inclusive education in a graduate program at the University of Calgary. As I was also working as a teacher-librarian, I was able to start to frame what happens in the library through an inclusive lens. iPads, tablets, and some Web 2.0 applications have great potential to promote inclusion of all students in the classroom regardless of any behavioral, physical, or mental disability. The Biancarosa and Griffiths article “Technology tools to support reading in the digital age” (2012) and the MSU lecture by Melissa Fortson on iPads and accessibility, both highlight uses for the technology in the library and classrooms. (The quality of the Fortson lecture isn’t great but content-wise it is a good introduction to the iPad as a tool of inclusion.)

Topics, Ideas, Keywords…

As I begin this course in effectively integrating and utilizing technology in classroom and library settings, I do so with a mix of apprehension, curiosity, and bewilderment. The secondary school where I work is on the verge of major changes; a new building has been a long time coming, and with it, we are undertaking to shift how we deliver curriculum as well. A more connected, less paper-based, technology-focused school program is the vision. How we will get there has been a long source of debate between teachers, parents, students, department officials, and public interest groups. There are both practical and theoretical hurdles we as a school-community will need to address. At present, this project has been so long in the planning stages, it seems people are tired of it before the construction has even begun.

I’ve divided my thoughts into two parts: the practical challenges and the curricular challenges of effectively utilizing digital technologies in my school environment.

1. Practical challenges

• System capabilities/infrastructure vs. demand on usage
• Access to technology
  • BYOD?
  • Parental permissions
  • Liability issues
  • What constitutes acceptable use?

2.  Curricular challenges

• Effectively using personal learning networks
• iPads as classroom/library tools
• collaborative publishing and privacy concerns

Our library is something of a “testing ground” at the moment so far as technology integration is concerned. Over the past 6 months, the administration has gone through innumerable hoops, trying to get us moving toward being more connected. We will hopefully have iPads available in the coming weeks and are also hoping to be able to offer ebooks before the semester is out. The roadblocks and red tape my principal has waded through have been amazing. That being said, we have yet sit down as a school team to make a plan as to what we are even going to do with them when they are available to be borrowed.

I would like to be able to offer students useful tools through the library that will encourage learning and help them become savvy digital consumers. I would also like to be able to offer advice to my staff on how to integrate this technology effectively and constructively into their programming, helping to ensure they are meeting the curricular outcomes of their courses.

At the moment I have few ideas on how to do either…