7-23-11

I am looking forward to examining software and hardware.  As part of my responsibilities, I purchase hardware and software for students and teachers to use.  It is nice to have time to look into what is out there.  During the school year it seems we are all pressed for time and this assignment gave us time to look at what is out there.  I am anxious to see what everyone came up with.  This is what the PLN is all about.  There is no way any one person could know about it all.  Divide and conquer!!!

I shared the Pecha Kucha idea and the dubbed videos with one of the other TAG teachers.  We are looking at incorporating the ideas this year with our TAG students.  Again, the PLN has come through.  Thanks.

The information on the rubrics was a good review and reminder about matching the rubric to the objectives.  Sometimes, I think that gets lost along the way.

6-17-11

This week the homework was a killer.   I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone in revamping the PowerPoint.  I felt really uncomfortable moving away from the pages of text that I was used to.  Don't get me wrong, I completely see the value of it.  But, it is not easy.  I found it very challenging and it took a lot of time.  Then when I reviewed my finished product, I wondered if it was any good.  It was very hard not to be over critical of how I put it together.  I have a new respect for the people who make this look easy...it's not.  This will take a lot of work.  I can't wait to have the kids try this.

I liked playing with Animoto.  I can't wait to put that to use in school. 

I continue to enjoy Presentation Zen.  Chapter 7 was great.  I loved looking at the examples.  They were very clever. 

To be honest, I am not looking forward to putting together the Pecha Kucha.  Not because I don't like the concept.  I think it is neat and it will be fun to create the story of a balloon rally.  Iam not looking forward to it because I hate hearing my recorded voice.  I know, it is vain. 

7-10-11

There was a lot to take in in the reading this week.  I get all of the concepts that we read about and discussed in class.  My biggest problem with all of this will be me.  I know that I do not like to take risks with this type of thing.  But, I also realize that status quo for presentations is just not effective. So, I will attempt to do some changes to the PowerPoint to make it more effective, even though I will be stepping out of my comfort zone. I will have no problem taking the concepts from the reading and encouraging my students to use them. I am all about encouraging risk taking in my students.  So, if I am going to do that, I guess I have to try it myself.

I will be taking animoto and voicethread back to school this year and using them with my TAG students.  I am sure that other teachers that I work with would like to have these as options for differentiation.

I am enjoying all of the examples of stories that I have listened to.  I hope to incorporate these stories this next year as well.  They will make excellent examples for my students.  I know that a few of the language arts teachers would enjoy doing these types of projects with their students.

7-2-11

In your blog, discuss your thoughts on this second lesson.  What way can you use digital stories in what you do?

I guess when I thought of digital stories I always thought of it as having to do with fictional material.  Now I know that is not the case.  It is a medium you can use to tell any "story".  After learning about the six principles that make a message stick, I realize you can apply those to any presentation to make it more effective.  I can use digital stories and the six principles to present information about Service Learning to new staff members this year.  I can use them to introduce myself to the new sixth grade students. They can be used when I give new staff and students the library orientation.  I will even be able to apply them when budget cuts come up and I have to justify why my job is necessary.  I think they will help me make a lasting impression.  I realize that this is just the beginning and as we practice more with the techniques, we will become better presenters.  I can't wait to discuss this with my TAG students this year. 

6-26-11

I was very worried about the first class because I was in South Dakota. I found a McDonald's with wi-fi and was set to go.  The first class went smoothly.  Only, I have to be honest, I was overwhelmed.  There was a lot to take in and I wasn't in a great environment for it.  That is one thing I definitely learned about me and online learning - I need to be in a place where I can concentrate on the tasks at hand. 

I was also nervous about the topic of digital story telling. I've worked with my students to create documentaries this year.  They did a wonderful job.  My fear is that I won't have the creativity and the ability to risk take like they did.  It was easy to encourage them to take risks, but I worry about that for myself. I hope that this class will help with that.  After watching all the examples and looking at the links, I know there are many tools out there that I will be able to refer to to help me through the process.

