Search this site
Other stuff

 

All banner artwork by Brady Johnson, professional graphic artist.

My latest books:

   

        Available now

       Available Now

Available now 

My book Machines are the easy part; people are the hard part is now available as a free download at Lulu.

 The Blue Skunk Page on Facebook

 

EdTech Update

 Teach.com

 

 

 

« The lesson of the Ngong Hills | Main | Where is your data really most secure? »
Wednesday
Sep172014

Rorschach test of educational priorities: your school library

I visit quite a few schools and one of the first places I visit is the library/media center/learning commons. For me, it's a quick Rorschach test of a school's values and climate.

The picture above is the elementary library at the International Community School (ICS) in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. Even at a quick glance, I can tell by looking at this facility that this is a school I'd be happy to have my grandchildren attend. The library:

 

  • has kids in it. Productive, engaged, kids using the library's print and technology resources.
  • looks to have a well-stocked collection of carefull chosen books.
  • has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with colorful and fun furniture and wall decorations.
  • has a staff that was available, friendly, and helpful to me as a visitor and to the students themselves.

 

This tells me that the school values children's personal interests. That it balances technology with print literacies. That it recognizes that not all learning has to be at a desk in a group with 24 other children, all facing the same way. That it knows there are other ways to improve reading scores and test results than drill, test prep, and programmed instruction. 

And that a love of learning is as important as skills and knowledge.

Maybe I am reading too much into a ten minute visit, but I'm pretty good a first impressions. And ICS made a good one.

EmailEmail Article to Friend

Reader Comments

There are no comments for this journal entry. To create a new comment, use the form below.

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>