Librarians on board for universal access and learning

Resource persons from UWI Mona and UTECH give technical leadership to professional development of jamaican Library and Information professionals

The Library and Information Association of Jamaica held a symposium on Emerging Technologies in October 2008. The focus on Web 2.0 features is a clear indicator that thought leaders among Jamaican Library and Information Service professionals have every intention of continued relevance and value to learners at all stages of the lifespan, especially to those in the school system.

e-Learning Jamaica was invited to give the key note presentation, and the participants were charged to resolve apparent dichotomies in the designation "library and information". and advised to come quickly to a recognition of the convergent destinies of "library, information and e-learning".

The philosophical undergirding of the e-Learning project in the desire for equity through the provision of "UNIVERSAL ACCESS" was explained, and it was made clear that the vision for this access subsumed homes, classrooms, school libraries, and public libraries. The specific hardware and learning resource deliverables were stated. Librarians have always been at the forefront of using visual media, whether in displays, charting, so they have a natural role, in being at the vanguard of infusing such skills as video-editing to exploit newly available technologies and support subject teachers in improving their performance.

The realities of learning difficulties in communities where early stimulation is not the norm, presents problems which are evident in the statistics of school-leaving exam results. For example,the two schools with the lowest performance in English are in communities where the public libraries have been closed. One positive view of this situation is the challenge and responsibility that will fall on the school librarian in a technology-driven library, provided under the e-Learning project. There must be the will to keep re-tooled libraries open.

Instead of a focus on classification and division, the partners - librarians, information professionals, curriculum developers, education and media technologists, and broadband providers have to cooperate effectively to keep channels open, construct wholesome , interesting messages, and ensure the opportunities for human development are real and accessible.

out of service

Leading the charge--Charles Reid

Kingston High School is one of the pilot schools in the e-Learning Jamaica Project. It is perhaps best known as the alma mater of Dr Franklin Johnston and songbird Marcia Griffiths. It was chosen as the school at which the ceremonial handover of equipment installed under the project would take place.

For Principal, Charles Reid, the challenges of the urban school, are goals to overcome, as he encourages the young people in the school community to demonstrate their talents and strengths. He is determined to show that his team will make the best use of the investment, and the technology improvements, now available.

The students who performed and participated at the function demonstrated that talent abounds, and expressed sincere thanks in unique ways.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the delivery and acceptance of the equipment, there is a realisation that it will be at the subject and class level that change and improvement will take place.

Inclusive deployment--towards universal access and universal design

You may remember this teacher. He used to do the signing for the TV news, when our media was overtly concerned about accessibility.

e-Learning Jamaica has developed specifications for media that incorporate international standards, and has a mandate to provide learning resources for special schools, for children who have hearing , visual and learning disabilities or challenges.

At the Lister Mair Gilby School for the Deaf, Joseph Edwards teaches Science, Mathematics, Construction and Information Technology. Committed to his many and varied instructional tasks, Joseph participated in most of the instructional materials workshops that were preparatory to delivery to schools.

On World Telecommunications Day, where accessibility and disability as themes collide, it would be a tragedy if the able and the endowed could not demonstrate that they were making full use of provisions, of the equipment, software and print resources received in the spirit of universal access.

Opportunity delayed...not denied

Today is May 15, 2008.

Three months ago, the first delivery of electronic instructional resources was made under the e-Learning Jamaica Project. The first school to receive materials reports that there is value to be gained in the use of the Biology materials, the installation and use of the electronic resources has posed a challenge.

Thomas Cane, Caribbean Sales Manager of Nelson Thornes , visited St Andrew High School to find out how they are doing. Hermel Evans, Biology Department Head outlined the achievements, the possibilities and perils of both materials acquisition and training received under the project.

E-Learning Jamaica Company has recognised that close contact and systematic feedback are necessary for every intervention in every school.

It's all about the management of change. Watch this space. We will all get on top of things.

Here is an unknown Mathematics teacher. What is so special about him?

He doesn't know how to curb his enthusiasm.

Our education leaders have to come to terms with the construction of environments where teachers and students experience excitement and insight.

The repression of experimentation has been documented, not just for Mathematics, where Principals wince when asked about having them , but even for science, where abstract,mindless notetaking abounds.


Experimentation does not mean disorder. Plans for securing and maintaining assets must be in place. Therein lies the opportunity for stone-faced rigour.
The demands on management are not schizoid. Its called "flexible rigidity".

The first leadership challenge is getting attention. then comes the long road to results.

if there was no opportunity, there would not be an issue. So principals, presuade your teachers to fill the training spaces.

2013 is three years past the end of our training schedule. So Mr Reid's charge is no real challenge.



http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080407/news/news3.html

A dialogue on technology and education leadership

"I would advocate for the 'drivers' of the project to be the educators among us rather than the technologists. I believe the project is an education project facilitated by technology rather than one where technology is at the forefront"

This is an opinion expressed recently by a teacher and curriculum materials developer, which was analysed to be formed through insufficient communication and feedback.

At e-Learning Jamaica, we have decided to engage administrators and teachers in a relatively new medium for most persons in education in Jamaica. The medium we have chosen is a blog. It is more public than email, or a listserv, however, it can be highly participatory.

The comment highlighted above can become one of our early discussion points. If you have a strong opinion, we are sure you will find out how to create and append, respond to blogs. Your peers at school will also want to get involved.

This blog is really about leadership. Who should lead ? Is it about technology, learning or both? Or should I just play along until I get my hands on the goodies?

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has published standards for Administrators in relation to technology leadership. We will just share the first few here. They will tell what are some expectations of world-class education leadership.This too can help frame the discussion.


National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A)
- Standards and Performance Indicators -
Reprinted with permission from National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators,
published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), NETS Project, copyright © 2002,
ISTE, (800) 336-5191 (U.S. & Canada) or (541) 302-3777 (International), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved.

I. LEADERSHIP AND VISION

Educational leaders inspire a shared vision for comprehensive
integration of technology and foster an environment and culture
conducive to the realization of that vision

Educational leaders (display the following indicators)

A. facilitate the shared development by all stakeholders of a vision
for technology use and widely communicate that vision

B. maintain an inclusive and cohesive process to develop,
implement, and monitor a dynamic, long-range, and
systemic technology plan to achieve the vision

C. foster and nurture a culture of responsible risk-taking and
advocate policies promoting continuous innovation with
technology

D. use data in making leadership decisions

E. advocate for research-based effective practices in use of
technology

F. advocate on the state and national levels for policies, programs,
and funding opportunities that support implementation of
the district technology plan

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