In 2008 the United States Institute for Museum and Library Services funded Project-Leadership-in-Action (LIA) that included surveys of the technology integration practices of teacher librarian leaders with National Board Certification.
The leadership role of the teacher librarian in technology integration
1. The leadership role of the
teacher librarian in
technology integration
Dr. Nancy Everhart and Dr. Marcia Mardis
Diversity Challenge Resilience: School Libraries in Action - The 12th Biennial School Library Association of
Queensland, the 39th International Association of School Librarianship Annual Conference,
incorporating the 14th International Forum on Research in School Librarianship,
Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 September – 1 October 2010.
2. Dr. Marcia Mardis
Assistant Professor,
Florida State University
Associate Director, PALM Center
3. Dr. Nancy Everhart
Associate Professor,
Florida State University
Director, PALM Center
4. National Board Certification
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
• Rigorous process
• Portfolio
• Assessment center exercises
• Less than 50% achieve
• Costs $2500 to apply
• Incentives
• Less than 2% of school librarians are NBCT
5. The sample & The instrument
• Research exists concerning how NBC develops leaders.
• Requirement for leadership in portfolio entries
• 35% of 2100 addresses
• 295 stratified random participants
6. The survey
• 30 demographic questions
• 60 statements related to technology integration
activities
• Free response questions
15. Sound familiar?
Technology Integration Barriers
The greatest barrier is the teachers near retirement who don't feel comfortable
using the new technology or accessing databases. This barrier hinders the
further use of technology and collaboration between teachers.
I would like to collaborate with classroom colleagues more BEFORE they
begin a research task. Barriers include them not even thinking about the
need for instruction of many of the steps in research. Barriers also
include my time - I need to take more time myself to push this agenda.
I don't feel that I want more involvement at this time; however, the barriers
are those stated previously. I disagree with the current administrative
views in my district.
16. Sound familiar?
Technology Integration Barriers
Selection of technology for my school -- not included in those decisions other than to
make recommendations through committees -- don't feel that administration
listens to the committee reports. Filtering -- no one wants to antagonize the State
Tech folks to challenge the filtering policy The bottom line -- we are losing media
positions and media support positions throughout our county (and state). Right
now, the focus is keeping a paycheck and not rocking the boat.
boat.
I'd love to be more involved in innovative technologies. A couple of barriers are: not
having a classroom of kids that I work with daily, having a very limited time each
with the kids when I do see them, and trying to keep the kids abreast of basic
technologies first - many of our students don't have computers and Internet access
at home, so we are working hard to find time to integrate basic technology
resources in our instruction. We also have 400 students sharing the use of one
computer lab that is located inside the library, which is very limiting.
18. SOUND FAMILIAR?
Technology Integration Enablers
I am most fully involved when I have administrative support from my principal to allow me time, financial
assistance, and an audience, whether it is peer teachers or the school community or the permission to
attend conferences or district meeting that occur during the school day.
day.
The fact that I have a full time assistant in the media center and that we have a flixible is the most
important reason I am able to be as involved as I am.
I have an administrator who values the assets and abilities of the library and the librarian. I am given time
off to attend professional workshops.
If I weren't involved, our school's students would miss out. Our school does not have a large staff, few are
technology minded and driven and we are very limited in financial resources. I don't believe the
students should be deprived of an education that prepares them for their future because of these
limitations.
19. SOUND FAMILIAR?
Technology Integration Barriers
My initiative, knowledge and confidence in technology enable me to
be involved in the decision making and transferral of knowledge
to the teachers, staff and students. I love to learn new tools in
technology and am willing to learn from the students the latest in
technological innovations.
Support from the administration opportunities for professional
development and leadership provided through the district board
office serving as School Technology Coordinator being authorized
to make my own technology purchasing decisions for the library
and school collaboration with teachers on planning and delivering
instruction
21. Conclusion
School librarians felt strong commitments to and
experienced success with technology leadership with
students to a great extent and with teachers to a lesser
extent.
22. Conclusion
School librarians experience the greatest leadership
potential in their school environments, but can often be
unsuccessful in their transfer of technology leadership
activities to their professional or local communities.
24. Conclusion
The School Library Media Specialist and Technology
Integration Survey is a valid instrument.
Next steps:
National survey
State-
State-level administrations
25. Contact Information
• Dr. Nancy Everhart
• everhart@ci.fsu.edu
• Dr. Marcia Mardis
• Mmardis @ fsu.edu
fsu.edu
http://palmcenter.fsu.edu
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