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

Week 7 -Digital Citizenship

 We are living in a society that has become more and more dependent on technology everyday.  This means that many of the youths in our society will be introduced to and continue to use this technology.  However, there are many risks that come with the Internet.  Many students and children do not understand or take these risks into consideration.  There are many threats to children that include bullying, inappropriate chatting, posting of pictures and text, etc.  A lot of the content that children put on -line will never disappear.  It can sometimes leave a lasting mark on their lives, as the information is easy to access and hard to permanently remove.  As educators, I feel that we have a responsibility to inform children of these risks.  Unfortunately, some children will only get this type of information in a school setting.  Internet use is a reality that school age children will face everyday including the use of blogs, wikis and research databases.  They must learn how to use this tool responsibly.  I think that these skills should be taught and reinforced each school year.  Also, in order to have a computer account, I think that students should have to take and pass a training on Internet safety.  I also think that teachers, administrators and tech departments should all support each other in this type of training as well as supporting the repercussions student might face for violating any school policies related to the Internet.  Digital citizenship is something that must be taught and continually reinforced.

Week 6 - Websites

A webpage is something that can be used to promote a service or program.  I think that a website can be beneficial for a school library media center.  However, it is imperative to create a site that is user friendly and appropriate for different audiences (parents, teachers and students).   I think that it is imperative for a school library media specialist to promote literacy.  They should also promote the technology and programs available in the media center.  By doing this, it makes the library program more credible.  It is important to have clear and distinct links and headings.  The user should be able to locate what they are looking for quickly and efficiently.

I think a great way to promote literacy on a website is by sharing an array of books and authors.  The following link allows the user to create a digital bookshelf.  I think this is great way to get students excited about reading.

http://www.shelfari.com/

This is something I would consider adding to my website. 

I also think it is important for a library media specialist to promote faculty use of the library.  I think that by allowing teachers to sign up in the library and putting this online for others too see, can help with planning and use. 

One other aspect of a website that I think is important to consider is the content.  The creator must be aware of any images he puts on the site that he does not create.  It is important to check what images or content are copyrighted before putting them on a site.

Overall, the content on a website is crucial for its successful use.  The development of a user friendly website for a school library media center can have a positive and beneficial effect on the library.

Week 5 - Fair use

Fair use was a concept that I had never heard about before taking this class. As an educator, I now see the importance of this doctrine.  There is so much information available to the public especially via the Internet.  It is important to understand the difference between fair use and copyright infringement.  This difference could be huge in an educational setting.  I think that it is difficult to monitor how students and teachers use materials in a library or school. Is it a self responsibility, an administrative responsibility, or a librarian’s responsibility? Ultimately, I believe its the users responsibility.  The following are links to educational websites.  They give the reader more information about fair use and a check list for the type of media being used.

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/copyright/fairuse_checklist.pdf

http://copyright.columbia.edu/copyright/fair-use/fair-use-checklist/

These are good resources for those who are unsure of their rights and responsibilities.  

I also found it interesting that fair use can be an issue with digital libraries.  The following article documents the Google library’s journey of fair use.  It is easy to see the importance of fair use in and out of the educational world.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/23/us-google-books-idUSBRE98M19S20130923

Week 4- Information Literacy

After reading through the class material and the class discussions, I realized the importance of teaching both teachers and students how to critically and effectively search for information.  I also feel that it is imperative that they are aware of search engine filters.  This is something that should be addressed in the earlier years of a child's education and continually reinforced and spiraled as he continues his education.  As an educator, I think that there are many ways for students to analyze and evaluate sources from more than one perspective.  I think that we can show students the different search options available on the Internet.  They should be introduced to different databases as well as search engines.  They should also learn to differentiate between primary and secondary sources through guided practice. This may give more value to one source over another.  I also think that as librarians, we need to train and show teachers how to decipher through sources so that they can instill this practice on to their students.  I think that it is a collaborative effort between administrators, librarians, and teachers.  

The following websites give resources on how to teach and support digital literacy…

http://classroom-aid.com/educational-resources/digital-literacy/  (This website should be navigated through to see what would best fit the needs of both a teacher and a student).

http://www.digitalliteracy.gov/

I think some of the most important resources are those that give the user valid search engines to meet his search needs.

Digital literacy awareness is crucial to the success of current students. They must be able to use, evaluate, critique, and analyze different sources.  These skills will help them in real life situations and prepare them for the work force.  These are all skills that future employers search for in applicants.

Week 3: Blogs and Wikis

From the information discussed this week and from my experiences, I think that blogs and wikis are a great resource for both a classroom teacher and a Library Media Specialist.  Not only can a librarian use them to promote and showcase his library, but he can also collaborate with classroom teachers to create meaningful work for students. I think that if used effectively, wikis and blogs can give students the opportunity to work together.  It can teach them many effective skills necessary for real life experiences. Usually wikis work best in a problem-solving environment or something that requires common goals and collaboration (Schroeder, 2008).  I think that it is important to establish the goal of the wiki from the beginning and making it more authentic and relevant to the students.  I also think that students need to be aware that many blogs and wikis can be published to the public.  It is the job of the educator to create awareness of this issue. The safety of the students should be the first thing addressed before a blog or wiki is completed.   Because wikis and blogs can be published, I think that students will be more likely to put effort into the work.  There is a sense of pride when one’s work is published and seen by others.

I also think a librarian can use a blog or wiki as an aid to his or her program.  I would create a site for my library.  There would be links to my favorite books and authors.  This would also leave room for others to post links and comment on the posts.  I think that a lot of monitoring would be necessary in order to prevent inappropriate feedback.  However, it would be worth the time.  I would also use blogs and wikis to promote what is available in terms of technology in the library.  This would provide easy access to students, faculty, staff, administration, and parents.  Lastly, I think that it would be a great way to promote events such as an author’s day or a book fair. 

The blogs and wikis could also be used as an educational tool.  A teacher or librarian could create a webquest.  Students would be able to explore a topic or idea and create a project based on the webquest.  It also gives students the opportunity to explore the web.  Students would then have to compile their best sources to create a final product.  This gives them information seeking skills as well as the skill to evaluate sources.  The following is a link to a webquest that I have made and used in the classroom…

http://amyhleopold.wordpress.com/

I found this webquest to be very useful when implemented. Students were engaged and involved in the learning process.  Students could also create a webquest for others to use as well.  Blogs and wikis are changing the education world.  I think that they are a valuable tool that can increase student success.  Blogs and wikis are not the standard paper and pencil test.  Their creation can also instill important life skills in students such as team work, evaluation, and analysis.   

Schroeder, B. (2008, May 21). 10 best practices for using wikis in education. Retrieved from http://edtechtoday.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/10-best-practices-for-using-wikis-in-education/