The internet and mobile devices have exponentially increased the way we can interact and gain knowledge. International libraries can bridge the gap between the privileged and the less fortunate (Kranich, N., 2001). Access to the internet will be essential for promoting a democratic society (Kranich, N., 2001). The advantage that international libraries have become virtual in places where there wasn't one to begin with is short of a miracle. They are now able to provide internet access to the community's disenfranchised members for the first time. This will help students and their communities have access to search for government services, research information, and apply for jobs. (Pew Research Centre, January 2013).
This is a prime example of how the primary Teacher Librarian (TL) role is changing. Our role is shifting from our book collections (which are still important) to providing a skill set of research, collection and analyzation that combats misinformation in an era Peter Lor describes as "post-truth discourse".
With the abundance of virtual resources, TLs have the responsibility to help students develop skills and techniques for using mobile devices. We need to be able to point them into the right direction where they can find what they need. We can do this by keeping up with current trends and weaning out untruthful information. This again highlights the significance of the TL's positive impact in developing nations by uniting the gaps between the rich and poor (Lor, P., 2018) and that knowledge is accessible to everyone regardless of wealth, status and geography.
In a study conducted by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization highlights the importance of mobile accessibility. In their study of "Reading in the Mobile Era"; they found that the preferred way of accessing information is via mobile phone devices. Even when paper copies of materials are available, people are accessing information and literature virtually. More specifically through their mobile devices (UNESCO, April 2014). The study also found that many "neo- and semi- literate people use their mobile phones to search for text that is appropriate to their reading ability" (UNESCO, April 2014).
Currently there are organizations trying to bring mobile devices and technologies to developing countries.
The One Laptop Per Child Foundation specializes in developing laptops that can be used all over the world, including remote locations.
Hi Julieta!
ReplyDeleteIt was super interesting that it was found that most people like to access information on mobile devices. Over time we've gone from newspapers, to computers, to handheld devices. It makes me wonder how that is changing how news is presented (I'm guessing news articles will be shorter down the road?) and how advertisements are changing. For me, personally, I get all of my news through my phone, but when I'm doing a project for a class I would way prefer to use my computer.
I wonder how this affects a TL's position in terms of nonfiction texts. Will nonfiction physical texts become obsolete one day..?
- Laura B
Hey Laura,
ReplyDeleteI am the same. I use my phone for reading short articles or for a quick search but if I have to do extensive research on something, I use my computer.
I heard that this is why TLs are spending less of their budget on non fiction books and more on their fictional collection?!
Hi Julieta,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you wrote: "TLs have the responsibility to help students develop skills and techniques for using mobile devices"
I wish I had included it in my blog post, great fact.
Do you already teach skills and techniques for using mobile devices? If yes, which ones do you prioritise and why?
Alex D.
Hi Alex,
DeleteCurrently it's a work in progress. I will prioritize for students to learn about finding accurate information. I find that students often Google search and believe anything to be true.
I appreciate your thoughts about the TL role changing and how it is important to be curators of both physical and digital information. You make some strong observations here about equity and access to information.
ReplyDeleteHi Julieta,
ReplyDeleteThe One Laptop Per Child foundation looks like a really interesting organization. Technology changes so fast and mobile devices seem to require constant updates and services, I wonder what happens over time as these devices become outdated, is there an evergreening plan for devices?
Hi Erin,
DeleteYou are correct. That's why this program was not as successful as it potentially could have been. It takes a lot of funding to create and more to maintain the laptops in proper working condition.