Outline
Yes, I know, this is supposed to be the space for my outline. I have been thinking about this paper non-stop since I finished up my last lesson in Michigan a few days ago. My fellow classmates seem to know what angle they are going with, how they intend to write their paper-the theme if you will. I envy them. Obviously we are supposed to be talking about service learning, and its usefulness (or, perhaps, lack thereof) in some capacity or another. Yet, I worked with a wide range of individuals from all walks of life who are facing many different problems and are gifted in many different ways. I met with those who had never used a computer before, which was facinating if not a little sad because I am only able to help so much…I met with skilled computer programmers seeking research skills…I helped college professors consider bringing in technology to the classroom, and teenagers who just wanted to know a safe way to use the internet to stay in touch with friends leaving for college. I met with politically minded individuals, conspiracy theorists, the infinately trusting, business people, elderly and exhausted working parents. I assisted those who have recently returned to society from prison, people who hate computers and those who spend their days hiding from the light of day and gaming. I may not have had a steady interaction with these people, and indeed I am very limited in my abilities, but it was intense to say the least and the approach I intend to make, well, I have too much information right now to process and my outline will be just a little longer in making its appearance.
What I do know thus far is the importance of the librarian in the age of ‘web 2.0′ (though I am not a huge fan of flippantly used and marketable lingo). There is a wealth of information readily available-much exclusively in digital format, ways to connect and communicate online, and globally there is this push to move forward, ever forward…but we are not considering the concequences or those who are being left behind. The information untapped because it is inaccessable except to a select few and even then…do those few truely know how to use that information-or dare I suggest how to share it and offer it up to others? Unfortunately, I have yet to experience a class where this sort of consideration is being made…well, except the obvious. We may touch upon it, we may dance around the ‘teachable moment’ but in the end-I fear a new generation of librarians are emerging more ignorant than any before…reliant only upon what information can be obtain at a quick keystroke at the computer and too far above in their ivory towers to hear the questions asked by those who are in most need for the help of librarians.
My service learning only supported what I already felt-there is far more than just a digital divide between people of economic classes, ethnicities, genders and politics…there is a divide in society, institutes of higher education and public service in general.
Perhaps I am being too harsh. Give me time, I am sure I will relax.
Laura Saloiye said,
November 29, 2007 at 1:50 pm
I completely understand where you are coming from. I didn’t really have many answers which is why my paper outline is so thin. I haven’t ever written a reflection paper that needed to have so much outside “stuff” in it. Honestly I would work with your statements above, “teachable moments”, ivory towers… they are all honest thoughts that work within a reflection paper setting. And remember, we are super-heroes, we can’t change the digital divide alone, that is why those teachable moments are so key- we get to inspire the upcoming generation.
cil614 said,
December 4, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Laura did such a good job in stating my thoughts that I can only add – while it would be nice to be involved in the grand situations, I find that it is the one-on-one moments that have the most staying power. I hope that you get to experience the V-8 look from a client/patron – it does help.
KatyL
jac191 said,
December 4, 2007 at 9:08 pm
I also understand where you are coming from… I’m a first generation college student and it has been difficult to get used to a world that sometimes feels like a bubble. I think service learning has the potential of bursting the bubble in positive or negative ways depending on how you see yourself in that world.
I also think you have already begun to shape your argument as you have identified some of the issues that have only become more visible to you from your interaction with people you met via your service learning experience. You can identify those needs witnessed and examine how they play out in library education.
Good luck!