In the above video Lisa Guernsey
discusses how new technology like iPads and other media affect the learning of
young children. Guernsey speaks on the fact that children do not understand
what they watch on screens in the same manner as adults (TEDx Talks, 2014). She
notes that young children can effectively learn from screen media if there is
quality content with interactive actions and caregiver / child connection (TEDx
Talks, 2014). Parents who wish to connect with their children may find
themselves unable to decide what media type is considered quality content or
how to interact with their child and the media. Guernsey notes that parents can
succeed if they have access to a media mentor, such as a children’s librarian,
who can give advice and model behavior (TEDx Talks, 2014). The library then can
be an excellent place for families to learn how to connect with their children
via media and learn what content will help them to best learn.
But how can librarians become media
mentors and ensure that families are utilizing their media effectively at home?
Rachel Keeler (2016) a children’s librarian in Boston speaks on her wish to
improve her services with parents to encourage proper media use. Keeler (2016)
speaks on encouraging caregivers to let children use AWE Early Literacy
Stations and discuss how they may be better suited then the public computers
for learning. She further intends to create a library program that teaches
parents how use their phones with young children and preparing handouts with
digital media tips (Keeler, 2016). Ultimately, Keeler’s idea come to down to
connecting with her patron base and finding ways to educate parents on interacting
with their children through media.
Librarians who wish to ensure they
can be effective media mentors to their patron base can listen to advice from
Claudia Haines and Cen Campbell. They note “media mentorship is not about
having the latest and greatest technology. It is about library staff helping
families find the best tool and creating the most positive experience possible,”
(Haines & Campbell, 2016, p.51). Media mentors need to connect with the caregivers
in their library in order to match them with media that will most help their family
succeed. Librarians should educate themselves on media mentorship through school,
training and professional development opportunities, resource sharing with
other libraries, and attendance at conferences (Haines & Campbell, 2016). In
addition to this, new technology should play a role in the library itself. This
means budget considerations for new media, hiring staff that are passionate
about being media mentors, and allocating library space for technology (Haines
& Campbell, 2016). Libraries that do so illustrate to patrons that they do
not fear technology and can be seen as a welcome resource for their media
questions.
As technology advances so must
librarians. Caregivers have questions about which media is appropriate for their
child and how to use it. We, as children’s librarians, must place ourselves as
mentors to these caregivers and help them to use technology in an engaging and
educational manner.
References
Grandma’s preschool [Online image].
(2015). Retrieved December 6, 2016 from http://topbestappsforkids.com/bestappsforkids/Grandmas-Preschool-Games-App-for-Kids-13_thumb.jpg
Haines, C., & Campbell, C.
(2016). Becoming a media mentor. American Libraries, 47(11/12), 48-51. Retrieved
from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=1e87471d-5706-4a06-a647-3f6cd1d4082b%40sessionmgr4007&vid=1&hid=4104
Image of a family looking a tablet
[Online image]. Retrieved December 6, 2016 from http://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Photos/New%20Parent%20Program%20Supports%20Child%20Development%20Needs.ashx
Keeler, R. (2016). What exactly is a
media mentor?. Children and Libraries:
The Journal of the Association of Library Services to Children, 14(1), 28. Retrieved
from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=085c1682-bb96-4bd7-9f71-01735f75e20a%40sessionmgr4008&vid=0&hid=4104
TEDx Talks. (2014, April 27). How to
iPad affects young children, and what we can do about it: Lisa Guernsey at
TEDxMidAtlantic [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P41_nyYY3Zg&t=637s
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