RSSTechnology Woes
Jul 21
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By: Abby Moynahan
In the past week the library department has been working diligently on the new enrichment program for the district. As my previous blog post noted, there have been many questions and concerns as we unpack the idea of this new program. When we began this project I anticipated more challenges than I can currently foresee. My biggest concern thus far has been the issue of technology access. The program will need to have access to computers in a three hour block of time one day a week. How will an already tight computer lab schedule allow for this kind of access? *Note: My library currently has no computers hence the reason the computer lab is my only option.
This leads me to thinking about the bigger issues at hand. How do we expect students to gain the necessary 21st century skills without adequate access to technology? How can I grow my library program with no computers in the library and limited access to the computer lab? How will schools continue to update technology without proper funding? What does all of this mean for our students?
The computer lab at Seward Montessori School in Minneapolis, MN (Thank you Creative Commons!)
It is no secret that students around the country are not getting the essential technology access to prepare them for the rest of their educational careers. Many computer lab and library media center class schedules look similar; 45 minute blocks of time for each group every week. But what happens to that 45 minutes when you are dealing with ancient computers and general student behavior issues. This 45 minute block rapidly disappears when you factor in all of the other components that need to be juggled in this environment.
How can schools function with limited access, funds and support for computers? How will this situation improve with our current budget crisis? From now until school begins I will be working on ideas to improve the situation in my schools. Perhaps more training for teachers is a way I can personally make changes to help support my school community; Or maybe I can help make a more effective computer lab schedule so that every student gets equal computer access. Maybe I should seriously consider grant writing as a way to gain more computers for my school…
I am hopeful that having the library be directly connected to the enrichment program will improve access issues within the school once we prove what can be done with ample computer access.
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