As I started to work on assembling my project, I wondered what format this should take. After exploring many different web 2.0 tools this semester, I figured there was probably an interesting platform out there waiting for me. I played around with a few different ones with varying results. I looked at recommendations and reviews. I considered Prezi, but have read many commentaries on privacy issues with the provider so I decided against it. I also tried one called EWC Presenter (Visme), which seemed quite easy to use. Unfortunately, unless you get a subscription many tools are unavailable. This seem to be the case with many of the programs. In the end, I have decided to go with the tried and true PowerPoint. I hear your collective sigh, but for they type of information, videos, and pictures I want to deliver, this program will useful. One of the advantages I see is that I can record commentary over my slides. Once the learning commons actually exists, I’ll move on to my promotional video!

Creative Commons licensed image courtesy Wesley Fryer

I’ve also started collecting links on a delicious.com site that I am going to share with my staff. Once we start the dialogue and they have done some exploration on their own, I see phase 2 beginning. Then it will be time to put myself at the staff’s disposal, to show them how the learning commons can work for them, and to look at different web 2.0 tools that can work within their curriculum. I’d like to make myself an “expert” on some of the more widely used tools and apps and be able to offer support in building lessons and units in such a way that the technologies are useful and not burdensome. This presentation is about marketing an idea which, to fully implement, requires a fundamental shift in thinking on the part of staff and administration.

One of the challenges I am facing is simply streamlining my information. These are enormous topics. I’ve decided to focus mostly on the learning commons itself: why do we need this, what should it look like, what can we do there, what will the TL’s role be, what will the classroom teacher’s role be, what supports/resources can I offer? The last topic and the link list I’m creating will be a little teaser for the staff, leading the proverbial horse to water so to speak.

This is the fourth library course I’ve taken and in each one the topic of self-advocacy arises. I see this presentation as self-advocacy. I need to convince the powers that be that a well-equipped learning center is key to student success in the 21st century, to help improve digital literacy skills, and to help students connect with and be curious about the wide world outside our small community.  I also have to gently remind them that a trained teacher-librarian/media center/learning center specialist will also make the transition easier for everyone involved.