I was able to inventory a portion of the library resources. This was a brief, but interesting experience. The inventory consisted of three portions of the Dewey Decimal System: 000s--Computer Science, Information, & General Works; 100s--Philosophy & Psychology; and 200s--Religion. However, this was a relatively small portion of the overall nonfiction collection.
The inventory consisted of using a handheld device to scan each title. The device was then synced to the computer with the Destiny OPAC. The titles appeared within the program and several (around 18) titles were deemed "missing." The SLMS was very confused about this initially. However, she then realized that these specific titles were the individual videos available on our video streaming website, Safari Montage. This was especially frustrating because she mentioned that she had previously gone through the process to remove these Safari titles from Destiny in order to avoid this problem.
It's interesting to experience these kind of glitches... things you never consider happening until you watch them firsthand.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Weeding the 900's
I was able to recently weed a good portion of the 900s. This was an amazing experience! The SLMS told me that she annually weeds titles that are damaged, but hasn't weeded the nonfiction section in quite a while. This was very evident in the copyright dates of some of the titles. I discovered a few that were published in 1982-1983!
I came to learn how painful the weeding process can be. This is especially true due to the fact that the funding to replaces these materials is virtually nonexistent (aside from SPLOST and book fair). I reached the books on Mexico and only 2-3 of the titles were less than 10 years old. The SLMS encouraged me to only weed a few of the oldest titles and that she would make a note to acquire more titles in this specific area, among other topics. This was an interesting situation because many of our students are Mexican and the circulation of these books was excessive, particularly during National Hispanic Heritage Month. There were many other topic areas, like Native Americans, that I knew were specific to the Georgia Performance Standards for multiple grades.
I was able to gain valuable experience in how subjective the weeding process can be. However, I weeded approximately 46 titles. I would like to find time to continue this with another portion of the nonfiction resources.
I came to learn how painful the weeding process can be. This is especially true due to the fact that the funding to replaces these materials is virtually nonexistent (aside from SPLOST and book fair). I reached the books on Mexico and only 2-3 of the titles were less than 10 years old. The SLMS encouraged me to only weed a few of the oldest titles and that she would make a note to acquire more titles in this specific area, among other topics. This was an interesting situation because many of our students are Mexican and the circulation of these books was excessive, particularly during National Hispanic Heritage Month. There were many other topic areas, like Native Americans, that I knew were specific to the Georgia Performance Standards for multiple grades.
I was able to gain valuable experience in how subjective the weeding process can be. However, I weeded approximately 46 titles. I would like to find time to continue this with another portion of the nonfiction resources.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
District Media Specialist Meeting
I used one of my personal days this week to attend the county-wide media specialist meeting with Mrs. D. Although the meeting was a brief 30 minutes, this was an enlightening experience. The two topics covered were an RFP to determine options for the district to obtain eBooks for schools and changes made to our county Acceptable Use Agreement and Internet 2. It was intriguing to be a part of the initial process of developing an RFP. The document itself is confidential and will be presented to vendors via the district website on Wednesday. All media specialists were encouraged to read the RFP thoroughly and make suggestions for changes. It is also exciting to know that our district may soon be acquiring eBooks for our schools!
In addition, there was a general discussion involving the Acceptable Use Agreement. The importance of individual students logging in to computers separately was stressed. An instance was mentioned where a school's entire network was shut down due to the fact that a teacher attempted to allow several students to use her username and password simultaneously. Student safety and network security is vital. Repairs will be made to county internet over Spring Break in order that issues with limited speed can be resolved.
The majority of the typical meeting time was given to a vendor showcase. I was able to meet several vendors from companies like Mackin, Scholastic, Bound to Stay Bound, and Follett. It was interesting to see the importance of the relationship between media specialist and vendor.
In addition, there was a general discussion involving the Acceptable Use Agreement. The importance of individual students logging in to computers separately was stressed. An instance was mentioned where a school's entire network was shut down due to the fact that a teacher attempted to allow several students to use her username and password simultaneously. Student safety and network security is vital. Repairs will be made to county internet over Spring Break in order that issues with limited speed can be resolved.
The majority of the typical meeting time was given to a vendor showcase. I was able to meet several vendors from companies like Mackin, Scholastic, Bound to Stay Bound, and Follett. It was interesting to see the importance of the relationship between media specialist and vendor.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
March Tech Committee Meeting
Our March Technology Committee meeting went well. I was asked to lead it at the last minute due to the fact that Mary D. had to finish up things with book fair. We discussed the online community I created for our school and possible ways it could be used. For the time being, we decided it would be best to use for future technology professional learning sessions, so that those leading it can create a new page and post their resources and helpful information on that page. In addition, any faculty members who would like to add to any pages are free to do so. The website is: https://laniertechnologycommunity.wikispaces.com/
We also discussed our upcoming technology training for May. It was decided that each grade level will decide their specific needs and Technology Committee reps will lead smaller training sessions/workshops. I think this is such a great idea and could be so much more relevant for all the teachers. Some teachers on my grade level have expressed an interest in exploring some specific Web 2.0 tools in more depth, so I am excited to help them.
In addition, we discussed the template to be used for the school-wide 21st Century Learning projects. Each Tech Committee representative will bring form with them to end of year conference with the principal, but each teacher must be prepared to discuss how the projects went.
We also discussed our upcoming technology training for May. It was decided that each grade level will decide their specific needs and Technology Committee reps will lead smaller training sessions/workshops. I think this is such a great idea and could be so much more relevant for all the teachers. Some teachers on my grade level have expressed an interest in exploring some specific Web 2.0 tools in more depth, so I am excited to help them.
In addition, we discussed the template to be used for the school-wide 21st Century Learning projects. Each Tech Committee representative will bring form with them to end of year conference with the principal, but each teacher must be prepared to discuss how the projects went.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Staff Development--What is Web 2.0?
