a. Describe 2 ideas that were brought up in the Article #2 discussions. How can you relate this information to your professional life?
I thought that Mary Ann brought up a good point in her article when she talked about what employers were looking at. She stated that study skills/research classes were something that were created to help students create collaborative skills. I thought that this is a great idea and could be used in my school. I get to give study/research skills to the students that come in to the library, but it's very hit and miss, so I feel like some students miss out on research skills.
I related to what Megan had to say about her article in reference to the challenge of getting non-technology user to want to learn about technology. There are some teachers in my building that refuse to try anything and it's very frustrating. I'm trying to nudge people in to trying things by saying I'll lead and they can follow. After I do it 5 times in a row for their classes my feeling is they'll feel a bit more comfortable with the technology. But I do find that it's like pulling teeth to get some teachers to jump on the tech bandwagon.
b. Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings for this week. Why was it significant for you?
The reading for this week helpful in that it really pointed out the goals of a library media specialist. One part I really thought was important was when it talked about the skills that a 21st century learner should have. Students should be using their critical thinking skills, inquiry, they should create new knowledge, work in teams, etc. I know that this is so true, but I don't always see this happening in our building.
The 21st century learning skills broke off in to the "Big 6" and I found these really interesting. I had no heard of this before, but I really like the logic behind it and it does seem like a very simple and straight forward way to have students find the best information. I think I am going to look hard at the Big Six and think about maybe bringing this up as a research skill that should be used in our building. If I can't get the whole school on board, I will definitely be using this with the classes that come in the library that I am able to teach research skills to.
c. How is the Internet Log coming? Questions/concerns?
My internet log is coming along well. I have decided to focus on Web 2.0 tools because that is what seems to be in demand from the teachers who want to be involved in technology. It's been fun finding new sites and tools.
d. Library Visit Questions?
None
e. Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?
I don't think I have any questions right now. I know that we can do it with a partner if we would like and that we should pick a database that we enjoy. I have a few that I'm thinking about and will make a final decision soon.
f. (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.
One thing that I learned this week that I have used right away was google wonderwheel. Students use google to do their searches and this at least give the students a more organized way to search. I really think it is a helpful tool and will be sharing it with my staff next week.
I also learned that reference is so unique and hard to deal with. Reference is needed, but in what format? How do you shelf reference books so that they make sense and that patrons know where they are located. Is it worth keeping things that aren't used? Could they be used somewhere else? Just a lot of questions were brought up and I'm doing a lot of thinking on where I'm going with my reference section.
I agree that students need to use their critical thinking skills. Students get so much information and they assume it is quality. They need to learn the whole process of developing a question and then finding the quality sources to answer the question (Big 6 is great for this). This is something that they need to be taught and it needs to be a school wide expectation that kids will use the skills properly.
ReplyDeleteI also really liked the google wonder wheel feature. I think what you said about it providing students with a more organized approach to learning is exactly right. Have fun sharing it with your staff. I showed a few co-workers and they loved it!
ReplyDeleteWith regard to getting all of your teachers on board using technology, it does get frustrating trying to change everyone. So, I think it's better to work with those who want to learn about it. Hopefully, the reluctant teachers will see their colleagues using new technology, and they'll hear the students talking about it, and maybe they'll try some of it eventually. In other words, one person at a time.
ReplyDeleteThe "Big 6" is a very useful framework for student research. Take a look at more information about it at www.big6.com.
I really like google wonderwheel, too.
I think its funny how things have turned "GOOGLIZED", but they sure do have a good amount of cool tools for students and teachers. I think Chris hit it right on the head last week, that Google is going to take over the world. They really have some good ideas for all of its users.
ReplyDelete