Connection + Collaboration = Successful integration of technology in a large high school

Bradshaw, Trina

CO

IL

Lankau, L. 2015. Connection + Collaboration = Successful integration of technology in a large high school. Knowledge Quest, 44(2), p. 66-73. Retrieved from: http://libaccess.sjlibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=llf&AN=110493163&site=ehost-live

Summary

Lankau starts her article by setting the scene; the reader is a high functioning librarian in a optimal library setting, but he or she does not feel as though all teachers are being reached.  She then gives a formula that has worked at her school of 2,500 students and 170 teachers that involves making a connection with school leaders, who in turn can assist in connecting to new teachers. The suggested leaders include administrators, instructional coaches, department chairs, and returning teachers who have already experience the value of collaborating with a librarian. She suggests that the librarian set up meetings and ask these leaders to observe some of the collaborative lessons that are already going on in the Learning Commons. Have them preview a presentation illustrating the value of the library and collaboration between teachers and the librarian. The next step is the follow up with leaders and bring your presentation out to the wider audience of teachers through staff meetings or department meetings. Get feedback during these meetings so that follow up will be easy. Make sure that a follow up resource addressing teacher needs is accessible so that teachers can begin to utilize what the librarian has to offer. Before you move to another department, reflect on what went well and what teachers liked, revise and begin creating something for the next department and keep repeating the process. She ends by giving 10 lessons that she has learned for successful collaboration and integration of technology that she has learned during her 35 years of experience:  

1. Show rather than talk about how to integrate technology.

2. In the beginning, plan to do the lion’s share of the work while prepping for collaborative lessons.

3. Remember that “new” teachers on your staff are not always teachers new to the profession. Be patient and positive.

4. Don’t always expect teachers to come to you in the library. Travel to their classrooms or school computer labs. Make yourself accessible.

5. Study benchmarks and course content. Remember that we are not expected to be a content expert in every area but should know how to locate state- and district-required benchmarks.

6. Be on the lookout for new technology tools so that you can continually present new ideas at meetings.

7. Get to know your students! They are a great source of information about what is going on in the classroom.

8. Don’t assume that all teachers understand the value of subscription databases or that students understand the importance of evaluating websites.

9. Make the library the printing capital of your school. This service is not only a source of revenue for the library, but it can provide you with an ongoing bird’s eye view of the curriculum.

10. Recognize teachers who use the library: shout-outs at faculty meetings, pictures in newsletters, fun awards given for whatever you can think of: most check-outs, most library time, most-creative projects, etc.

Review

This article presents an extremely practical approach for librarians hoping to collaborate with teachers with a goal of infusing more technology into the curriculum. Though the process of creating and presenting seems immense and somewhat daunting, the steps that she gives are definitely doable in small chunks. In addition, the resources that are mentioned are ones that have been mentioned in several of my MLIS classes, so most certified librarians will be comfortable (or at least familiar enough) to ease any fears about presenting on how to use them. I think that it is a good idea to start with the department chair so that there is an ally when approaching the rest of the teachers. If the leader is well respected, then the teachers will take their recommendation to work with the librarian seriously.    

It is important to note that this process comes after having already established a relationship with some of the teachers and having a well functioning library with adequate technology and other resources. In many places, libraries are still recovering after years of budget and staffing cuts. So, there is much work to do in organizing the collection, acquiring  materials and updated technology, and reinvesting the community before any collaboration can take place.