Sandbox #10: Remaining Technologically Current

"For many students, the library might be the only place where they have access to drones, robots and various machines — tools that can spark new interests and, in collaboration with other students, help them develop social–emotional learning skills" (Burroughs, 2022, para. 23). Furthermore, "[t]he reality is that no matter what type of librarianship we practice, technology will play some kind of role. And it’s time we embrace the idea that we all have some degree of a skillset to navigate an increasingly digital workplace and world" (Szmodis, 2021, para. 6).

But remaining current with technology can be difficult, as the tech industry is constantly evolving. It seems just about every time you blink there is a new app or platform that is becoming "the it thing" or the newest gadget you bought is now two series behind the latest model. Compound that with the high demands already on teachers' schedules and a creating an intentional plan to stay up to-date with technology becomes essential.

I have personally found that dedicating a specific time to my goals increases the likelihood that I will achieve them. "[I]t helps to actually block time on your calendar to learn in some form, whether it’s reading an article, going to an event, or trying out a hands-on activity" (Carielli, n.d., as cited in Rayome, 2017, para. 6). With this in mind I am going to commit to reading at least one book on the topic each year as well as having one of my ongoing professional development activities be technology themed or centered.

I also plan to leverage the strength of community and the wisdom of others. Two individuals I think will be helpful to follow on this front are Christopher R. Bugaj, M.A. CCC-SLP and Dr. Jennifer Williams. Both were highlighted in the EdTech article 30 K–12 IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2020 (Castelo & Brown, 2020). Bugaj, "is an inclusive design facilitator...co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast...[and, o]n social media, [] shares information and advice about making educational experiences accessible to all students" (Castelo & Brown, 2020). "Williams is a professor at Saint Leo University in Florida, co-founder of TeachSDGs and Take Action Global and the president of ISTE’s Education Leaders Professional Learning Network" (Castelo & Brown, 2020). Bugaj's website highlights on demand presentations that could be a form of professional development and William's website has links to her relevant books (Bugaj, n.d.; Williams, n.d.).

"The library isn’t four walls. It’s a culture of learning, of collaboration, of working together, of the right to knowledge. It’s a culture of inclusivity, accessibility and equity" (Holzweiss, n.d., as cited in Burroughs, 2022, para. 26). In order to best contribute to this community putting in my due diligence to remain technologically current is essential.

References:

Bugaj, C.R. (n.d.). On demand presentations. https://sites.google.com/view/chrisbugaj/on-demand-presentations?authuser=0

Burroughs, A. (2022, July 8). Tech-savvy school librarians provide value to modern learners. EdTech. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2022/07/tech-savvy-school-librarians-provide-value-modern-learners

Castelo, M., & Brown, M. (2020, September 15). 30 K–12 IT influencers worth a follow in 2020. EdTech. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2020/09/30-k-12-it-influencers-worth-follow-2020

Rayome, A. D. (2017, September 7). 10 ways that IT pros and developers can keep their tech skills up to date. TechRepublic. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/10-ways-that-it-pros-and-developers-can-keep-their-tech-skills-up-to-date/

Shea, K. (2017, May 30). Ugmonk [Photograph of computer on wood desk]. Unsplash. Retrieved on December 2, 2022 from https://unsplash.com/photos/1SAnrIxw5OY CC Zero.

Szmodis, P. (2021, July 27). How to get over technophobia. Hack Library School. https://hacklibraryschool.com/2021/07/27/how-to-get-over-technophobia/

Williams, J. (n.d.) books + writing. https://www.jenwilliamsedu.com/books--writing.html