One of my main takeaways so far in this course is that I need to stop whining about technology issues in my District and move on with trying to make learning awesome with our students and staff in my role of Librarian, Vice-Principal, and classroom teacher. Mostly because whining accomplishes and changes nothing, but moreso because it likely impedes my forward progress and personal growth, not to mention that it gives me an excuse for doing things the same way I have always done them. I think that impacts my direction by allowing me to let go and simply enabling me to explore new avenues in my personal and professional practice.
For instance, using Screenr to create videos for the classes I work with in the Library using technology, or even getting to blog on a weekly basis to flesh out my ideas has been helpful to my learning. Something else I will take is this community of classmates I've had the pleasure of following via their blogs, and though I haven't commented on all of them, I have enjoyed reading about all the cool things they are doing to change their practice. I hope they continue to blog and share in the same fashion that I intend to after this course is finished. In fact, another item of exploration I plan to continue using is my blog. I would like it to be a part of our school's website if the District will allow it, as I think it could be a great way to communicate with students and families, and to discuss books or learning ideas with the larger community.
I am always interested in finding something new I can do with students in the Library using technology. I think it is a way to motivate them and to kindle excitement about learning, which is my main focus as we move forward. I plan to use the program Scratch with students after Spring Break, where they will be creating a personal project, and with the help of our District Technology teacher I hope it helps generate the enthusiasm for learning that I desire for our kids. Something else I will explore further is how my various roles in the school allow for more collaboration with staff to improve student learning.
Because I am trying different things with technology in the Library, and gaining confidence and experience using them, it only seems natural to extend that into classrooms with teachers as well. Since I have tried a few new ideas as a result of taking this course, some of our staff have noticed and asked how they can also use them with their classes. I am looking forward to working together with them to see how we can co-teach together, utilizing technology, to enhance student learning and engagement before the year ends.
Photo #1 courtesy of:
http://omnipotentpoobah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/no-whining.jpg
Photo #2 courtesy of:
http://multimedialearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/i-heart-screenr.png
Photo #3 courtesy of:
http://www.catrobat.org/images/scratch.jpg
Photo #4 courtesy of:
http://blog.businessdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/collaboration-1.jpg
A really useful look back on the course thus far and what your key learning has been. It's great to see you embed blogging and connecting with your colleagues as something you want to take forward after this course is over. I also am impressed with the new technology perspective as it can sometimes be a very frustrating aspect of our roles. I think one idea that might be really great for your Library space would be to try and build a "Makerspace", a space in your library that is focused on providing the tools and resources (digital and physical) for your students to build things! I just led a session on this topic at the EdcampVic this last weekend and the work that some schools are doing around this new idea. Definitely worth checking out.
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