Classrooms, Library Media Centers, and New Technology

[ Observations & Rationale - Design Recommendations - Pitfalls to Avoid ]

Observations and Rationale

The telephone is the oldest communication technology, yet we can't seem to get one into every school library media center (LMC) and classroom. The telephone (or a related telecommunication technology) is essential to electronic mail, database access, intercom, homework hotline, connection to other library catalogs, and distance learning, among other functions. Appropriate telephone networking can make direct access from homes to the school library catalog possible. 

Computers and video will continue to be major components of what we do in education. Storage media will continue to get smaller and pack more data, and local area networks will be employed to connect classrooms with the LMC resources, to administrative resources, and to resources throughout the area and the world. 

Use of technology in classrooms or the LMC is more effective when the environment is appropriate. This will include adjustable lighting, plenty of electrical outlets and circuits, acoustical control, and additional space. Space is needed to separate the use of computers from quiet reading, group study, circulation, reference work, and other learning activities. 

Design of schools should take into consideration the needs of teachers and other staff as well as learners. If teachers are to be managers of learning rather than lecturers, they need access to data and to a wide range of informational resources. They also need access to information professionals such as library media specialists and to electronics technicians. A professional working environment that provides suitable space, furniture, equipment, and supplies will make the move to new technology less formidable. Teaching and learning can be improved if teachers have the training and the tools that will enable them to take existing printed, graphic, electronic, and audiovisual materials and turn them into good presentations, demonstrations, learning guides, and project materials. 

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Design Recommendations

School Buildings need:

• connection to information sources:
• conduit or troughs for wires and cables above the ceiling or in the floor
• space for wiring closets and network management closets
• library media center and communications hub centrally placed
• diffusion of natural lighting from skylights and windows 

  
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Classrooms need:

• space to permit small group work, cooperative learning projects, use of computers and audiovisual materials. The typical 900 sq. ft. classroom is probably too small.
• multiple electrical outlets in each wall,
• multiple electrical circuits,
• intercom connections to the office, other classrooms, and the LMC,
• data connections to the LMC, the computer lab, the public library catalog
• connections to carry video and data transmissions both directions,
• empty conduit in each wall leading to the access space in the floor or above the ceiling tiles,
• large video monitor screens and display devices,
• switchable banks of ceiling lights, parallel to the projection screen wall
• environment free of static electricity and dust
• adaptability to changing needs 

  
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Library Media Centers need:

• space to separate activities that interfere with each other,
• many electrical outlets and circuits (walls, floor, and ceiling),
• open design, few walls, relocatable walls,
• multiple telephone lines (some long distance) for voice, data, and intercom,
• appropriate cable connections to nearly everywhere for video and data transmission,
• conference rooms, with access to video and data transmission,
• acoustical treatment on walls, ceilings, and floors,
• ability to install cubicle partitions, some with electrical wiring extensions,
• video production areas,
• adjustable lighting in nearly every area,
• greater than traditional space for staff work areas 

  
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Pitfalls to avoid:

not planning for future cabling, 
not planning room (closets) for file servers and other equipment,
not planning to employ a network system operator,
not planning time and funding for staff development,
not including the library media program in the planning,
not providing surge protectors and uninterruptible power supply,
not maintaining a detailed map of the network,
accepting a vendor's turnkey system without knowing needs. 

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For questions about this information, contact Kathryn M. Bugher (608) 267-9287

Last updated on 2/25/2008 7:51:50 AM