The world of education is in constant competition with different stimuli from the “real world”.  Students have video games, computers, and other forms of technology that provide a variety of entertainment.  Educators can no longer provide the same old teaching methods or strategies.  Students require various instructional methods and educators are expected to meet those requirements.  Learner characteristics, instructional strategies, methods of inquiry, and the AASL’s 21^st Century Learning Standards will have to merge in a seamless manner to meet the diverse instructional needs of all learners.

            The 21^st Century learner must not only be able to locate information but also process and use the information in a way that will enhance their learning experiences.   Instruction must be tailored to meet the needs of individual learner’s characteristics.  All students do not learn the same nor do they process information the same way.  By providing opportunities for students to collaborate with each other, students are encouraged to question their own personal conclusions and judgments as well as those of their peers.  Small or collaborative learning groups in which students are provided an inquiry based project to complete which requires them to use some form of technology (document camera, digital camera, etc.) to produce a final product allows students the opportunity to work together and challenge each other’s ideas in a creative and positive manner.

In order to meet the needs of the 21^st Century learner, instructional strategies must be used to ensure that lifelong learning experiences take place.  The library media specialist will play an important role in this process.  The LMS will have to collaborate with all entities of the educational society to ensure that the library media program provides a bridge between to instructional strategies and information literacy.  The LMS will need to have an extensive knowledge of the curriculum standards and requirements to provide the necessary materials for teachers.  The school library media specialist encourages reading and lifelong learning by applying strategies that ensure access to information and resources.  Through the implementation and collaboration of the library program, the library media specialist promotes ethical and efficient information seeking behavior.  School media specialist partners with classroom teachers to effective strategies are being used to teach classroom curriculum.  The collaboration of the LMS and the classroom teacher will ensure that the 21^st Century learning standards are being addressed in all facet of the student’s learning environment.

The 21^st Century learner must be provided with access to information but also with skill to process and use that information in a productive way.  By merging, learner characteristics, instructional strategies, methods of inquiry, and the AASL’s 21^st Century Learning Standards, the 21^st Century learner will not only be lifelong learners but also effective users and consumers of information.