Reflection 7/11/11

I think that the biggest change in education from when I was in school is the switch of emphasis from the information to the learner.  With the AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner and the ISTE NETS for Students 2007 you can clearly see that the focus isn't on what is being learned, it is on whether or not the learner knows how to correctly and ethically locate and use information.  Using technology safely and ethically is also a key ingredient in these standards.  Students today are asked to collaborate, draw conclusions, inquire, and make judgements on information presented. 

I was not introduced to any sort of research skills or copyright instruction until I was a freshmen in high school (in the mid-1990s).  While we didn't have the technology that is available today, we still weren't taught how to use what we did have.  We had no access to the Internet and the ability to locate information quickly, which also means the resources we did have did not have to be evaluated as much for accuracy.  The focus for me growing up was basically individually memorizing information, not inquiry, drawing conclusions, or sharing knowledge.

I do feel that we are far behind in implementing these standards into education, although we are making strides to get there.  We are beginning to provide students (and teachers) with tools, but we aren't necessarily teaching them how to use them correctly.  Too often, the technology budget and library budgets are cut and staff numbers are reduced.  If we are going to teach our students to become ethical digital citizens, we have to be able to provide them with the knowledge to use information and technology safely and correctly.  All too often, the only experience that students have with this is taught by instructors that do not have the background knowledge necessary for providing them with what they need. 

Before starting classes, I was one of those teachers, even though I thought I was doing a good job of incorporating technology into my lessons.  I didn't know about the AASL Standards and how big of a role inquiry and collaboration played in education.  I now realize how much more I could have done as a classroom teacher, and how much I can do as a librarian to prepare students for their futures.