I was a bit confused when I started thinking about the statement that Medium is the Message. I had to read several articles to get a better understanding about the differences of opinions. After much searching and reading, I finally decided that I agree more with Kozma and McLuhan. Richard Clark says that technology doesn't influence one's learning, which I disagree with. But he also states that technology isn't something that will "save" education and it isn't the only thing we should rely on, which I do agree with. Jason Gross really helped explain Marshall McLuhan's view much more clearly.The point that struck me the most was Marshall McLuhan thoughts that the medium through which something is shared plays a vital role in the way it is perceived (Gross, 2011).
Our students have been born and raised in a digital world. They don't know any different. So technology is a natural extension of who they are and how they communicate. So if we want our students to be engaged, we need to use a medium that will keep them focused and interested- which is using technology and media. At the same time, we need to make sure that we are not using the technology to drive the instruction or curriculum. So many campuses and/or districts are rolling our new apps or programs and expect the teachers to use these in the classroom. Therefore, the teacher then plan their lessons around the technology rather than building their lessons on what the students should be learning. It seems that teachers are "using technology just for the sake of 'using it" which equates to a huge waste of instructional time that could be dedicated to deep meaningful learning" (Sheninger, 2016). It is our jobs as librarians and Tech specialists to make sure that our teachers are planning lessons that are based on student learning and guide them to find the correct medium to help enhance the learning and supports their learning goals.
I started teaching when we used overhead projectors with vis-a-vis pens. I was one of hte teachers who helped pilot using projectors and document cameras. Once I started using those- I don't know how I ever taught without them. I used them to enhance my teaching. Today, technology needs to be completely integrated into all curriculum. We, as librarians, can help the teachers to integrate technology so that it becomes seamless and routine, as well as supports their curriculum goals. We also need to teacher our students how to use technology to enhance their learning (Sheninger, 2016). In the library we can help reinforce this by teaching apps or different programs so that students can choose what best fits their needs in showcasing their learning.
To support this vision of technology integration, librarians can also play an integral role by working closely with the school's technology specialist, being the go-to person for information literacy and educational technology needs, provide technology training for teachers, and staff to help prepare our students so that they can succeed, as well as serving on planning committees for technology integration.
Some districts and/or schools may find obstacles standing in their way such as inadequate funding to support the total integration of technology. They may not be able to fund the equipment and devices needed, possible database subscriptions, etc. Another thing that is needed is training for technology specialists and librarians so that they may in turn train their teachers and staff. And lastly, some districts are cutting librarian positions which also hinders the adoption of technology in education.
Sources:
E. (2016, April 25). Why Pedagogy First, Tech Second Stance is Key to the Future. Retrieved April 18, 2017,
from http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2016/04/why-pedagogy-first-tech-second-stance-key-
future
Gross, J. (2017, January 07). The Medium Is The Message- Smashing Magazine. Retrieved April 18, 2017, from
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/07/the-medium-is-the-message/
International Society for Technology in Education ISTE Media Specilists SIG Executive Advocacy Committee.
(n.d.). The role of school librarians in promoting the use of educational technologies. Retrieved from
