We must be willing to pay for Internet products that enhance learning.
About Christopher Harris
Christopher Harris (infomancy@gmail.com) is coordinator of the school library system of the Genesee Valley (NY) Educational Partnership.
For 1:1, Content Is Key | Next Big Thing
By on August 18, 2014
Seven of the districts that I serve are implementing some level of 1:1 for 2014-15, however device implementation only works with great material, so be prepared.
Generation Tablet: Kids Must Learn to Hack in the Real World
By on July 23, 2014
Tablets are wonderful devices, providing unbelievable computing power in a simple-to-use package. But they aren’t good for developing technology problem-solvers.
Gaming the Common Core: Many board games align with the standards
By on June 13, 2014
When the library profession gathers in Las Vegas this month for ALA’s annual conference, how can we not consider gaming in libraries? Play-based learning is an effective way to address the learning style changes of the Common Core and other emerging standards.
To Tackle Major Issues Affecting Kids, ALA Divisions Must Collaborate | The Next Big Thing
By on April 14, 2014
The effects of screen time on little ones, the integration of technology with library programming – these are some of the issues now facing the profession. It’s time to break down divisional silos, according to Christopher Harris, and work together to ensure libraries’ effectiveness in serving kids and teens.
Make the STEM connection | The Next Big Thing
By on March 6, 2014
Put the “science” back in library science and help support STEM learning
“Cultural Competence” Is Essential to Serve Teens
By on February 7, 2014
With a society that’s growing increasingly diverse, librarians should proactively integrate cultural aspects of “diverse linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic groups” into programs and services.
Tablets in Schools—What’s Ahead in 2014
By on January 6, 2014
“Twenty thirteen was the ‘year of the tablet’ and good riddance,” says Christopher Harris. Time to focus on the real reason to invest in any tool for learning: content and pedagogy.
Germany’s Unperfekthaus: Is this the Library of the Future?
By on December 16, 2013
Let’s be honest. Physical resources are in decline, and the transition to digital holdings will only accelerate.Now: What can we do with all that library space opened up by the decline of print? Consider the Unperfekthaus, a German model that encompasses maker spaces and much more.
Love Whispersync, Hate the Terms: How can schools legally work with Kindle technology?
By on November 18, 2013
It’s the “holy grail of ebook features for education,” writes Chris Harris, of Whispersync for voice. But we need clarity on Amazon’s terms of service before schools can reasonably commit to the Kindle ereader.
