Abstract

A new wave of media, initiated by modern technology, has beset the educational scene with pronouncements on the identification, appreciation and pursuance of the learning disposition of every child within the educational milieu. The internet has altered the way in which knowledge can be accessed. Even cell phones are assuming greater importance as tools of communication. Hence, the factual transmission of information based solely on the prescribed textbook and confined to the closed environment of the regular classroom lacks pertinence under the present changing circumstances in which learning can be effective. An integration of the classroom with the school’s media centre, in contrast with the library, becomes inevitable to realise the objectives of differentiation so as to even enhance the creation of learning opportunities for highly intelligent learners in heterogeneous classroom settings. The progress made in achieving this educational objective is less than satisfactory in poor and many developing countries such as Zimbabwe and South Africa. Literature quoted in this paper strongly suggests that media availability in schools creates ample opportunities for gifted learners not only to discover their latent special interests and abilities but also to demonstrate their true talents. The integration of the media centre with the regular classroom enables such learners to be critical, creative and autonomous instead of being passive and dependent on their teachers. Hence, this paper firstly focuses on the transformation of the school library into a media centre. Thereafter, the practical implications of this transformation for gifted children are discussed.