It’s Hard to Be a School Tech Leader: 2013 SLJ Tech Survey

72% of the school library staff that responded to School Library Journal’s 2013 Tech Survey indicated that they are seen as technology leaders in their schools. However, only 44% believe that that leadership bestows job security. This is down from 55% last year. Several other responses seem to point to administrative and classroom resistance to technology in education. Some respondents indicated inadequate broadband speed. Others noted challenges to integrating new technology applications. One respondent expressed frustration over teacher and administrator unwillingness to integrate technology into teaching, explaining that it often felt like something that is “tacked on.” The subtext seems to be that school library staff feel compelled to learn and constantly adapt to new technologies, but are also constantly challenged (administratively and otherwise) to implement those technologies. Seems like a tight spot to be in. Is it all too familiar for school libraries? Here's a smattering of other interesting stats from the report:

• 43% of students own a web-enabled device, but 49% of schools forbid using personal devices in classroom;
• 11% of schools will establish BYOD policies next year;
• 68% of schools offer ebooks, but only 6% of schools use etextbooks (although 36% say they are considering them);
• 26% of public schools and 57% of private schools currently have a “1 to 1” initiative (of any kind of device);
• Rural schools are more likely to provide dedicated ereaders (46%) than urban or suburban (30% for both);
• Tablets top schools’ hardware wish list for items to purchase next year;
• Top social apps for teachers: edmodo, pinterest, and goodreads.