As a retired librarian, I have volunteered in the Hildreth Elementary School library for the past eight years. I have had ample time to observe the operations of the library and the media center, both managed by the technology specialist, who teaches students the use of both print and online resources practically nonstop throughout the school day. It’s a daunting job, requiring teaching skills, lots of energy, and ongoing education in the rapidly changing world of information technology.
I was dismayed, therefore, to read in the Harvard Press (July 1) that the School Committee had ignored the expressed requests of both parents and teachers to maintain the technology specialist position at HES. I was also very disappointed to read that in one School Committee member’s view the funds for the specialist were used for “helping teachers to master Smart Boards” and were not of direct value to the students. On the contrary, anything that teachers can learn to put technology to use in the classroom is of direct benefit to the students. The technology specialist is the go-to person for technology information, but most of her time during the school day is spent with the students.
As for the $25,000 already spent on technology hardware, how are HES students going to get maximum benefit from this expenditure without a technology expert to help make it happen?
Vicary Maxant
Glenview Drive
