March 2, 2011

Weekly Blogger Reflection (Reflect on the following questions.)

Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week. Why was it significant for you?

1. One thing that I "stumbled" upon while we were viewing search engines was SweetSearch. This is a search engine developed by educators and libriarians that is run through Google. The more I played with this search engine the more I liked it. I think it has some great potential with my middle school students. I hope to use this in the future.

2. I thought it was very interesting to learn about all the different things that google can do. I didn't realize it was a calculator, a dictionary, and that I could search movies, weather, flights, etc. I'm sure that I will be taking advantage of many of these tools.

What are your thoughts about the search engines we discussed?

I thought many of the search engines are great. I really like Boolify. I think it makes searching much easier for the students because of the manipulatives. I also like Quintero. This search engine reminded me of google wonderwheel, however it developed a word cloud instead of a wheel. I thought that this search engine was really user-friendly.

How do you feel about Google Advanced Search techniques?

I think that Google Advanced Search techniques are extremely helpful. I know that I will be using them probably on a daily basis to help students and staff find information.

Do you think you’d use Scavenger Hunts with your students? Why or why not?

Yes, I think I would use a Scavenger Hunt. I think it is an easy and fun way to find out how much students know or how much they learned. I like the idea of having some students look the information up online and others look it up in the refrence section to see which group completes first. I think it would be eye-opening for students to see how easy it really is to find information in a book.

Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson? What is database and what is your lesson topic?

My database assignment will be on CultureGrams and it is coming along well. My Library Lesson will be an introduction to the PVMS Library. I will be making this lesson to use at the beginning of next year since I was not there this year. I have the framework for what I want to do and need to work on getting the details finished.

(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.

1. I have continued to learn about what beign a refrence librarian is. With that, I have continued to work on my skills in asking appropriate questions and trying to help all of the students and staff to the best of my ability.

2. We often talk about PLN's in class and this week the Mukwonago Librarians held their first Focus Group of librarians from our surrounding area. It was a really great meeting with about 25 librarians and we were able to share ideas on the good things going on in our libraries. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it and we are planning on doing another one in May, with Waterford hosting.