The role of a media center is to be the source for information. This information should be available over not only over a variety of subjects but should also be provided through a variety of formats and technologies. The media center should be the example for the school of diversity; they are essentially gatekeepers of information and can choose what is presented to the students and faculty. Media specialists should work to ensure that they represent the pros and cons of social issues, different cultures, different religions, etc. and to ensure that their own personal beliefts are not reflected in the makeup of the media center's collection. Having said that, I know that as a media specialist, something close to my heart is Spanish. I will want to make sure to incorporate bilingual books and materials for students to have. While Spanish is a more dominant second language spoken in our region, I would need to be sure to also allocate budget and space to other languages and culture groups.
While a media center's collectin of materials can be diverse in their content there are other methods to incorporate diversity in the media center which could then be reflected throughout the school. We read the example of Ashley and her experience with working on the school's TV newscast. This was a great way to include students from all backgrounds and learning abilities. In MEDT 6401, another technology course, we researched different technologies that could benefit the media center. There were such items as text-to-voice readers and magnifiers that could aid students with different special needs. These technologies along with others should be incorporated in a media center in order to include everyone.
There are definitely numerous resources that can assist us when trying to meet the diverse needs of our stakeholders. Last week I was at a middle school media center and I was able to see their section of Spanish books that they have for their stakeholders. It was nice to see that there was a specific area that Spanish students could go to. They also include a link to a Spanish Encyclopedia on their website. I also had the opportunity to see a news program in action at an elementary school. This school allows their 5th grade students the opportunity to do the news program for 2 weeks and then a new group comes in. This particular group included a special education student and it was great to see her have the opportunity to participate in the program right along with her peers. The smile on her face was priceless and seeing how the other students helped her was awesome. As a media specialist we have the ability to reach out to the entire student body and it will be extremely important for us to survey the needs that they may have and then to acquire materials to meet those needs.
ReplyDeleteBy Cecilia:
ReplyDeleteMy first Media class began in January 2009. The class was MEDT 6101 and most students were from the Counseling program. While the subject of the class was basic computer usage and using technology for school-related projects, I felt that most postings, discussions and student projects were devoted to diversity, mostly racial and cultural diversity. This had been my first contact with diversity as an issue, rather than a practice. Now, about 30 credit hours later, diversity is still an important issue; however, I’ve learned that there are many sides and facets to the subject of diversity.
The story of Ashley – A Special Case really struck home with me. Last summer, I took the Exceptional Child class, as required to become an educator, and enjoyed it immensely. The case of Ashley, showed that when given the opportunity, personal courage, perseverance, and hard work will lead to success. She knew what her physical limits were, and worked hard to overcome them by memorizing location of the buttons and required sequences necessary for the task. Her individual conscientiousness led to modeling by other students. This truly was an inspiring story, both for those who witnessed her work and struggles, and for those of us who hear about it. In Ashley’s case, opportunities + hard work = successful outcomes.
Diversity is important when it comes to books in the media center. I never really thought about its importance until I took a diversity class while completing my Master's Degree. Most books in classrooms and libraries have white children in the illustrations. Sometimes black children are used, but not as often. What is it like for Hispanic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, etc students to read books like this. Are they able to relate the book to themselves since the pictures do not look like them? My class was challenged by my teacher to purchase diverse books and have them available to students.
ReplyDeleteBecca-
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment of the media center being the example of diversity in a school. I wrote basically the same thing on our blog. I think the media center has ample opportunities and resposibilities to be as diverse as its patrons. I also feel the same way about languages, readers, cultures, etc.. My school is a rural school with little diversity. The students are thirsty and curious about the world and its cultures. The media center is a perfect place to foster that curiousity and understanding.
Our school media specialist is the chair of teh Diversity tea, which I believe helps our Media Center to be aware of different cultures. we try to celebrate different occasions like Hispanic Heritage Month, but I would love if we had a larger collection of materials on different cultures. I really like the idea of having books that are not only about Spanish but in spanish as well. i feel like this could help our ESOL students and our students taking Spanish as a second language.
ReplyDeleteDiversity comes in many forms as you noted in your post. I think the media specialist needs to take extra steps to ensure the community knows the materials are there. Students who come from non-American cultures will be reluctant to go to the media center unless they know there are books they will be comfortable with. The best way to ensure there is diversity within a single collection is by “talking” to the students, parents, & faculty within the community. This can be done through open forums, blogs, questionnaires, surveys, or general conversation. The ESOL teacher should also be able to help with suggestions and ideas.
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