- 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.
- 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.
I love the point you brought up about not just jumping on the new technology bandwagon. This is important for all the reasons you brought up, plus new technologies are so often overpriced when first released. Why not wait a year or two and save some money?
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you in that we need to make sure that our students and staff understand what we have to offer. I guess only time will tell where the cuts are made. I sure hope it's not in our department. Keep promoting!
ReplyDeleteGood point about waiting to purchase new technologies. You brought up lots of good points to consider...price, making sure it does prove to be a worthwhile item, etc. Having a mission, philosohy, etc. is so important for the library and so many of us never get around to creating one. Keep me posted on your progress. Having an assortment of search engines and a variety of good search strategies will be so helpful for you and your students. I think you'll see the benefits of using and teaching these right away. I agree that the internet logs that everyone presented last week will be so helpful! Great!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point about jumping on the band wagon for new technologies when not taking into account the whole picture. I think this same concept can be applied to education reform in general. Sometimes the new thing isn't the right thing.
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