3/23/11

LIBRARY LESSON

 (Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

•  This class has reinforced the importance of  PLNs.  I would not have learned about half of the things I did without the help of all of the people in this class.  Thanks to all of you!
• All of the assignments were extremely helpful to me in learning my job. The database project and the library lesson were great.  I loved seeing what everyone is doing/using. 
• The class discussions were very valuable too.  I was able to use information from each class discussion the next day.
• From today's class, I really enjoyed looking a the Kafka website, and Chris's website.  I will be able to use the information from these sites immediately.

3-16-11

 Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention during the Online Database presentations. 

• I really liked Kari's idea about emailing the Culturegrams resource pdf to the teachers. It is a great way to get teachers hooked on the product.  I need to do an inservice on this.
• I also liked Megan's WisCareers.  I am going to check with the guidance department to see if they use this, otherwise I will suggest it for their Career Pathways class.

  (Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

• There is so much out there to learn about.  This just reinforces the idea of the PLN.  There is no way  to find out all about everything on your own.
• Many of the ideas I saw tonight will be valuable to my co-workers.  I will be sharing many things I learned tonight.  Again, a valuable way to show how useful you can be.

3/9/11

 Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week.  Why were these significant for you?

• pg 104: "Good collaboration with teachers involves at least four important elements."
• 1. A good professional relationship with all teachers.
• 2. A basic knowledge of the teaching/learning goals and activities in each classroom.
• 3. A good collection of the best and most pertinent teaching and learning resources.
• 4. An ability to promote and teach the learning resources in valuable ways.

These four elements are crucial in getting the support of the teachers, students, and administrators for the program you are trying to create and maintain.

• pg 106: "You probably need to think about setting up time and resources that encourage students to learn on topics of their own choice that may in fact have nothing to do with the curriculum at all."           I see this as valuable, but I know this would be a hard sell to some teachers who think that their curriculum is essential.  By using a research model (Big 6) to complete these projects, I think you would have an easier time convincing people of the value.
  

 What are your thoughts about the tools provided by DPI for library media programs?  Were you aware of these?  Which things do you see as most valuable to you?

• These are great tools that you can use with administrators to help them understand the role of the library.  They are necessary in creating a program that will be valued by all stakeholders.

What are your thoughts, concerns and questions about library program evaluations?

• I think it is a very good idea to evaluate library programs.  The evaluations will help ensure that you are meeting the needs of the students and staff.  This will in turn create a valuable program in your school.
  

Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?  What is your topic?

• Kids Search is my database.  Alexandria is my library lesson.
  

(Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

• I really liked creating the paragraph about my role as a library media specialist.  The librarians in my district are currently working on a proposal about this.  This paragraph will be very helpful.
• I also found that trying to sum that paragraph up in two sentences was not an easy task.  But, I realize how important it is to be able to get my point across quickly, because I may not be granted a lot of time to communicate the importance of my job.  I AM PART OF THE SOLUTION!

3-2-11

 Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week.  Why was it significant for you?

• pg 113: "You do not need to adopt a new technology the minute it becomes available. It is best to wait and let the technology prove itself.  This also gives you time to think about implementing the new technology." Seems pretty obvious, but in today's tight budget times this is very valuable advice.  You don't want to jump into a quick purchase of something just because it is the hottest thing out there.  You may end up regretting it and wasting a whole lot of money on something that really isn't for you.  Don't buy it just to say you have it.  Buy it to use it.

• pg 117: "Your statement of purpose, your reference philosophy, will help you stay focused on the important things you are trying to do in your media center.  Your guidelines will help you carry out those important things in more meaningful ways for your students and teachers."   This is something I need in place for all aspects of the library, not just the reference area.  I will need to sit down and look at district policy and what I think the needs of the library are (three year needs assessment plan) to develop a statement of purpose for the entire library.  Starting small might be a good idea though.  Start with reference and then branch out.

