2. Find resources that work well with existing (and future) technologies and protocols.
A big part of the Library Learning Commons initiative is the integration of edtech as our district moves to 1:1 learning. With more students using devices, it was critical to develop a protocol to ensure that students are using quality apps and technology that is easily aligned with content standards and vetted and supported by technology TOSAs (teachers on special assignment).
Each app request is assessed by a member of our Teaching & Learning department to be sure that our students have access to high-quality educational apps.
3. Find resources that reach learners on different levels who have different needs.
In a district of our size, resources must meet the needs of individual learners and also be used in inclusive classrooms. We also look for tools that can reach students who are still learning English. Epic! offers personalized recommendations based on what the student reads, tailored to reading level and interests. It is also helpful for students who need more support in their reading, using follow-along word highlighting, and read-to-me and audio-only books.
4. Listen to your students and provide opportunities for feedback.
Giving your students the opportunity to weigh in on their learning can have enormous impact in long-term engagement and outcomes. We presented 281 4th- and 5th-grade students with four different nonfiction resources (online databases, Epic!, print books, and eBooks) and 94 percent of the students chose Epic! as the non-fiction resource to pull an article. Having this positive reinforcement from our students makes me even more confident that the Library Learning Commons initiative will have long-term success.
We’re still building out the full-scale Library Learning Commons while taking care to iterate on best practices and collecting input from our teachers and students. Knowing that we have great resources available in our digital toolkit makes me confident that this initiative will be successful for years to come.
With student-centered learning and technology integration on the rise, it is an exciting time to be an educator. I am thankful for the opportunity to provide our students with appealing, engaging tools that enhance their personal learning journey.
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