Weekly Reflection 11/17/10

  Describe your progress on your Library Media Website.  What software application are you using?  Google Sites?  Something else – which software package?  Have you explored other library websites for ideas?  List 1 that you think is really good.  Have you added anything to your site yet?  Describe. 

• My progress has stopped.  I started trying to use Google Sites and ended up stopping because of my frustration.  I have attempted to make new pages without much luck (yes I saved).  I am having trouble arranging the sidebar the way I want to.  I am not sure if it is the template I am using won't let me arrange all of my pages under the listing of Home, or if it is something I am not doing correctly.  I find that my SchoolWorld webpage account works is easier to arrange, but it costs money each year.
• I have looked at several websites and liked pieces of many of them.   I have found both good and bad sites.  Some are very "friendly" looking, while others are too "academic" looking.  I liked  http://horacemannimc.blogspot.com/ .

  Were you aware of the Common School Fund before our reading and tonight’s discussion?  What are your thoughts about this unique funding?

• I was aware of the Common School Fund, but not its history or all the details involved. 
• I think we are very fortunate to have this funding.  It provides a great deal for our libraries.  We need to work hard to keep this funding.

Basing your comments on our readings this week, react to this quote from Chapter 1 of our textbook:  “Make a difference in the lives of students and positively affect their learning.” 

• We have to be an integral part of the education process.  We need to let teachers and students know that we are here to make their lives easier. 

 Again, based on this week’s readings and discussion, has your impression of the job of Library Media Specialist changed?  If so, how?

•   As a classroom teacher, I always knew I could go to my library media specialist.  I am not sure that everyone else in my building did the same. We need to be advocates for our programs.  It is important for us to be visible in school. We also need to be leaders in technology in the schools; not only for the kids, but also the adults.

Any questions or other comments you have?

 (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 continue to advocate for the library.  I have to do a good job of getting out there and letting other teachers and students know that I am here to help.  I went around to the planning groups at the common planning time this week and talked about Common School Funds and how they could be used.  So far I have had three people come to me with ideas for the professional library. 

Weekly Blogger Reflection

Which Google Tools are most interesting to you at this time?  Why?

• I just started introducing Google SketchUp to the kids last week.  I am taking the first 10 minutes of their library time to demonstrate it.  Several kids have come back to tell me about all the neat things they have done with it. I would like to show them GoogleDocs and even the calendar tool in the coming weeks.

Are you using any of the Google Docs in your professional life?  Which ones?  If not, which ones might you try first?  Are you collaborating with others in your professional life?  Are you expecting your students to collaborate?  If yes, how are you doing this?  If not, where do you think you could do this with your students?

• I began using GoogleDocs this week.  As I was evaluating other websites I made a table of the things I liked and didn't like so that I can refer back to it when I work on my library website. 
• I have been talking to teachers in my building about GoogleDocs and several are interested in learning more.

What have you learned about PLN's?  Which networks do you plan to join or work with?

• PLNs can be a very useful "tool" in gaining much needed information on the latest information on managing a library and on technology.  I am currently a member of Classroom 2.0 and am looking into ALA, AASL, and WEMTA.  I will have to do some more checking to see which one(s) will be the most beneficial.

Do you think it's important to have a Library Media Center Web Page?  Why?

• ABSOLUTELY!!  It is a great way to promote everything the library media center has to offer and a great way to make sure the library is an integral part of a school.

          -  (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?

• To be honest, class has stressed me out.  I have begun to realize there is so much about my job that I am just learning about. Class and the textbook have been very enlightening. I also learned that I need to advocate for my program; really get out there and sing the praises of my job.  I am trying to figure out how I am supposed to be a good advocate when I don't know everything I need to know yet to be that advocate.  I know that it will be very important to have this discussion with the other two intermediate school library media specialists in my district (PLN).