Sunday, May 8, 2011

TOP 10 REVISITED


This “re-do” is especially significant as so much as so much as changed since I created this list.   Although I had many temporary library jobs, I now am an official library/tech center staff member in a new district!  It kind of feels like before I was “playing house” and thinking of my dream library.  The reality of working day-to-day in a high school library is very different!  I still stand by my top 10, but have added info to most of the entries indicated by "**". 

Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.”  Technology is ever changing and at any given moment you might not have the best answer.  Learn to learn, and allow students to contribute.
**I still agree with this statement, however I have since learned that other people(teachers, administrators) may not be as patient with the “I don’t know”.
 
Share!  Collaboration is the name of the game.  Chances are, someone may have had a similar idea/assignment, and you can put your own twist on it.
**I have seen so many great ideas but still trying to find a way to enhance collaboration!

Show off! Collaboration is a two-way street.  If you have found something that works; a new way of presenting projects, a new way of teaching a lesson using Web 2.0, share it.  It also makes your school/school system look fabulous!
**It takes an amazing amount of confidence to do this.  Although I have learned so many skills in this course the big push for me is to tell someone about them!

Always Remember: Things don’t always go as planned.  Whether it’s a system issue or something you just didn’t see coming have a plan B…and C.
**Or D, E and F!

Get rid of the “us. Vs. them” mentality with the IT department.   This is a hard barrier to break down but as professional educators we must realize and value the shared mission of creating 21st Century Learners. 
**Easier said than done.   I am fortunate enough to work in a school that embraces technology. There still seems to be a school vs. district issue and a lot of time spent on determining “who” should be doing something rather than getting it done.

Technology is a tool; it is not the band-aid or cure-all for your school or your school system.  Like any tool users must be taught to use it properly.
**AMEN

Do away with absolutes.  Google It! isn’t always the answer just as much as Wikipedia isn’t always evil.  Teach skills so learners can interpret and analyze information appropriately.
**This is one area in which I  feel I have seen our school shine!  I love seeing first hand how many 2.0 skills are being used by teachers. 

Mix it Up!  Overusing any one particular tool; Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts can become just as uninteresting as reading from a Power Point presentation.
***Woops!  I did way too many Power Points for this class and reviewing this reminds me to mix it up more.

Do not use technology as a short cut or an excuse to allow for shortcuts.  Spelling and grammar still matter.  Assignments should not be written as a text message. 
**Still Believe…even more when working with a larger range of students. 

Relax; Have fun; Get engaged.  Students will have a deeper connection to technology when it is introduced by someone who has enthusiasm for embracing technology. 
**After only being at my job for three months, I was recently “spoofed” in a Senior Skit play as being the one who is always smiling, waving and talking to students while “efficiently and accurately putting a laptop into the hand of each student”.  My mantra is to be friendly but not a friend and to get students engaged in learning.  There are so many cool tools out there .. it’s a fun time to be a student!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

OPAC Interview

To complete this assignment, I conducted two "formal" iterviews and supplemented the information with informal coversations with other school staff.  As I enter my third month of employment, I continue to learn daily.    My on-the-job training is somewhat of a self interview for this assignment.  I also used the experience of my recent performance appraisal to supplement the assigment.  This allowed me to highlight specific areas of improvement.  I focussed my proposal on improvements that could be realized by approaching library technology on a district level.  The second area I focused on was the  increased reporting capabilities  an upgrade would allow.  Alhthough I would conduct additional research to complete the proposal, it definately was an excellent opportunity to learn more about my job.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Hello Blog--Have you missed me?

I have missed YOU blog.  I will complete more info tomorrow--Just a few words on my interview assignment.  I found it is SO HARD to get anyone to give up the info.  Maybe because I'm the new kid on the block.  Great assignment and I learned lots!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Internet Safety

There is certainly no shortage of resources for learning and teaching about internet safety.  There are resources for all ages of students from pre-school aged “games” to dramatic and impactful teen videos.  There are resources geared toward parents, educators and the students themselves.  It is such a huge topic with many sub-topics including; personal safety, cyberbullying, avoiding scams and overall computer safety.    