 What are your thoughts about the search engines we discussed?

• I liked the search engines.  Boolify looks great; a neat visual for a search string. My daughter is using it in her school.  I also like KidsClick.  Of course, before you suggest anyone use it, you need to check it out.

  How do you feel about Google Advanced Search techniques?

• I use the Advanced Search Techniques to filter my searches.  I will go over this with the students and staff. It is important to reiterate the techniques to students and staff, so they utilize them

Do you think you’d use Scavenger Hunts with your students?  Why or why not?

• I think I will be able to use these with the kids.  It would be neat to do a search before I teach the material and after I teach it.  It would show the kids how they've grown.

Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?  What is database and what is your lesson topic? 

• My lesson is done.  I completed a screencast-o-matic on how to look up a book on Alexandria, how identify if it is available, and how to put it on hold if it is checked out.
• Kids Search is the focus for my database presentation.  I printed off all of the "how to" info to help me plan my presentation and am currently studying it.  I am trying to figure out if I want to do a screencast of Kids Search to put on my website.

(Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

• It was great to see the internet logs that everyone put together.  Thanks!  I will be able to share them with my staff.  Our PLN definitely makes this job easier.
• In the current economic and political climate, it is more important than ever that we make sure people understand our role in the learning process.  Again, it comes down to advertising what you have to offer the students and staff.

2-23-11

Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week. Why was it significant for you?

• pg 95 - " A good school librarian notices and even anticipates where students and teachers might need help using the library, and then prepares resources to help them." The advantages of having these resources are that they save time in the long run and help the library become more accessible to its patrons. Caution: the resources are not a substitute for a librarian.
• pg 97 - How do you pick a topic for a user guide? It seems like such a simple question. But, it can also be overwhelming to determine where to start. The simple answer is...pay attention to the questions that your patrons ask the most. It seems like a very logical place to begin. The most asked question I have been getting is, "How do you place a book on hold?" Even though I went through this with the kids, they forget the information unless they have a use for it. So, I created a step by step guide that is located next to the patron catalog computers.

What do you think about the Big 6?

• The Big 6 is a very useful way to approach research. My district requires the 8th grade teachers to complete a Big 6 project. Now many of the elementary schools are also learning about it and incorporating it into their curriculum.

Are you pretty comfortable doing a Reference Interview?

• Getting better with practice. So far (I feel) I have been pretty successful.

How is the Internet Log coming? Questions/concerns?

• Almost done. I just have four more sites to write descriptions for.

Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson? What is your topic?

• I am going to do Kids Search on BadgerLink. I already have begun working on it.

(Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life? Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

• Know the standards. They will help you defend what you are teaching the students.
• It is extremely important that I find out what the elementary teachers are teaching for their technology curriculum and what the high school teachers expect the kids to know by the time they get there. I think the scope and sequence tends to get lost in the middle school because there isn't just one person responsible for technology education. Also, I need to push for teachers to use technology with their students so that they all have experiences with technology.

Internet Log link - 7th grade science - planets

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nkAKpVrOEmFr8I-Ok_oZ3B18vSW88-LcQKe_mOWs9K8/edit?hl=en#

2-16-11

Describe 2 ideas that were brought up in the Article #3 discussions. How can you relate this information to your professional life?

•  Katelyn's article brought up many obstacles to library reference.  But, the one thing she mentioned that really stuck with me is that success in the library will be directly related to the ability to change with the times.  This is something that has already been communicated in my district.  They value librarians, but we must be willing to keep up with the technology and be willing to change how we view our jobs.  
• Mary Ann's article about having kids create a personal library of research apps was very interesting.  I think I will put a page on my website that suggests some useful apps for kids.  Not all students will have access to these apps, so I am not sure how to make up for that.
  

Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week. Why was it significant for you?

• pg 61: "A good program will not only promote your services but also help your teachers with their instruction, provide the students with useful information literacy skills." This is my new motto. I need to remember all of the patrons (teachers and students), not only half of them.

