An Interview with Mrs. Sue Harris & Mr. Jon Barker

This interview was initially published on the May 24, 2012 edition of the School Newsletter.

As we all travel down the so-called information highway, it is helpful to point out that Holy Rosary School has not one but two guides to help our students better navigate this aspect of their education. As you know, this is very important and goes beyond the simple. In this week’s newsletter, I interviewed Mrs. Harris and Mr. Barker and asked them to share their insights into this area of the educational program here.

Mrs. Harris, how long have you worked at Holy Rosary and how has your job changed over time?

First, Mr. Barker and I want to thank you for the opportunity to chat with all the families. I have happily worked in the library for 20 of my 21 years teaching at Holy Rosary and over that time there have been many changes. Doubling the school’s enrollment brought a new library and computer lab. We accessed our collection using the “old school” card catalog and now the collection is available 24/7 using the online catalog through the Follett Destiny software. (If you have yet to visit the library catalog, use this link or the one located on the right side of the HRS website under Quick Links.) Because of advances in technology, the students, staff and parents now have access to resources in formats that were not available 20 years ago: DVDs, Playaways, eBooks, online World Book Encyclopedias, and the Proquest databases.

Fostering and supporting a love of reading and life-long learning continues to be at the core of the library program. I truly believe that the quality and variety of children’s literature has improved through the decades. Recent best sellers lists demonstrate that adults are also enjoying young adult fiction. The ways our students access reading materials will continue to change but the school-wide belief in the value of reading and literacy remains strong.

Mr. Barker, your background is originally as a classroom teacher, how did you happen to become a technology teacher? How long have you served here?

I was hired in the spring of 1997 as a long-term substitute to replace a former technology teacher. I had received my Master’s in Teaching in 1995, however classroom teaching positions were difficult to find at that time in the locations where I wanted to teach. I didn’t know much about computers or “technology”, but I knew more than anyone at Holy Rosary, so I was hired. Most everything I’ve learned since then have been self-taught. When I came here 15 years ago, the school had just unveiled the new computer lab/library addition, so I was responsible for setting the lab up with 30 new Apple Macintosh 5500’s.

You both make a wonderful team, how did this develop and how do you divide up your lessons and then merge them to form specific learning objectives?

Over the last few years, following class-scheduling issues, our programs have changed and developed out of necessity. Two teachers are needed in the lab in order to teach effective lessons and to timely address students’ questions, and troubleshoot when necessary. Our curriculums and subject matter are very similar so it seemed like a natural thing to do. The standards developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) intersect about 85% of the time. Our goal is to integrate content from the students’ classrooms into the lab. We are also responsive to the needs of the homeroom teachers, discussing ways to collaborate that enrich the teaching and learning for all students. We also make a good team because Mr. Barker has the best sense of humor and Mrs. Harris is his best audience!

Mr. Barker, why would you say we have a strong computer lab? What is your assessment of our technology offerings and what is your vision going forward?

Our lab offers a wide variety of software and hardware for student and teacher use. The desktops and laptops are pretty much in constant use throughout the day; there’s not much quiet time! I’m impressed by the lessons that classroom teachers bring into the lab and I’m equally impressed by the work and creativity of the students. I also love the Yearbook elective. We are one of the few, if not the only, K-8 school who creates their own yearbook. Eighth graders, using Adobe Creative Suite, completely design and develop our yearbook! I’m extremely excited about this year’s book, which will be coming out in the next few weeks. It holds a special surprise; something I’ve wanted for years.

Looking forward it’s inevitable that we’ll transition iPads into the school at some point. They’ve completely changed the education landscape, for students and for teachers. This summer I’m taking classes to learn the best uses for iPads in education, so I know I’ll return in the fall with some excellent ideas to share with our teachers. I also want to see teacher mastery in using the SmartBoards. It’s one of the SMARTest investments Holy Rosary has made and an invaluable teaching tool. SMART continues to update their software, improving it to reflect changes that teachers have requested.

Mrs. Harris, do you feel that books will always hold a place in our program or do you sense that Kindles will displace them? What is your vision for the library going forward?

I believe that Teacher Librarians in school libraries will remain committed to helping all students access and use information in whatever form it takes. We want graduates who are literate, think critically, create, and dream. At this time, I cannot predict the winner in the Kindle/Nook/eReader battle. It does remind me of the VHS - Betamax competition in years past. I believe that while children need variety in their lives, holding a book and exploring the pages will never go out of style. I see this daily as I watch and help our students browse and select the books that sing to them.

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