There is no doubt that addressing these topics, as an educator, or as a parent is frightening yet important. Anne Collierm, Co-director of ConnectSafely.org summarizes:

"One of the things that I try to tell parents every chance I get is that fear is bad. Fear is actually increasing risk, because when we're afraid, we shut down communications with our kids. When we start banning things and overreacting, they want to get as far away from us as they possibly can." 

 As parents and educators it is important for us to educate our children how to navigate the internet safely and appropriately.
This is a great site that addresses all involved parities: students of all ages, parents, teachers and yes even librarians!  I like the explanation of terms, including the difference between filtering and blocking.
This Youtube geared towards teens presents a “story” about the dangers of sharing information on-line. It shows howjust a little bit of information shared can allow a predator to obtain more information and lead to a dangerous situtation.   
A very thorough graphic presentation using teen-friendly language.  Could be used as part of a library of resources, linked through a blog or wiki or given as a class presentation.

A quick simple video for tweens  about cyber bullying. 
This site has a lot of great features including interactive quizzes and games.  Friend-finder presents social networking scenarios.  The site also covers other aspects of computer safety including scams and identity theft. 
This is a look at the real life faces behind tragic teen bullying incidents. 

This is a government issued guide for parents.  It is important not to just alarm parents but provide resources for them to use with their children.

This was one my favorite resources because it is so comprehensive.  For the teen age group there are a number of videos that would be excellent starting points for open discussion.

A video reporting real life cyber bullying cases. 

This is a Frontline episode called “Growing Up On-line” .  It would be a great introductory piece for a parent presentation.  It explains the scope of how the internet has affected today’s youth. 

This site has a huge amount of resources including a video library and interactive forum for parents and educators. 





Sunday, March 27, 2011

Professional Development

I have never had the opportunity to attend a PD session, but have heard many groan about them.  So I say make them fun and interactive! 

Learning about 2.0 tools has made me anxious to share, and I fear my friend and family have grown tired of me showing them my new toys.  I hope, with this week's assignment to be able to share professionally, or to take steps toward being able to do so.

I have never been comfortable speaking in front of an audience.  I think knowing your subject matter and involving particpants relieves that pressure.  Web 2.0 tools are engaging by nature.  Presenting them leads naturally to a hands-on training atmosphere.  Presenting any of these tools in a PD session would be..dare I say..fun!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Tools and Curriculum

THOUGHTS ON:

 go2web20....At first it was overwhelming.  It makes one realize the breadth of what is out there for 2.0 applications.  I found it nicely organized.  The tags definately helped to navigate, as a lot of the sites were not educational applications.

THOUGHTS ON:

E-readers.  I went to a book store and played around with them, but I just can't do it!  I love to hold a "real book" in my hand. 

I haven't worked in a school that uses E-readers yet.  I do, however have my reservations about having them available for all students.   I currently work at a school that has over 100 notebook laptops available for check-out.  Most days there are about 40 available for check-out.  Many are sent our for repairs, or just are not returned in the 24 hour time frame students are granted.  When they are damaged, it takes a lot of time to figure out who is paying..and the device is not available for students.  Although E-readers have value I think it is difficult to make them a main part of the school environment. 

THOUGHTS ON:

Tools and Curriculum.  It's a tough balance to determine when you are using a tool, because its technology (and fun!), or if it is truly adding value.  I believe it is a good idea to "mix it up" and add things to the textbook reading!  On a personal note, as I was preparing this weeks assignment, my husband said  "I wannna (sic) learn like that. "  Balance is the key

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Social Networking and Games

The subject matter of this week brought a new set of challenges; responding as a parent vs. responding as an educator.  My first response as a parent was that to much time is “wasted”on-line.  