• pg 52: "Remember, you are performing the reference interview to make sure you help the customer find exactly what they want, and not what you think they want."   It all comes down to listening.  You want them to keep coming back, so you need to help them find what they are actually looking for.  This will give you credibility.   Also, keep an open mind.  Just because I may not like the subject they are looking into, doesn't mean I shouldn't give 100% effort when helping the student.

How is the Internet Log coming? Questions/concerns?

• Still working on writing the descriptions for the sites. No questions.

Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?

• I am pretty sure I am going to do Kid Search for my database presentation. I am going to try screencast-o-matic for the lesson (searching for a book and putting it on hold).

(Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life? Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

• The readings really made me realize how important the reference interview is.  You can't give up, even if the research doesn't pan out the first time around.  The kids and teachers need to know you will work hard to help them find what they need.  You want them to keep coming back!
• Change - while it may sometimes be scary, we need to adjust with the times or become obsolete. Our jobs depend on it.
  

2/9/2011

 Describe 2 ideas that were brought up in the Article #2 discussions.  How can you relate this information to your professional life?

• Be ready with collaboration ideas for your teachers and students.  Try http://typewith.me/ .  Guide your teachers in the use of technology.
• I liked Megan's comments about the administration being model users of technology.  It is important for the leaders to lead the movement...walk the walk.
• The two sites for information literacy from my article: The Media Literacy Clearinghouse (http://www.frankwbaker.com/) and Common Sense Media (http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators) .

Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings for this week.  Why was it significant for you?

• "We need to know how to teach our students to select and evaluate the best information to answer their needs".(18) We keep talking about this issue at our District Technology Meeting.  The kids need to know how to develop a topic from start to finish.  The Big 6 is designed to help with this process.  Keeping in mind the second article I did for my review, we still need to be able to connect the process with appropriate digital citizenship.  They go hand in hand.
• "Your job is to teach your students how to find the answers for themselves, and teach them so well that they will choose to go on finding their own answers."(16) This is all about creating lifelong learners.  This is every educators job!  It needs to be part of the school community.

How is the Internet Log coming?  Questions/concerns?

• The Internet Log is going well.  I have all the sites picked.  I am currently writing a description for each site.

Library Visit Questions?

• This is completed.  But, I would like to go visit the high school libraries to see what they have and how it is arranged and used.

Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?

• I have begun planning these.  Right now I don't have any questions.

(Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

• I need to be ready to offer suggestions when teachers approach me about technology.  I don't want to turn anyone away.
• Creating a digital newsletter is a fantastic idea.  It is not forceful, just a reminder of what is out there.  It is another way to offer help to teachers.

1/26/11

Describe 2 ideas that were brought up in the Article #1 discussions. How can you relate this information to your professional life?

• Dan shared a really good idea about partnering up with your public library and using them as a resource for your students and teachers. This is something I will be looking into.
• Kari shared an article that discussed cuts in PASCAL (like BadgerLink). The funding was reduced by 90%. The resource was not promoted enough. This just reinforces the idea that we need to promote BadgerLink so that it doesn't go away.

Reflect on “Digital Footprints”. How is this being addressed in your school and who is presenting this?

• If you use technology, you leave digital footprints. The "footprints" are evidence of where you have been and what you have done. (internet, credit cards, cell phone, etc.)
• We give out pamphlets to parents about proper internet use. I have mentioned "digital footprints" to the students. I know our information media teachers address it in their class through discussion. I have heard our principal talk about it at grade level meetings, but she didn't call it digital footprinting.
• This is something that needs to be addressed over and over again with the students. Unfortunately, they never think anything bad will happen to them. I am not sure how to make them understand the issue.

How are you doing on your Internet Log? Questions?

• Internet Log is going well. I am working with the 7th grade science teachers on their planetary unit. Just about done finding the sites.

Have you selected a library to visit yet? Have you visited?

• I am going to visit the West Allis Public Library. I have not visited yet. I want to call ahead and let them know.

