PICTURED ARE Erin McCall (left), Thomas Fratto (right) and Galvin Middle School students.
WAKEFIELD —As part of Wakefield Educational Foundation’s 2015 grant program, Galvin Middle School Media Specialist Erin McCall received funding toward print and digital engineering and programming resources to the GMS Learning Commons non-fiction collection.
The current Learning Commons collection of technology and applied science resources at GMS is limited. The collection age is approximately 17 years at 1997, suggesting that the quality, accuracy and lack of modernity are compromising student growth and exploration in the respective subjects. Print and digital titles with content pertaining to technology advances, scientific invention and hands-on learning will not only accelerate student understanding of the value of engineering and programming but also make the subjects more tangible and achievable.
A 21st century school library collection must anticipate and respond to the needs of learners. The need for resources that supplement and support student growth in the fields of engineering and programming is significant. As a result of this project, the Learning Commons will offer updated, content rich resources that only inform but empower students to develop engineering and programming skills and consider STEM-based careers. According to McCall, “the project may be deemed successful given that 100 percent of the resources circulate among staff and students and they find resources beneficial in advancing student innovation inside and outside the classroom.”
