For me, I began this project with the intention that it would serve as a resource for fellow teachers and teacher librarians in elementary school settings. I hope that when the right opportunity presents itself, I can share this work with other teachers especially those who might not know where to start when it comes to incorporating technology into the classroom and specifically to help benefit reading engagement in students.

Looking back on the process I took to complete this project it is clear to me that this project also represents my learning over the course. I realized that I was consolidating all my knowledge of different apps, websites, and ideas whole at the same time using new technology (for me) such as Prezi, and iBrainstorm. Additionally I found that I didn’t even have to think twice when inviting and sharing links, videos and images whereas before this would’ve been quite the feat for me.

As far as the medium in which I chose to present this project goes, I might consider next time using Haiku Deck for a project that requires not only images and videos for engagement but also moreexplanations. I felt a little restricted as to how much I could write in each slide. Although this is beneficial for presenting because the Prezi would act as a partner to what I would be able to say, one might be left wanting more of an explanation if they were only viewing the  Prezi without an oral presentation.

So at last, I present to you my Prezi. I hope it serves to give you ideas how to incorporate technology into your reading programs to foster a love for reading. The examples I suggest have been tested on my own students in the last couple of months and weeks, and I will continue to observe and discover what engages readers, and what does not.

https://prezi.com/kzlgezyp_xxn

Supporting Teachers ICT Curriculum and Pedagogy: On-going Pro-D

Teacher Librarian as a Person

I would argue a large component of being able to share our learning with the rest of our staff and wider community, starts by looking within yourself and deciding what kind of Teacher-Librarian you wish to be. By nature, the librarian position can be isolating if you let it. You are likely one of a kind at the school and you might even be located further from the classroom “wings” of the school. Teachers may be more inclined to collaborate with similar grade level teachers, while forgetting about the librarian as a major resource of which to collaborate. As a result, being able to share your wealth of knowledge starts with you! As TL’s, we must put ourselves out there, and really promote our willingness to share, collaborate and learn together. This is has been a challenge of mine, as I am not overly confident yet in my skills as a librarian, being only two months into the position; however, I am outgoing by nature and have taken it upon myself to become friends with many of the staff members. This alone will enable me to share my knowledge with others, when I am in a position to do so.

In the meantime, if you are a new librarian like myself, we still have options! Join as many committees as you can manage, and start learning from others. As new teachers this is our time to “take” from other teachers, so one day, we can be in a position to give. Decide you are going to be known by all the staff, and make a point in asking to collaborate. Even it that collaboration means doing book talks, or research skills lessons, you are still contributing.

 

Teacher Librarian as a School Leader

As ones career develops as a teacher-librarian, it is very possible to be seen as a school leader. Not only do we come into contact with essentially all of the students on a weekly, if not daily basis, but we also coordinate the heart of the school: the library. We have the power to make the library a place where everyone wants to come to learn. We shape the collection, and ultimately decide what enters, leaves, and is central to the collection. We create the physical space, and determine what “makerspace” and technology related activities are available. We also set the tone for how flexible or inflexible the library is on a whole. In a society with ever evolving technology, we as TLs really have the opportunity to be extraordinarily useful and innovative. Developing our own ICT skills, so we can share those skills with others, is what will truly make us leaders. Teachers should be able to use the TL as a technology resource to improve their own practice. But how?

What can I do now?

The first step in sharing is to educate yourself. Educate yourself on every technological app you can. Decide what you think will be useful for the teachers of particular grades. Be aware of the curriculum so you can anticipate what a teacher might want to know/do for his or her students.

Find out a medium you like, for which you can share your knowledge. Then, become an expert at it. Whether you use a blog, host a lunchtime meeting, lead a Pro-D workshop, or rely on social media or app, get your information out there. It is then in the teachers hands to decide to utilize your services or not.

Two alternatives to powerpoint which I like are:

  https://www.haikudeck.com

For a more animated presentation, try Powtoon as a way to share with students or staff.

Becoming a great librarian will not happen over night, but there are many steps you can take, starting with your own demeanour, to move in a positive direction. Make yourself available, and educate yourself with every opportunity you get, so you can be a confident and beneficial resource for staff and students alike.

Times are changing….and its important we keep up with those changes.

  The good old days?

Goals for the year:

Keep throwing myself into every tech-related club and meeting that arises. Exposure, exposure, exposure!

Create something of my own, related to a repertoire of educational apps that teachers can easily use.

 

References

Atkinson, John. Library cartoon. http://wronghands1.com. Web. 23. Oct. 2015

www.haikudeck.com: App. 23 Oct. 2015

www.powtoon.com: Web. 23 Oct. 2015

Developing my own ICT skills and networks has been a goal of mine that was just set in motion this September. It began when in a couple main ways. First I was hassled a bit by my family members, for being “technologically inept.” Initially this did not bother me, until I felt I was missing out on certain opportunities and luxuries such as Apple T.V., iPhone possibilities, and the list goes on. Secondly, I felt the shift in education, towards technology, and I realised with a sinking worry that it was vital for my teaching practice to adapt. With these feelings as a backdrop for creating my own support system and developing my skills, I have simply jumped right into every tech related opportunity that presents itself.

Opportunities at school I have involved myself in include an upcoming coding group, where we will be teaching ourselves to code, alongside the students. I have not the slightest clue about where to start with coding, but one teacher managed to teach his 4 year old daughter how to code, so I am pretty sure I will be able to develop somewhat of a skill set. move the turtle and hopscotch are apps that teach kids (and adults) how to code, in an interactive and fun way. If you want more information about the benefits of coding just click the linked word for a (U.S.) site that promotes the benefits of learning computer sciences.

Secondly, I have joined the Fresh Grade group, where we are experimenting with Fresh Grade in our classrooms, and hoping to implement this program as a main source of assessment next term. We meet every Friday and troubleshoot, share experiences and grievances, and just explore the program. If you aren’t familiar with Fresh Grade, you can use this program through an App on your iPad/iPhone, or you can access it through the website: https://www.freshgrade.com

Thirdly, I have been learning from the 1.0 T.L. at my school, who as I have mentioned, is a wealth of information when it comes to ICT. She inspires me because she too decided to take this jump into technology on her own accord, and has successfully and whole-heartedly embraced it.

A goal of mine is to understand and use Twitter in education; so far I have discovered hashtags to begin exploring librarian tweets within the province and district. Here are a few from the Surrey School district. Perhaps you have some recommendations for me?

To summarize, I am opening doors I used to shy away from, in fear of not knowing how, or not wanting to rely on technology, when I have had difficulties in the past. Encouragement for me comes in the form of the students I teach, who explore the unknown and conquer challenges everyday. I just realised that why should I expect them to take chances, and not expect myself to do the same! This course has challenged me to improve my technology skills, and through the process I am really enjoying it. I think the enjoyment I am experiencing will encourage me to continue developing my skills when the course is over. 

 

REFERENCES

Move the Turtle. https://www.movetheturtle.com: 2015.  Web. 10 Oct. 2015.

Hopscotch. https://www.gethopscotch.com. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.

Code. https://code.org: Code.org, 2015. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.

Fresh Grade. https://www.freshgrade.com: Web. 16 Oct. 2015.

Watson, Jessica. Grandma Holding iPad. https://www.sheknows.com: 2013. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.