Carolyn Kirio, a doctoral student in the College of Education (COE) Department of Learning Design and Technology (LTEC), is the winner of the 2015 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Information Technology Pathfinder Award. She was recognized and presented with $1,500 during the AASL annual conference in San Francisco on June 27, 2015.
Kirio, who earned a bachelor’s degree and professional diploma in secondary education as well as a master’s degree in library and information sciences, serves as the librarian at Kapolei Middle School (KMS). Recognizing the changing needs and learning goals of the community she serves, Kirio transformed the school’s library into the eHub of KMS.
As the only librarian of the multi-track school, Kirio created a 24/7 school library through technology and distance learning methods. She has enabled students and teachers to use library resources any time by designing online lessons. She also made instructional mp4 files available through closed circuit system and updated the library’s collection to include more electronic books and online encyclopedias, journals, and magazine subscriptions.
“This award is a testament to everything I have learned while pursuing my master’s in library and information science and my doctorate in LTEC,” Kirio said. “I would like to thank everyone, especially my instructors, for their support and guidance throughout. They provided me with the foundation on which to craft and structure Kapolei Middle’s library program in order to increase student and staff access to resources, services, and instruction.”
After returning from the AASL conference, Kirio was joined by Sandy Yamamoto, Library Media Specialist at Kapolei High; Dr. Violet Harada, Professor Emeritus in the Library & Information Science Program; Dr. Curtis Ho, LTEC Department Chair; and Dr. Michael-Brian Ogawa, Assistant Specialist in the Information and Computer Sciences Department as she received a commendation from Governor Ige.
“Carolyn has been instrumental in changing the role of her school library into a digital hub for instructional resources that can be accessed in multiple ways,” Ho said. “We are pleased that her line of research for her dissertation in LTEC will add to the knowledge base in this area.”
Update:
Kirio was nominated by AASL and selected by The White House as a “great educator.” She will be recognized at a White House ceremony along with the National Teacher of the Year, State Teachers of the Year, and other great educators from across the nation on May 3, 2016. Watch the award ceremony live here on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET.
