Final Project Reflection Post

Even though the class was only five days long. The course provided me with a wealth of knowledge that will prepare me to become a 21st century librarian. I came into this class having limited knowledge of the new web 2.0 world. I was very excited to learn about all the different tools like I said in my pre-course assignment because I see myself as a change agent in my future school in which I will be employed. I'm a new breed of librarian, one that will have the tools of the 21st century to educate students about information literacy and change people's perceptions of what a librarian does in a school. Through the hands on approach, I learned valuable skills that I will carry on with me as I become a library media specialist. I learned about blogs, twitter, personal learning networks, how to create avatars, wikis, social book marking, image sharing tools, presentations tools, digital storytelling, animation, Glogster, information management and how to teach digital citizenship. I will definitely create a library website using wikispaces or google sites. I will also definitely create a reading blog that will help encourage students to read new titles. I was very happy to learn about all the different networks through social booking marking, twitter, and blogs that I will be apart of. I'm now not as worried about my first year on the job because I know that I will have a whole network of supporters to help me with any concerns. I will use avatars for my library website and use them as an introductory lesson so I can get to know my students and they can get to know me. I will use interactive presentation tools like Prezi to create a stimulating presentations for my students. I will use digital storytelling tools like photo story to have students respond to the books that have read and I can use it to promote the value of my library. I don't think that I would use twitter and facebook in a classroom setting only because I feel like their is less of an educational possibilities using these sites when comparing it to blogs or digital storytelling sites. After completing this course I know that I have the tools to make me a valued member of any school staff.

7/19

We learned how to create websites using different websites. We did run into trouble but it illustrates that working with technology can be difficult and you must adapt to the changes in order to succeed

PLN,Twitter,RSS,Nings and Wiki

Today I learned a lot of information about PLN, Twitter, RSS, Nings and Wiki. When learning about PLN, I had know idea that there was such a personal community revolving around this profession. It makes me feel good that I will have this resource when I get a job. I now have so many sites to explore that will be useful in helping my students learn valuable information literacy skills. I'm looking forward to learning about new tools during these next few days.

Using Blogs in the Library

Blogs are a great way to interact with students and teach information literacy. Blogs allow for the library to become a exciting place that students want to go to. Blogs are relevant to students and give students a personal voice to what they are learning. In my library media center I will definitely use blogs. I will also encourage blog in collaboration with my fellow teachers. Blogs can be used to have students give reflections about any topic. For example in an English class they can respond to questions asked by the students. In a Social Studies class they can pretend that they are a famous person from history and blog as if they are them. As a library media specialist I can use blogs to have a interactive book club. All of these assignments can be shared with everyone which will encourage students to work harder and will create a network of fellow students that they can have. Learning can become a shared experience with blogs.