Wednesday I led a staff development at my school entitled, "What is Web 2.0?" I tried to meet the needs of all the teachers in my school. This is quite difficult, as there are teachers all over the spectrum. My Prezi was quite basic, yet presented some thoughtful ideas for those who were already familiar with the basics. I tried to present them with explanations for some of the buzz words they've been hearing the past few years, but still don't understand. I received initial confirmation from my audience that more thorough explanations were needed and that I shouldn't worry about stating what I thought to be obvious.
I was very nervous at first. I have led staff developments before, but this was the first time I did one without a partner to back me up. I felt like I had lots to say within a short amount of time. I wonder if I spoke too quickly. I was constantly aware that I could possibly be boring some while simultaneously be speaking over the heads of others. Regardless, I have only received positive feedback so far. My Prezi can be found here: http://prezi.com/w8zr6qsutrp5/present/?auth_key=nozgdip&follow=xpnu07rx01xa
I reviewed the setup of the wiki and walked them through how to join. Although, I came to discover that process didn't work through Wikispaces. I had to go back and invite them all. Some have joined. Our principal seems to love the idea of the wiki and is eager to see that it is used. However, I am worried teachers may consider this one more thing they don't have time to use. Regardless, it will be a great tool to use during professional learning sessions.
I also did a very brief overview of Kerpoof when demonstrating how a page on the wiki might look. The wiki page had a brief overview of the Web 2.0 tool with icons linked directly to the website. It gave ways the tool can be used, helpful tips, and links to examples of student work. I think many of the teachers were excited about this particular site and may begin using it. I think our principal was impressed that one of my students created an entire storybook at home in her spare time!
Although I was nervous, I was pleased with the outcome. This is just another event that confirms I'm on the right path. I want to spend my days helping teachers and students become more familiar with ways they can use the Internet for learning and information literacy.
I was very nervous at first. I have led staff developments before, but this was the first time I did one without a partner to back me up. I felt like I had lots to say within a short amount of time. I wonder if I spoke too quickly. I was constantly aware that I could possibly be boring some while simultaneously be speaking over the heads of others. Regardless, I have only received positive feedback so far. My Prezi can be found here: http://prezi.com/w8zr6qsutrp5/present/?auth_key=nozgdip&follow=xpnu07rx01xa
I reviewed the setup of the wiki and walked them through how to join. Although, I came to discover that process didn't work through Wikispaces. I had to go back and invite them all. Some have joined. Our principal seems to love the idea of the wiki and is eager to see that it is used. However, I am worried teachers may consider this one more thing they don't have time to use. Regardless, it will be a great tool to use during professional learning sessions.
I also did a very brief overview of Kerpoof when demonstrating how a page on the wiki might look. The wiki page had a brief overview of the Web 2.0 tool with icons linked directly to the website. It gave ways the tool can be used, helpful tips, and links to examples of student work. I think many of the teachers were excited about this particular site and may begin using it. I think our principal was impressed that one of my students created an entire storybook at home in her spare time!
Although I was nervous, I was pleased with the outcome. This is just another event that confirms I'm on the right path. I want to spend my days helping teachers and students become more familiar with ways they can use the Internet for learning and information literacy.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Information Literacy Unit--My week in 4th grade
This week I spent my planning time in Mrs. M's fourth grade classroom, co-teaching the unit I wrote on The Three Branches of Government, using the Understanding by Design template. The unit utilizes the Web 2.0 tool LinoIt in order to hook students at the beginning of the lessons and to review concepts at the end of the unit. I created a pathfinder using Google Sites in order for the students to have Internet resources at their fingertips. The link is: https://sites.google.com/site/the3branchespathfinder/home In addition, students used Kidspiration to develop a diagram of the relationship between the governmental branches.
The students worked so well! Mrs. M has established great routines and has reinforced excellent note-taking skills. Most of the groups worked very hard and used their time efficient. It was a great experience to be the "Information Specialist" within another teacher's classroom. It also felt wonderful to be able to help with the technology resources and bring 21st Century learning into the classroom.
I spoke with Mrs. M about possible changes or improvements for the next time the unit is taught. We agreed that the time frame was somewhat optimistic, as the students didn't have time to finish the project within the week. It was a difficult time of the day to teach this unit because of the time lost during transitions--restroom break at the beginning, switching classes at the end. Instead of the intended 40 minutes, it ended up being more like 30 minutes per day. When Mrs. M reteaches the unit to her second class, we will change the rubric to require less within the areas of the three branches and checks and balances.
Overall, I had a great experience developing an instructional unit with another teacher. It was great to be a support to the teacher, as well as develop forms of assessment with her. I look forward to a career as a media specialist in order to be a resource to educators on a daily basis.
The students worked so well! Mrs. M has established great routines and has reinforced excellent note-taking skills. Most of the groups worked very hard and used their time efficient. It was a great experience to be the "Information Specialist" within another teacher's classroom. It also felt wonderful to be able to help with the technology resources and bring 21st Century learning into the classroom.
I spoke with Mrs. M about possible changes or improvements for the next time the unit is taught. We agreed that the time frame was somewhat optimistic, as the students didn't have time to finish the project within the week. It was a difficult time of the day to teach this unit because of the time lost during transitions--restroom break at the beginning, switching classes at the end. Instead of the intended 40 minutes, it ended up being more like 30 minutes per day. When Mrs. M reteaches the unit to her second class, we will change the rubric to require less within the areas of the three branches and checks and balances.
Overall, I had a great experience developing an instructional unit with another teacher. It was great to be a support to the teacher, as well as develop forms of assessment with her. I look forward to a career as a media specialist in order to be a resource to educators on a daily basis.
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