Week 15- Putting it all together

Throughout these several months, I have leaned so much about the role of the librarian. Many of my opinions have changed from before I began this journey.  I think it is our job as a school librarian specialist to be advocates for copyright responsibility, 21st century technology and professional development. There is so much technology available for teachers and students. I think it will be my role to show then how to use them in educational settings for productively finding and presenting information. I'm excited to continue this journey of my career.

Week 13- Learning Commons

School libraries are a place where students can gather to access information, gain knowledge, and read books.  However, I believe the way in which librarians and students do so has changed and will continue to change.  With the emergence of technology, a library is now a place where information is available with the click of a button.  Students must know the best ways to find information and how to evaluate that information.  Librarians must use the technology and tools at their fingertips to teach students how to do that.  A modern learning commons in a school library will probably give students access to different types of technology.  As teachers and libraries, we must allow students to use this technology independently, but with guidance because many of these technologies can be used for personal use.  Students must be able to use them for educational reasons and with purpose.  These 21st century skills with be beneficial for the future of students and make them career ready.

Week 12 - Emerging Technology

Its been 10 years since I have graduated from high school. In those 10 years, I cannot believe how quickly and how much technology has advanced.  The youth of today's society is very tech savvy, but this knowledge is not necessarily for educational purposes.  As technology emerges, students will probably be familiarized with it.  It is our jobs as school librarians and teachers to use these tools for education.  Students must learn to use them for searching information and as a source of giving out and analyzing information.

An example of how a school district implemented  technology but then realized it was not the best choice is depicted in the following article:

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/10/01/lausd-takes-back-ipads-from-students-in-wake-of-hacking-reports/

The great educational uses of an iPad were over shadowed by the misuse of them by students.  The initiative to provide students with an iPads did not work out because students were able to go around filters.  This is why it is important for both teachers and administrators to research the benefits and consequences of incorporating new and different technologies into the classroom setting.  The educational benefits have to be one of the top priorities.

Week 11- Copyright

After participating in the class discussion, I am seeing more and more the role that a school library media specialist must play when it comes to copyright.  Teachers need to be able to prepare students for life after high school.  For many of these students,  this will include an experience in higher education.  If teachers are not aware of the issues surrounding copyright, they cannot rely information to their students.  This information can help students with any data that they search for and how to use it properly. I think that as a library media specialist, there is a responsibility to inform teachers.  I think the easiest way to do this is through professional development.  However, professional development is not always an option due to funding, administrative support and timing. Another way to spread this information is by using the Interent.  I would create a blog with tutorials and information for all to see.  It is easy to plead ignorance when there is little information,  but when information is easily accessible for all, it is hard to make excuses.  I also think that as a librarian, we need to advocate for ourselves and our programs.  Spreading knowledge through credible data can make one's words more legitimate.

Week 10- Professional Development

After watching the presentations for the past week, I think that the most important aspect to focus on is the audience.  Every aspect in the presentation needs to be appropriate for the audience. This includes objectives, graphics, and presentation style.

In addition, I think the presenter has to be knowledgeable and confident on the subject matter.  If the presenter is not engaging and interested in the topic, the audience will not find the information relevant or important.  They will not see the great benefits of using or implementing the concept in the classroom.

While working on my presentation, I am trying to keep these aspects in mind.  I am able to go back through the presentation and make appropriate changes.  I think that the most important emotion a presenter can bring to the presentation is passion.  If it is important to the presenter, the topic becomes more important to the listener.

Week 9- Presentations

After watching many presentations this week on the online conference, I realize how many factors go into creating and effective and engaging presentation.  I thought that some of the presentations were well done, but others were almost impossible to get through.  This is unfortunate because the ideas and concepts in the presentations were important and useful.  I found that the delivery alone could affect the presentation. Many of the presenters did not sound enthusiastic.  Because these were all online, and I did not have someone in front of me, it was hard for me to focus on the presentation.  During presentations, a presenter can show their passion and enthusiasm for the topic which makes it more engaging.  I did not find this with some of the presentations.  

In addition, to make an effective presentation, I think that there needs to be a balance of images and color.  There were some presentation that were in black and white.  It made it very difficult to continue watching because it was boring.  In addition, I also think that too many images or sounds can take away from the point of the presentation.  These types of extras should only be added when appropriate and to enhance the ideas in the presentation.

I am glad that I was able to see an array of presentations.  I now have a better idea of how I will start creating my presentation.  I feel it is important to engage the audience by expressing passions about a subject and by using relevant examples that the audience can relate to.

Week 8- Content Collaboration and TPAK

Content collaboration is a great tool to use in the classroom.  As a teacher, I think that using Google Drive is a great way to complete a group project.  This is because the work created on Google Drive is accessible on any device that is Wifi enabled.  I have found myself working on projects from the cell phone, laptop, and iPad in different situations. There are also many other resources one can use to collaborate including blogs and wikis.  However, in a high school situation, I think that teachers need to guide the students.  It may help if each student is assigned a roll.  Eventually with practice, the students may be able to assign their own rolls and work with less guidance from the teacher. 

I also think that the incorporation of technology in a lesson can be very beneficial.  However when doing this, teachers should keep TPAK in mind.  TPACK stands for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge.  A teacher can incorporate technology into the classroom everyday, but is the technology appropriate for the lesson?  These are things that educators need to think about when using technology.  How will the technology enhance the content being taught and what is the reasoning for using the technology?  In the future I plan on using TPAK strategies to enhance my teaching.  It is important that students also learn effective ways to use technology in a society that is dependent upon it. With effective technological skills, students will be better prepared for the working world