Diamond Tamaira - Information Technologies in the School Library Program

  Exploring AI in Education *Photo Description:  A bold graphic of a glowing head, has the words “AI in Education” and “Learning Experience” which highlights the impact of artificial intelligence on modern learning.*  As part of our coursework on understanding artificial intelligence and its role in modern learning environments, I recently completed an exercise from the YouTube lecture titled “ Advantages and Disadvantages of AI in Education ” by T. Hailey (2025). This insightful presentation was paired with readings such as “Does AI Have a Bias Problem?” by A. Greene-Santos (2024) and “Explained: Generative AI’s Environmental Impact” by A. Zewe (2025). The exercise I focused on required us to reflect on AI bias and its implications in educational settings. The task involved critically analyzing how AI tools (like ChatGPT) might perpetuate or combat systemic inequities in the classroom. We were encouraged to explore examples of algorithmic bias, consider who designs...

  The Pedagogical Potential of 3D Printing in K–12 School Libraries *Photo Description: Two young children sitting around a classroom table using a 3D Printer.* 3D printing is increasingly being recognized as a valuable educational tool in K–12 schools. By turning digital models into tangible objects, 3D printers allow students to visualize complex concepts, apply design thinking, and engage in hands-on learning across subject areas. This blog post explores the pedagogical benefits of 3D printers in school libraries and classrooms, using insights from “School Librarians as Technology Integration Leaders: Enablers and Barriers to Leadership Enactment” by Melissa P. Johnston and “Meet Your Learners Where They Are: Virtualizing the School Library” by Brenda Boyer. A 3D printer builds objects by laying down material such as plastic. These printers support a wide range of curricular applications and are well-suited for collaborative, inquiry-based learning experiences. While ...

  Enhancing Access for All: Using Microsoft Immersive Reader as an Adaptive Technology Tool *Picture Description: A classroom scene with six young children of various racial backgrounds sitting at a round table, working together on a tablet. *    In today’s diverse classrooms, accessibility and inclusion are more than goals, they are necessities. As schools work to meet the learning needs of all students, including those with disabilities, adaptive digital tools are becoming powerful resources. One such tool is Microsoft Immersive Reader , an online accessibility feature that supports students with reading, language, and learning differences. Although not originally labeled as an assistive technology device, Immersive Reader embodies the core principles of universal design, providing equitable access to content for all learners. You are able to access Microsoft Immersive Reader through Microsoft Word (online and desktop), OneNote, Microsoft Edge, Outlook, Flipgrid,...

  Truth in the Digital Age: What Are We Really Consuming? *Picture Description: This photo highlights the importance of social media literacy, and the ability to critically evaluate, understand, and navigate the content we see online. * In today’s digital world, information is abundant, but the truth isn’t always easy to find. This week’s readings included “The ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education” by the Association of College & Research Libraries, and “The Liturgists Podcast: Fake News & Media Literacy.” These readings remind us that to be truly literate, we need more than just access but also critical skills to evaluate and ethically use information. The ACRL Framework emphasizes that information literacy is a set of integrated abilities. It’s not just about finding sources; “it’s about understanding how information is produced, questioning authority, and recognizing that research is iterative” (ACRL, 2016). When students and educators engage ...

  Standards in Harmony: AASL and ISTE in the School Library By Diamond Patrick When thinking about how to blend national standards into meaningful student experiences, Elizabeth Burns’ article, “Standards in Action: Designing with the AASL Standards Framework,” offers powerful insight. Published in Knowledge Quest (Vol. 47, No. 5), Burns emphasizes how the AASL Standards provide a framework for designing instruction, not just a checklist. This made me wonder, how do the AASL Standards compare with the ISTE Standards for Students, and how can they work together in a future-ready library? When thinking about the similarities of both AASL and ISTE, they both emphasize student agency and inquiry-based learning. Burns’ article focuses on how the AASL Shared Foundations (which are: Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, and Engage) can be used to scaffold instruction across grade levels. The ISTE Standards for Students promote similarly aligned skills such as Empowered Lea...