While reading chapter 3, I kept thinking to myself: "How can I use these tools in the library media center?" I firmly believe that I would rather students utilize these social tools in a controlled space where I can teach them how to use them appropriately. I think the example of Clarence's classroom network is one we should all think about with our own classroom networks. I believe one of the goals of the library is connecting patrons with resources. One way to accomplish this is using tools like Skype or Google hangouts to connect with research experts. Wouldn't it be awesome for a student to interview an expert on a topic instead of just reading an article. How much more impacting would that make the learning experience. My second goal is creating an environment of love of reading. I have taken part in a variety of author visits and nothing impacts a student reader more then establishing a connection. Especially when they realize it takes a lot of revisions to publish a book.
Being a new librarian I have slowly tried to integrate some new technology tools this year. I am currently working with third and fourth grade using Google Docs for collaborative research. I have modeled using Edmodo for fifth grade book clubs. I was able to connect my school to another in my district so students could share their thoughts about books with each other. The students have been really excited utilizing all these new tools. It has been a bumpy road but I have some great ideas on how to make it better next year. Live and learn, right?
Chapter 3 makes an important point that we as educators need to utilize these tools and in order to be successful we need to share with our colleagues how awesome these tools can be in the classroom. I agree with the authors of PLN, we need to "model safe and effective techniques for connecting and learning with others".
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Twitter has been a great tool for my position as a media specialist. I have been able to expand my PLN to other progressive media specialists across the country. Some of my fellow librarians actually meet monthly on twitter to discuss trends, technology, and library services. The other benefit of twitter for me is keeping track of new book releases. I receive tweets from the top eight book publishers announcing new releases which helps me stay current on what readers are talking about.
I had never heard about the tweet deck before this class. I thought it was a great way to organize all the people you follow, especially if you are not a daily user of Twitter. I thought all the features were really interesting. I can't wait to create my own twitter deck.
I like how Twitter as a company listens to user feedback and tries to improve services. If you ever have the opportunity, Charlie Rose did an interview with the CEO of Twitter about where the company sees themselves going forward.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I really feel it is my responsibility as a media specialist to not just introduce students to new technology tools but also take the time to explain proper use of these tools. When discussing Twitter with a fourth grade class earlier this week the students mentioned how some users get into trouble posting things that may offend others. It is was a great opportunity to discuss digital citizenship too. Twitter is a wonderful tool for making connections with people but proceed with a little caution.
I had never heard about the tweet deck before this class. I thought it was a great way to organize all the people you follow, especially if you are not a daily user of Twitter. I thought all the features were really interesting. I can't wait to create my own twitter deck.
I like how Twitter as a company listens to user feedback and tries to improve services. If you ever have the opportunity, Charlie Rose did an interview with the CEO of Twitter about where the company sees themselves going forward.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I really feel it is my responsibility as a media specialist to not just introduce students to new technology tools but also take the time to explain proper use of these tools. When discussing Twitter with a fourth grade class earlier this week the students mentioned how some users get into trouble posting things that may offend others. It is was a great opportunity to discuss digital citizenship too. Twitter is a wonderful tool for making connections with people but proceed with a little caution.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
The question some educators have is how does the digital shift apply to me and my classroom? As a library media specialist and MET student my personal learning network starts with my fellow library colleagues. Each one of us love to share different technologies and brainstorm ways to incorporate them into our lessons or share them with teachers. As mentioned in chapter one by Pam Moran "right now things are changing at light speed." The great benefit of being connected via social media is we have the ability to keep track of what is going on around us. Mention twitter to educators, administrators, or library media specialists and you will find dedicated educators sharing how they use a variety of technology with students.
The authors of our text discuss the shift from paper to digital and especially it's impact on books and documents. I was once asked, "Aren't you making your job obsolete building a eBook collection? For me books are just a small part of my responsibilities. Someone has to teach students how to utilize all the new technology. Teach students the benefit of reading an eBook and directly interacting with text by utilizing all the features of eMedia. School Library Journal published the result of a 2013 survey questioning participants' technology devices, digital collections, and future response to demand.
The authors mentioned that with increasing access to materials, students can find the answers they seek without schools. It made me think of Khan Academy; that philosophy of individualized instruction and learning at your own pace. I think eventually teachers will become facilitators and students will be more in charge of their own learning.
The authors of our text discuss the shift from paper to digital and especially it's impact on books and documents. I was once asked, "Aren't you making your job obsolete building a eBook collection? For me books are just a small part of my responsibilities. Someone has to teach students how to utilize all the new technology. Teach students the benefit of reading an eBook and directly interacting with text by utilizing all the features of eMedia. School Library Journal published the result of a 2013 survey questioning participants' technology devices, digital collections, and future response to demand.
The authors mentioned that with increasing access to materials, students can find the answers they seek without schools. It made me think of Khan Academy; that philosophy of individualized instruction and learning at your own pace. I think eventually teachers will become facilitators and students will be more in charge of their own learning.
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