Technology Strategies in the Library

The article, Re-imagine your Library with IPads, describes a district in Chicago that receives IPads for their libraries and the impact that it has on students, teachers and libraries. In the beginning of the project the librarians have some challenges with the management of the new tools in the library but quickly come up with strategies to manage them effectively for their libraries. The article gives some helpful tips and ideas on how to work them into your library successfully. The librarians use the IPads and format them context and task specific IPads. They also use Wikis on the IPads in collaboration with their instruction. Through using the IPads in the library the librarians noticed an increase in students’ engagement to include the struggling readers and bilingual students. The students and teachers also gave positive remarks about the IPads and the impact on the students.

IPads in the library have endless possibilities for opportunities of learning and fun. A strategy that I could use and create to have multiple uses would be to create Wikis. These librarians created Wikis and used them with the IPads, however I could use the Wikis with any of the Wi-Fi connected devices, IPads, IPods, tablet or computers. Similar to the way the librarians from the article I would create Wikis according to grade level. Once I was more familiar with all the grade levels big ideas that are taught I would create Wikis on those topics. An idea for fourth grade could be Texas and include the geography, climate, land forms, etc. A kindergarten Wiki could contain a unit on plants and cycles. Kindergartners could watch videos and response in a journal.  Another strategy that would be an asset to my instruction would be to use eBooks. For any type of reader eBooks would be a way to differentiate and meet the needs of multiple audiences.  I could use eBooks for comprehension or reading specific targets such as a sight word practice. I could download eBook according to interest or topic specific to be used as a reference. The eBooks would also just serve the purpose of another resource to for students to read for enjoyment. The selections of eBooks can be used as a behavior management tool for classes to earn positive behavior point while in the library. As each class earns a certain amount of point they can “buy” a book of their choosing. These are some of the strategies that can be use with IPads and eBooks but there are still lots of other possibilities, your creativity is your only limitation.

References

Perez, L. (2013). Re-Imagine Your Library with iPads. Learning & Leading With Technology, 40(6), 22-25.