Many students today are familiar with the latest and greatest technology gadgets, websites, and social networking capabilities. The student from the video is empowered in the sense that he gains the ability to learn course material using technology such as videoconferencing, podcasts, google scholar, bookmarking, etc. In general, this sets up students to be life-long learners. They become empowered when they learn to use networking and other technology tools as a means of learning information and/or strengthening their understanding of concepts that they need to know for a class or for their personal life.
Technology has also added a number of new ways for a teacher to teach in the classroom and it is exciting. Learning can occur through reading online journals and listening to podcasts and video conferencing. These are excellent ways to facilitate learning. The teacher is also empowered. The teacher may now use technology and networking as a means of differentiating in the classroom.
Can a Librarian play the role depicted in the video? It is possible for a librarian to facilitate learning in certain subjects, but I still believe that specific content knowledge is one of the key attributes of a teacher. A librarian is able to direct students to find information and answers to their questions. However, without content knowledge of a subject, a librarian might not be able to ask the right questions in leading a discussion on a topic, or answer questions about a topic. Also, for science courses, classroom science experiments are essential to learning and understanding certain concepts. Yes, there are virtual labs, but it is not the same hands-on experience with real equipment and variables. I understand the student from the video went to class a few days a week. The student in the video was not taking a science course, but if he was, would a librarian feel comfortable leading classroom experiments, discussion and other methods of hands-on learning, and answering questions as they arise in the classroom if they lack adequate content knowledge in certain subjects?
Did you know that all librarians have teaching fields and that most of us have taught? No, of course, all librarians will not have the knowledge that a biologist would have, but please know that some of our librarians are former biology teachers! Some librarians have a subject master's as well as Master of Library or Information Science. Our main goal, though, is to lead patrons to the information they need. :)
ReplyDeleteAs Grendel mentioned, most librarians have taught in the classroom and several of our SBISD librarians come from a science background. The extra special role that a librarian can provide is the connectivity between different subject matters. Most of us are life long learners and looking for the most current educational trends. We are a team with the classroom teaccher.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate librarians a greal deal and realize that many have taught, and some do indeed have a science background, like myself. My statement was not meant to offend librarians :) We are a team.
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