As one of my group pointed out, collaboration has been a recurring theme throughout my posts. As a teacher-librarian in a high school, I always wish I could have more opportunities to actually teach. I have tried hard to lure my colleagues into letting me work with them to introduce new resources or technologies, and I’m finally feeling like I am making some headway. Through the course so far, I’ve been exposed to new ideas and perspectives on technology use in classrooms and libraries and it has given me some tools to present to my staff to help ease them into the realm of digital learning.

As we have explored different topics, one of my key takeaways is the importance of relationships between staff, students, and parents. Building trust between all parties will help us move more comfortably into an increasingly connected learning space. Students need teachers to facilitate learning and exploration. Teachers need to let students take some responsibility in formulating their learning. Staff need to feel supported by their administration and technical experts (teacher-librarians?) in this role. Parents need to trust teachers as guides in the digital realm.

My second takeaway is really a sense of relief that a personal learning network does not have to be complicated. I’m becoming more savvy using Twitter and managing my Feedly account. In the future, I would like to join the discussions on Classroom 2.0. These informal PD activities can spark great ideas and discussions with colleagues.

My third takeaway is how much potential there is for using mobile devices in the classroom and library. At my school, the debate is ongoing, with some teachers encouraging use and integrating devices into their lessons, while others refuse to allow a phone in sight. Through my readings and speaking to colleagues, I think that it depends on the subject matter and the group dynamics as to whether or not the device helps or hinders a lesson. You have to ask yourself if using a device just an adjunct to a lesson or a critical piece?

Creative Commons licensed image courtesy William M Ferriter

I’d like to put this poster up on my staff room wall! I think this course has helped me better understand how technology is going to fit in a future classroom. There are so many tools available that we need to work together to tackle the exploration.

Thinking on a global scale, the applications for mobile technology in the developing world are enormous. More people than ever are gaining access to vast storehouses of information. The projects profiled by my group members were inspiring and reinforce again how privileged Canadian students are when they attend school, in terms of the technology that has become part of their daily lives.

Finally, all of these pieces come together to create a learning commons. In my district, ideas are floating and small pieces are coming together in isolation of each other. Physical, technological, attitudinal, and infrastructure elements must all converge in unison before we truly create a learning commons. Along with this, the role of teachers and TLs is and must change with these developments. We need to be flexible and open to new ideas and technologies that can support a variety of learning styles. I will go back to where I started and mention again the importance of building relationships. This is my key takeaway from this section. All of these great things we are doing and will do with technology still rely on creating relationships, be they in person or on-line.