Demonstrate proficiency in identifying, using, and evaluating current and emerging information and communication technologies. A satisfactory statement of competence – Identifies and describes current and emerging information and communications technologies. Demonstrates knowledge of current and emerging technological issues and trends and their impact on the information professions. Articulates how emerging technologies might impact an information environment.
A vital part of the information profession is to exhibit a comfortable level of confidence with emerging technologies. When new technological issues and trends can be addressed with confidence, the resulting proficiency in identifying, using, and evaluating new ways to communicate can have impact on the information environment. One example of an current emerging technology I have explored is Guide on the Side, an interactive online tutorial based on active learning concepts. An opportunity to evaluate this particular tool is also provided in part of my evidence. Another example of an emerging information and communication technology I have used is creating an iOS location-based game for college students to navigate key locations on campus.
Justification of the Evidence
Evidence #1: Guide on the Side Tutorial
I was able to create an online tutorial to guide users to navigate the adoption process of a pet on a humane society's website. The goal of this type of technology is to help users engage with a digital platform and gain information literacy skills as they interact with digital tools. Much emphasis of information literacy has focused on print material, so the use of GoTS encourages the user to not only engage with content better with this technology but to also gain information fluency. In reflection, this is a helpful visual aid instructional tool, but probably for basic, superficial information. Since this digital platform comes in slides, it cannot provide feedback on a deeper level, which is where the role of the information professional comes front and center.
Evidence #2: Gamification using a Location-Based Phone App
I work part-time in a community college library where incoming students come in feeling disoriented about the campus. This technology would help students to find their way around campus and have fun at the same time. The idea to create a location-based game grew out of an organize need, while I was taking a course focused on Gamification. In this course, I chose to work with the ARIS platform, which is a free iOS open-source application allowing the user to experiment with interactive storytelling, augmented reality, and scavenger hunts based on GPS and QR codes. This platform gave me the opportunity to gain exposure and to evaluate how this emerging technology can positively impact student engagement with a technology tool that is relevant to culture and the environment.
Conclusion
Technology is constantly evolving. As I continue to reflect on how emerging information and communication tools can impact my students, I can see myself creating more lessons utilizing these digital tools. To stay abreast with ongoing emerging trends in libraries, I plan to stay in close contact to STEM teachers or librarians(depending on where I may end up in the library field). Another way to stay connected to technology tools in the information profession is to join and attend the Internet Librarian conference if at all possible. I was able to attend one my first year in the program, and the sessions were formative. There is also the Digital Shift blog that I plan to also follow in the profession.