Abstract:
The purpose of the research was to examine how collaboration of a media
specialist with teachers and students for using an online media catalog influenced
teacher attitudes and student attitudes toward the media specialist as an
instructional partner. In addition, the study was conducted to determine how
teachers and students utilized an online media catalog for developing and
completing class assignments. The media specialist collaborated with teachers to
design instruction and trained students to use the online media catalog.
This study included surveys, observations, interviews, and questionnaires.
Students created projects that focused on various subject areas. Assignments were
designed to allow students to search the automated media catalog to gather
materials needed to complete the assigned project. Findings suggested that a
collaboration between the media specialist and teachers advanced the role of the
media specialist as instructional partner; that students believed that learning was
better when teachers and media specialists work together; and that teachers and
students saw the importance of using the online media catalog with classroom
assignments. The results of the study were communicated to the learning
community through a meeting with teachers and administrators. That meeting
supported continuation of training students to use the online media catalog and
fostered a collaborative environment for interested teachers and media specialist.