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.
“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."
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.
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.”
Most people are surprised by the broad variety of doctoral programs offered in the field of education - technology being among them. At the UH Mānoa College of Education where Kirio studies, her choice of study for advanced degrees included:
- Advanced scholarship in education subject areas (ex: Mathematics)
- Education related K-20 leadership preparation
- Examining issues, questions & controversies in education
- Assesment, learning & research design
- Integrating teaching and technology
- Health and wellness
- Improving professional practice
- Working productively with persons with disabilities
The College of Education also offers the support of a graduate studies advisor to help you identify programs that are a good fit for your personal and professional goals.
If you are considering an advanced degree in any field, you may wish to explore the broad opportunities available to graduates of masters and doctoral level programs in education. It's possible that advanced degree could lead to a National Award and Commendation!
