Reflections on Evaluating, Buying and Implementing Technology

      I decided to make sense of and discuss Chapter 3 by using familiar classroom terminology.  Keeping in mind the KWL graphic organizer that suggests the learner identifies what he/she knows, wants to know and has been learned, I concluded that an HNU organizer would be appropriate. In order to make the most educated purchase for library technology, I would need to assess what I have, what I need and how to effectively use it.

      At this time, in an attempt to avoid being overwhelmed by suggestions or requests that I will probably be unable to honor, I will not formally accept others’ input as to what to incorporate in the library. I will, however, make note of what other elementary schools have, how they attained the resources, how they implement and figure out their needs and how any other information can be useful. A former co-worker, a counselor turned librarian, is mentoring another new librarian; he and I have plans to meet for tutelage and moral support.

     One of my biggest concerns as a public school teacher is funding for the necessary or hoped for items. Grants are wonderful because they are both general and specific, so you can get what you apply for. Unfortunately, using school funds has to be cleared by the administration after they decided that what you are asking for is a worthwhile investment.

     In his  . . .Technology Companion, Burke suggests that we ask ourselves about nine important questions when planning to acquire new technology. The four questions that are relevant to my situation--that is, if I were to either ask my school to purchase equipment or receive items as donations--are:

2. Is the technology close to obsolescence? Unfortunately, when items are purchased for teachers through vendors, older models are obtained, sometimes new, not surprisingly used.  We, then, run the risk of getting something that does not last long or contains parts that either cannot be replaced/repaired because materials are no longer produced or that are more expensive to replace/repair because of their rarity. That also leads me to number 8 on the list that deals with limited funding to continuously replace items, and
6. What maintenance, upgrade, or updating needs does the technology have?  The answer to this question is related to number 2. I must ask myself if even though I can obtain older technology that is needed immediately for a lower price if the costs of upkeep make it worthwhile.  Having access to personnel and the funds to pay them leads me question number 7 which relates to having the proper support in the events of problems with the technology.

     One of the Questions For Review suggested that we answer the nine questions as it related to adding digital audio books to the library. I have chosen not to elaborate here, but I will state that I currently have about two dozen books on CD for the primary grades.  The titles that purchased were as inexpensive as they were popular. Also, faculty, staff and parents may check out the materials.  Therefore, I know that I made a good investment because the titles will circulate and sometimes used by a large group, and they will remain in good condition for some time. I would like more audio books for students in 4^th-6^th grades. The questions that I might ask would probably have to do with whether or not what I choose will be of high interest as to be circulated by on a regular basis. I would also consider if I would allow students to check out the materials or reserve that privilege for the above adults.

     Upon concluding this entry, I must confess that reading and reflecting on technology has neither been as boring nor as intimidating as I thought.  I am no longer overwhelmed by the thought of evaluating, buying and implementing technology into my library because of how diverse the concept of technology is. I have been subliminally thinking of it throughout this writing as more of technological developments, e.g. CDs, CD players, TVs. However, from making signs (crafts) to deciding to house real (non fiction) books in red baskets (organizing) to figuring out which items to obtain and how to make those purchases last (problem-solving), I am beginning to see how technology in one of the ways in which it was originally intended, a useful art.