For example, My initial reaction to social networking is based on the challenges that Facebook has brought to our family life.  Constant reminders of the balance between social  networking and academics has become an issue in our house.   
It’s easy to be a Facebook “hater”.  There are some social aspects of Facebook that I still don’t understand.   Everyone has different uses for FB.  I don’t feel the need to record every little life moment  on Facebook; “Seth just ate 12 cheese sticks”,and on the other end of the spectrum I  am uncomfortable with FB postings about the death of a loved one. 
Stepping back and looking at these tools from a different perspective has changed my way of thinking  My teaching experience has given me the wonderful perspective of acknowledging the variety of  learning styles, and the importance of respecting differences within each child.   Of course now I must drag out my favorite quote from Benjamin Franklin:

Hide not your talents, they for use they were made. What's a sun-dial in the shade? :

With this in mind, I was able to realize the value of different platforms of  that can be found in games.  Once  I  “stepped” into Second Life, and other gaming applications, I was lost!  As I struggled to find my way,  I wondered if this is how some students feel when they open a book,   or some other type of assignment.    There are so many educational components of these games it is a great opportunity for all learners to participate.






Sunday, March 6, 2011

Online Media Blitz

Online media applications undoubtedly bring variety, value and fun to the classroom.
I used to think of Youtube as just a time waster, after witnessing kids watch video after video of people skateboarding into walls, dogs being adorable etc.  Further exploration shows that there is actually some valuable stuff out there!   I think Youtube use  needs to be monitored for younger grade levels, but I don’t believe it should be outright blocked in schools.   I had never used Vimeo, and it seems to offer a safer, less widespread, option.
By far, my favorite “tech toy” of the week is Animoto.  I have created several personal videos including the following: http://animoto.com/play/VhRIxHd3DPaXlDGfztx3Og.  I can envision students of all ages using Animoto for school projects.  Using digital photography and video and creating unique end products can boost self esteem, and keep students engaged.  Much more fun than a 10 page paper!
I wrestled my son’s I-pod touch away from him as I had never laid hands on one.  The educational uses for many of the apps are endless!  As I shrieked in delight, my son’s response was something to the effect of—it’s no big deal, you can do most of these things on a regular computer.  Why then, did he beg me for months for an Ipod touch? 
I found searching for podcasts difficult, and in my opinion, not entirely worth the effort for the return.  However, I can see the value of audio technology for mobility, and differentiated learning. 
All-in-all, another great week of stuffing more things in my technology toolbox!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Week 5 - Wow!

This week’s exploration can be summarized by blurry eyes and a head ready to explode!  With many of the photo applications (Flikr, Animoto, Dumpr), I found it difficult at first, to stay focused on educational applications.  I figured the best way to experiment was to use personal photos as I don’t have any classroom or student photos.  Also, the fact that I have an adorable one-month old grandniece gave me lots of material to play with.  I think my own daughter was a little jealous.  Having said that, reading Richards gives lots of great ideas and examples of how these applications could be used with images already existing on the web, and how I could offer instruction and examples to classroom teachers.  In addition to creating new, innovative and fun lessons for students, these tools offer so much opportunity for collaboration.  Whether it is sharing information with parents, showcasing assignments to the community, or working with other students virtually, these applications have so much to offer. 
Flikr seemed to me to be the starting point for any applications involving photos.  When it came time to start uploading my photos,  I think I bit off more than I could chew.  I decided to organize an entire Boy Scout Troop worth of photos and quickly reached my limit.  I plan to pare down the batch and continue to tag and annotate to realize the organization potential.  Lesson learned is that I probably shouldn’t have uploaded all 200 photos at once. 
GOOGLEDOCS
Googledocs continues to amaze me.  Of all the applications, this one seems to me one that should definitely be part of a Professional Development curriculum.  Whether used for student projects or for  teacher sharing and tracking, it is something every educator should be taking advantage of.
FREE VS. FEE
Although many of the applications offer advanced features, there seems to be enough free features without subscribing.  Since some of the applications have overlapping features, there is a competitive market growing.  One example of this is in calendar applications. 
THE BIG PICTURE
One thing I struggled with is how all the applications fit together in the big picture.  What belongs to Google?  What belongs to Yahoo?  I believe I mistakenly opened two Flikr accounts one through Google and one through Yahoo.  I plan to make some kind of visual chart so I can get them all straight—and also a method of organizing all my passwords, screen names etc.  I use a somewhat consistent naming convention but there is still enough variance to make a central list important. 
All-in-all, lots of great information this week.  On a side note, I loved the Richardson book.  It is easy to understand, and provides lots of examples.  I  can see keeping it by my side quite a bit. 




