I wouldn’t say that I am a technologically incompetent person but I am definitely not a natural. So, honestly, the thought of taking a course on educational technology was slightly daunting even though I know it’s important. I am happy to say that I really enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to think through what I want to do with my LLC and to confront my own attitudes. Though I found value in all the topics, readings, and discussions, a few things have stuck with me more than others:
For my Final Vision digital artifact (Google slides for a presentation to my staff), see here.
Inquiry Blog Post #4
Our most recent task in my UBC course was to research library projects in developing nations and answer the following questions. It was humbling and inspiring reading!
How are library projects in the developing world creating new literacy opportunities and expanding access to the internet and information databases?
In my research, I found many libraries in the developing world that are improving internet access for their patrons and teaching them a wide-ranging variety of literacy skills including reading, ICT and digital literacy, data literacy, media creation skills, civic participation, health literacy, entrepreneurship and employment skills, and the navigation of public services. Many of these libraries carry out their projects with the support and funding of international NGOs whose mission is to help libraries expand their services as a key part of economic development. For example, IREX is an international organization that is funding library projects around the world, including literacy app development in Ethiopia, the ICT training of librarians and the donation of ICT equipment in Uruguay and Peru, and the training of a group of health volunteers in Tanzania in data literacy (on- and off-line) to help inform and improve local decision-making regarding HIV and AIDS (Vanderwerff).
Testing a literacy app in Ethiopia
Inquiry Blog Post #3
Being a leader among teachers is no easy task. I have taken on leadership roles within my school a couple of times over the last few years (Literacy Leader and Educational Facilitator of our enriched program), and I can affirm what I have heard so many times before: leading teachers can be like trying to herd cats. Teachers have a (justifiably) wide independent streak and will always know a lot more about some things than you do. They’re often overworked and tired and looking for resources they can use in the classroom right now. They already have a lot of high priorities, so how can they spend their preciously guarded mental bandwidth on ideas that did not come from their classroom, that will often require more work from them, and that may not come with an immediate pay-off? Can they just think about it when they have more time (a time that never comes)?
(If you’d like to see the commercial this still was taken from, click here. It’s awfully good.)
Inquiry Blog Post #2
I am a card-carrying introvert who is not technologically inclined. Talking to lots of people (adults) and being confronted with new technology makes me … um … nervous. So, the thought of really getting into the “social” part of social media to delve into the world of educational technology? It gives me pause. However, I know how important it is for an LLC to keep pace with the century, and for schools to give students the best possible opportunities. I also know from experiences I’ve had this past year how vital a group of fellow professionals can be as a source of advice and even comfort. So, for the next couple of years, as I develop personal learning networks to counteract my own weaknesses, my mantra will be “feel the fear and do it anyway!”
Inquiry Blog Post #1
As a Librarian and a former English teacher, fostering a lifetime love of reading is the closest thing to my professional heart. I love matching students with books, talking with them about books, overhearing them having discussions of their own, and getting suggestions for what I should buy for the LLC. To keep all that going, I think the most vital elements to any LLC reading program are choice, time and community. I agree with Gallagher and Danladi that students’ reading choices must be respected and encouraged so they don’t lose interest in reading or become discouraged by material that is too difficult. I also agree that giving them enough time to read is important for the development of their reading, writing and language acquisition skills. When I had classes, my students were given 20 minutes per day to read a book of their choice, a quiet time that they quickly came to appreciate. Now that I’m in the LLC, it’s been exciting thinking up new ways to build a culture of reading!
How Can I Move My LLC’s Makerspace into the 21st Century?
That has been one of the questions I’ve been asking myself since I started as a newbie Teacher-Librarian last year. It’s not that what we have is terrible. In many ways we are very fortunate. We have a dedicated space in the LLC and an abundance of hands-on supplies and equipment, including materials for paper crafts, origami, greeting cards, colouring books, and puzzles. We also have bins of wooden, architectural building blocks, Lego and a Lego table and column. Finally, we’ve got AV equipment (a green screen, podcasting equipment, and cameras), a 3D printer and a Cricut cutting machine which are just starting to catch on with students. But, generally, the space has been underused, there is no “buzz,” and I get the feeling that students are waiting for something more exciting to be offered before they jump in.
What issues, interests, or opportunities do you anticipate arising in your teaching in the near future? Is there a component of this issue, interest, or opportunity that relates to the use of digital technologies?
Though I am a relatively new Teacher-Librarian, I have taught in my current school for sixteen years, so I have a good sense of where the LLC sits in the overall culture and life of the school.