Today I took part in an on-campus retreat. A small group including technology teachers, a science teacher, a math specialist and a classroom teacher (and I, representing the library) were setting goals for technology usage in the Lower School for next year. We met in a study room in the library area of the new Academic Commons in the Upper School. As part of our day's program we observed a group of students in the "Maker Space", rotating through a variety of stations. Some were designing figures using software and then producing them with the 3-D printer, others were working on electric circuits. Some stations involved handcrafts like knitting and designing friendship bracelets. We envision a similar use of space in the Lower School as the old computer lab is freed from its dependence on desktop computers. This is a time of real change in education and you need to run hard to stay ahead of the students!
I'm sure technology is something you have to keep on top of, Allison. Libraries seem to be on the cutting edge. Glad there are still books around, but there are so many electronic resources available now. And in your role you need to prepare the next generation for a tech world we can't even imagine. It's sobering. You go, Allison!