Monday, February 14, 2011

Library Thing

After playing around with options, Library Thing was my favorite.  Of course then I struggled to think of what titles to add.   I will have to go back and "review my reviews" from other sources and combine them all to this new tool!

http://www.librarything.com/home/SusanA48

Social Organization-Part Deux

So the deadline for last week has come and gone and I just realized that I have to provide links to all the new tools I played with last week.  Some are still being worked on well beyond the due date but it's just one of those weeks where life got in the way of school!

Here's my delicious site:
http://www.delicious.com/bookmom4865

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Organizational Tools

I agree with Richardson that RSS is the new ‘Killer App’…..cuz it’s killing me!  This is the one tool I just can’t  seem to grasp.  I understand  the value of reversing the flow of  information , however the mechanics involved seem to be eluding me.   I will keep slugging away.  
Delicious is well…delicious.  I had already opened an account but was essentially using it as a favorites list with no organization.  This week’s exploration introduced me to the concept of tags, and also to the concept of how this tool  can be used as a sharing tool.
This week's discussion board has offered so many rich examples of how these tools are being used in the classroom.  The possibilities are endless!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

My Wiki Assignment

One of the most difficult parts of this week's assignment to design a Wiki was deciding what type of Wiki to create.  Suffice it to say I was overwhelmed with the potential of this tool and did not know where to start!  I wanted to create a Wiki that I could actually use.  I decided to create a Wiki which I hope will add value to the planning and organization of an annual school/community event I have been involved with--Stuff-A-Bus.  I have been involved with this effort for the past three years and although there is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in being involved in such an important effort, there have been administrative/clerical frustrations along the way.  Constant e-mails back and forth, "I thought I told you that" types of scenarios.  The collaboration value of Wikis really hit home with me during this week's exploration and I hope the Stuff-A-Bus wikki will add value to the planning process.  It's definately a work-in-progress but I hope other committee members will accept and contribute to help make our project even greater!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

The Wonderful World of Wikis

Although I have played around with Wikis for a previous LBS class, this week’s exploration into everything wiki  really expanded my understanding of this powerful tool.   I especially liked Barbara Schroeder’s 10 Best Practices for Using Wikis in Education.   
My biggest moment of wiki enlightenment was embracing the “collaborative environment” that wikis create.  Wikis are more than just a flashy new technology; they can be a means to an end of teaching students how to work with others, or as Richardson writes “how to operate in a world  where the creation of knowledge and information is more and more becoming a group effort.”
I began my exploration with the award winners:
It really is amazing to see all the creative uses for Wikis.   As with most of my explorations in technology, I found time flying by as I leapt from wiki to wiki.  Thankfully, Mother Nature provided an excellent excuse to sit by the fire and wiki away. 
My biggest frustration at this point is not having any professional outlet for this expanding balloon of new technology in my head!  For a previous class, I had created a very basic wiki to potentially be used in the library I was temporarily working in. ( libraryshare.wikispaces.com )    Although I am always eager to share my creations with library staff members I haven’t had any takers yet for actually using them.   Someday!
My head is spinning with possibilities for creating a wiki for this week’s assignment.   Time to leap from exploration to implementation!  (And then back for more exploration)

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Hmm..Twitter

When required to open a Twitter account for this class, I found that  I had already had one!  In all honesty, my previous  uses for Twitter were for entertainment purposes..winning contests...showing up somewhere so I could win something.  It took a long night of researching to get a handle on how Twitter can actually impact education.  My biggest misconcomption was that Twitter was only a "cell  phone thing". I still struggle with Twitter as an educational tool, however, there are many resources to instruct how to use Twitter as classroom resource.  I was amazed to find that there is a whole Twitter Dictionary!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

So many tools...so little time

Ths blog will recount my experiences while undertaking Emerging Technology for Libraries.  Just short of half way through my LMS program, I have much to learn!  It is amazing and even a little daunting to consider the number of tools available and how they can be used in the classroom.  Time to dive in!