Takeaways from Inquiry Phase 2

There are three key takeaways that I have learned throughout this inquiry process:

• Lack of technology will hinder, but not stop ICT Skill development
• Collaboration with teachers will be challenging and rewarding
• Technology in developing countries can also help rural communities

I have learned that there is a definite lack of new technology in my district. Smart boards are scarce. Most classrooms only have whiteboards or chalkboards. Not every classroom has a projector/screen. Every high school school has a computer lab, but the demand for it creates tension among teachers and students. However, I’ve discovered that both teachers and teacher-librarians strive to use what they do have to the best of their abilities.  Some TL’s have taken it upon themselves to teach coding and robotics. They invite teachers and their students down to the learning commons for a session. Other TL’s hold mini-seminars to show teachers how to use a smart board or even create a website. ICT skills are emerging (albeit slowly), but progress has been made.

The second takeaway is that collaboration is great in theory and in practice, if teachers are willing and there is enough time to do so. Collaboration with teachers is going to be challenging because, as with students, every teacher will have different needs. Some will want to work with you and will enjoy the process. Others will treat the Learning Commons and the TL as a resource only when needed. Other teachers will not want to work with TL’s at all. It is important not to dwell on who won’t work with a TL and focus on who will (and maybe, in time, other teachers will come around).

The final take away was how much technology can impact developing nations and how similar technology can be applied to rural communities in Canada. Learning about the Kio kit and the impact it has in Kenya, helped frame the idea that the same sort of technological outreach should be applied to rural communities in British Columbia and across Canada, where the lack of internet connection and broadband infrastructure means that some communities are being left behind.  There is no reason why products similar to Kio kits, with a remote link couldn’t be used in rural communities.

Resonating projects and Learning from Others

The digital break out game resonated with me the most because I had personal experience with it and it is fun. I’m not really connecting with learning if I’m not enjoying what I’m learning about. I like the idea of a digital breakout because students can use their phones, work collaboratively, and learning how to work in a mildly competitive environment (where ‘winning’ is not based on a grade or a hierarchy). I’ve seen the look of excitement and accomplishment after students have completed a breakout game and believe breakout games (both digital and physical) have great potential for TTOC’s as well. Having one handy when a teacher doesn’t leave a lesson plan would be extremely helpful.

Two blog posts from other teacher-librarian/teachers/educators that have stuck in my mind involve inquiring into the impact of culturally relevant reading material and literacy in developing nations.  After reading both Sonya Neilson and Pam Spiers’ blog posts, I realized that having culturally relevant books are important to engage readers about their own culture, history and lives. E-readers would be beneficial in promoting more books that are culturally significant to its readers.  As teacher-librarians, it is of vital importance that voices from all backgrounds and cultures are heard and represented.

Moving Forward

Moving forward, I’m going to try and follow in the footsteps of my fellow Teacher-librarians in my district, but also make my own path. This inquiry process helped me identify my skill set which I intend to bring to both Learning Commons and collaborative settings. I can code a website and I would love to bring that skill set to my district and see if some of the learning common websites can be update and be more interactive. I would also love to learn more about how I can utilize the current technology in my district while advocating for more.

 

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Works Cited

Neilson, Sonya. “Sonya’s Teaching Blog.” LIBE 477 Inquiry 4: Bringing Libraries to the World, svneilson.blogspot.com/2019/02/libe-477-inquiry-4-globalization-of.html

Spiers, Pam. “LIBE 477B – Inquiry Project #1: Culturally Relevant Material to Spark Interest in Reading.” How To Train Your Teacher Librarian, 31 Jan. 2019, httytl.wordpress.com/2019/01/31/libe-477b-inquiry-project-1-culturally-relevant-material-to-spark-interest-in-reading/.