(Louis Question) How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life? Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

• The discussion with Dennis and Chris about the Wauwatosa librarians losing their jobs really does reinforce the idea that librarians have to promote what they do. We need to work with the staff and the students and be seen as "useful".
• I need to work at making my library more user friendly. Signage and "how to..." sheets for the patrons need to be made. If I am not available, or students are afraid to ask, then there is a way for them to find out the information.

What is your understanding of reference materials in the library media center?

• My understanding of reference material is that they are authoritative sources to find credible information.  They can be print or online sources.

Any questions or other comments you have?

• I don't have any now.  But, I am sure that will change as we continue to study bibliographic and reference methods.

(Louis Question)  How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.      

• After our discussion about helping teachers archive resources for their units, I realize I really need to add this section to my website.
• I will send out an email and have discussions at meetings about archiving teacher resources to my website.

1/12/11

-   List and describe 2 expectations you had of our class before we started.

• One expectation for this class was to learn as much as I could.
• A second expectation was to become more effective at my job.

-  Describe 3 topics, discussions or projects that we did in this class that you especially liked or thought were useful to you.  Why did you like these best?

• Three year needs assessment - I feel I have direction for myself and the library!
• Website - I started one in the summer, but I lack direction for it.  I now have one that I am pretty proud of.
• Selection tools analysis - I now know what many of the books are on the shelf behind my desk.  I am aware of how useful those books are.

     -  Did our class fulfill your expectations?  If not, why?

• Absolutely - I learned way more than I could have hoped for.  I feel that the class has helped me be more effective in my job.

     -  Was the instructor accessible enough?  Did you feel comfortable asking questions? 

• Again, absolutely!  I was able to email her and she responded quickly.  She was open to any question I had and never made me feel stupid for asking the question.

     -  Please list things you would like to see changed or improved in this course.

• For me, the class was perfect and enabled me to learn to be more effective in my job!

     -  Any other comments about the instructor or our class?

• Thank you!

1/05/11

1. List and describe 5 webpage features that you saw in tonight's presentations that you thouight were interesting, engaging and should be included on a library media center webpage.

• The citation resources. - I forgot to put that on mine.
• "____" in Plain English tutorials - they would be great for inservicing staff
• I liked how Dan had technology blog links on his
• Placing the mission statement on the website was a good idea
• Placing book trailers on the website is a great way to create interest.

2.  What questions or comments do you have about the 3-year plan?  Remember it is due (with a short class presentation) in class next week.....our last meeting for this course.

• I am doing pretty well right now - no questions.

3.  List and describe 2 ways of evaluating your collection.  What is collection mapping and why is it useful?  Have we seen this before?  Where?  Are you using it or will you use it when you get your own library?

• Running an age analysis is one way to evaluate a collection.  This can be done through the use of  a product like Titilewave.  I completed an age analysis for the FLW collection and the average age was 2000.
• Directly examining the collection is another way to evaluate the materials.  This can either be done as a cursory examination or a more in-depth systematic review of the collection.
• Collection mapping is a visual display of the strengths and weaknesses of a library collection.  We have seen this before when the Follett reps. came to class and showed us Titlewave.  I have used this feature of Titlewave.

4.  How have you built and developed your Personal/Professional Learning Network since we began our class?  Describe specifically.

• I have talked to several media specialists in my district about how they run their libraries. 
• I continue to access inforamtion on Classroom2.0.
• I have emailed one teacher/librarian for more information about the helpful hints that she put in LMC.  She responded, but unfortunately my library didn't have the necessary materials to do the contest she talked about.

(Louis Questions:)
How has our class and this week's activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss 2 things you have learned this week.

• This week I learned that no matter how complete I think my website is, it is never going to be truly finished.
• I also learned that I will have to set aside a specific amount of time to devote to the website to keep it current and useful.
• It is great to have this cohort, because they are a continuous source of new and iteresting ideas for me to use in my library!  Thanks everyone!