Reader Response Paper--Web 2.0 & You by Donna Baumbach

In the article Web 2.0 & You by Donna Baumbach, she presents an effective argument as to why it is imperative that school media specialists become adept with Web 2.0 and the emerging technologies and social networking applications that so many of our students use every day. She writes "Web tools are tools--much as pencils, paper crayons and glue are tools. They can be used in almost every subject area for almost any academic objective." (19) She goes on to say that once we understand Web 2.0 tools, we (teachers/librarians) can once again focus on the students we teach and not necessarily the technology used to teach it. We just need to get to that level of understanding and comfort with these tools.

Baumbach begins her article with a brief history of the use of the web in academic settings. She describes a time when the web was one-sided (Web 1.0) and only useful for gathering information rather than interacting with it (Web 2.0). "Some librarians think of Web 1.0 as a period which they and their students could locate, read, and evaluate a rapidly exploding store of information, while the current Web 2.0 environment enables them to use the web as a desktop." (13) She points out the social benefit to using Web 2.0 and the ability it allows teachers and their students to collaborate on their work. Collaboration is a significant bonus provided by Web 2.0 tools and is one way to support and enhance the learning process.

Through the use of surveys given to school library media specialists, Baumbach determined that these information professionals were, in large numbers lacking the skills, understanding, training, and technology to even partially engage in Web 2.0 learning. Several reasons were cited for this deficit. In many schools for example, Web 2.0 tools are inaccessible, or even blocked by school policy and administration. YouTube for example can be an excellent learning technology but is frequently blocked on school computers. Another reason cited is the lack of time to learn, explore, and practice using these technologies. Experience and repetition are required in order to become proficient in the use of these tools. Training is also necessary and Baumbach lists poor (or lack of) training as an additional reason why so many school library media specialists are way behind the curve (and the students) when it comes to understanding Web 2.0. Baumbach's survey and analysis resulted in the creation of a wiki designed to help school library media specialists learn more about Web 2.0 tools and how to make use of them in their schools and libraries.

Baumbach asks (and then answers) the question: "Why should library media specialists learn and use Web 2.0 tools?" (16) She then lists the benefits that can be attained by incorporating these tools into ones library program. While some of the benefits may be lofty ("Remain educational leaders, become educational innovators") (16) others are far more pragmatic. The ability to use technology to stretch your library budget makes good sense during these tough economic times. Many Web 2.0 tools can be obtained for free or very low cost. Baumbach also notes that the use of Web 2.0 tools supports the goals of national and state achievement standards in public schools. Many state standards include skill development like "inquiry," "problem-solving," "information, media and technology skills," and "life and career skills." (17) These types of academic skills are fostered and enhanced through the use of Web 2.0 as a teaching tool. Additionally, she stressed that educating with Web 2.0 tools teaches skills for today and the future as many of the 2.0 applications used in the classroom (wikis, blogs, podcasts, etc.) are also used in everyday life by both students and adults. Perhaps that is one reason why the use of Web 2.0 tools in schools is so popular with the students. They see it as fun, current, practical, cool, and something that are already familiar with. Baumbach believes that the use of Web 2.0 tools in today's media centers and libraries is vital for the future of our profession, and for the future of our students. It is essential for school library media specialists to master them in order to "remain effective, relevant, productive and competitive." (19)

Baumbach, D. (March/April 2009) Web 2.0 and You. Knowledge Quest 37 (4), 12-19.