Information Literacy

New Kindles, iPads, flip cameras and more!

Baldwin’s librarians are here to help students, faculty and staff navigate the information highway and bring creative ideas to life using technology. The school uses Kindles, iPads, podcasts and advanced library catalog systems to integrate technology into academia.

We’re all experiencing information overload as a result of all the technological tools at our disposal – in addition to traditional forms of media and research. Baldwin’s librarians teach students how to select, evaluate and synthesize information – efficiently and effectively.

One of the library’s goals is to provide tools that prepare Baldwin’s oldest students to write research papers that meet expectations of undergraduate collegiate programs, while focusing on academic integrity. It’s paramount that students learn to use information carefully to create new ideas, while giving credit to the origin of the information.

In addition to their work with students, Baldwin’s librarians are helping faculty integrate technology into the classroom through “edumentary” projects – a Baldwin term for education documentaries – and will run a podcasting workshop during the school’s faculty in-service day.

The definition of ‘library’ has shifted. The library now functions as a larger umbrella of information services – librarians are no longer gatekeepers to research and data, they are guides. Students can retrieve information from anywhere, but librarians are here to help them get the best quality information.

“Noodle tools” – used at the collegiate level – is a software program the librarians have employed to help students with the research process, including note taking, outlining, and writing a paper with proper MLA citations. The software also provides a platform to help teachers and students connect and keep the project on track. Just as important as learning to locate and use the right information is learning to present and share that information. The library staff has introduced tools like PowerPoint, Prezi, video and podcasts to help students communicate their ideas and research.

So what’s on the horizon for the library? Integrating technology with academic pursuits will continue to be a focus.

• Kindles are now available at the library, allowing library staff to respond immediately when they see that “spark” or connection a student has to a particular author, topic or book.
• Kindles will be a centerpiece of the Middle School Book Club, Books & Bytes, which is working toward being able to share their literature discussions with the greater community through video chat services like Skype.
• Virtual discussions on literature and research topics will continue through the library’s new Destiny Quest library catalog, which has a built-in, secure social networking component.
• Finally, Grade I students will have the opportunity to leverage iPad apps to complement the reading fundamentals curriculum through a new pilot program.

The Baldwin community shares the enthusiasm of the school’s library staff, and agrees the school’s compass is pointing in the right direction when it comes to navigating the information highway.

Leave a comment to tell us how you’re integrating technology into learning – whether in the classroom or at home.

- Library Staff: Tim Blankenhorn, Kelly Grimmett, Michele Lucia, Linda Mullen and Gail Pratzon