1:1 Learning

 

The use of technology in education has evolved tremendously over the past few decades including the advancement of eLearning during the pandemic. The concept of 1:1 learning is a total game changer. As an elementary school teacher, the ability to have my students on computers not only provides students with the opportunity to engage in lessons on a level they are excited about, but it also gives teachers an advantage when observing students’ real-time learning and the added benefit of built-in grading. This shift from traditional learning environments gives students a digital device to learn and show growth which allows teachers to adjust their teaching to meet the needs of their students. This shift requires support from teachers and school librarians. Since school librarians are now considered part of the technology team, they play a unique role in this digital transition.

Leaders in Change

School librarians are in the perfect position to be change agents in this new setting of 1:1 learning. In addition to simply having students use their devices in their lessons during Related Arts classes, they can collaborate with classroom teachers to continue lessons covering essential standards. According to Moen (2022), “An overarching theme expressed by the administrators was that school librarians need to change agents, people who believed in the school initiatives and had the dispositions and skills to help make change happen.” Librarians must promote digital literacy and act as guides in integrating technology into learning.

Building Relationships

It is important for librarians to build relationships with students and teachers. Open communication between the librarian and the faculty and administration of a school lends itself to easier collaboration and advocating for transforming initiatives. Moen (2022) argues that “building relationships is one way to promote and create strong school library programs that can support district learning initiatives.” Partnerships with school librarians can go a step further by hosting community nights or events in partnership with public libraries to build relationships within the community and present new initiatives.

Rebranding Library Spaces

Librarians must modernize library spaces, both physical and virtual, to support the digital learning model. Instead of focusing on only the actual books in the library, librarians can use technology to expand the student learning. Broadening access to more information and activities online, students are not limited to the brick and mortar library, classroom, or school for that matter, but can experience the world at the click of a button. Libraries should be viewed as ever changing, student-centered environments that extend beyond the library walls.

Library Resources and Curriculum

Moving forward, classroom teachers should work closely with librarians to embed library resources like digital research materials into their curriculum. Classroom teachers are unaware of most of the resources librarians can share with students. In addition to providing these resources, librarians can also help students with digital citizenship and develop research skills that will benefit students for the rest of their educational career.

As stated previously, school librarians can have a tremendous impact on 1:1 learning environments and teachers must be encouraged to use their knowledge and expertise.


Moen, M. (2022). What’s working? A case study of an exemplary school library district program in a 1:1 device setting. School Libraries Worldwide, 27(1), 18-38. https://doi.org/10.29173/slw8315