I feel sad to comment on the direction that I feel libraries will go in my school district. I'm sure right now too it is because it is still a gaping wound.
Between the lay-offs in the district I am in, and the regard I see from most about the library program, I do fear as some doomsdayer-naysayers say- it will become a thing of the past. I also grieve for the children in that district. Most of the elementary students DO use their public library, so that is the bright spot, but I think right now, it just boils down to dollars and cents for them unfortunately. A newly elected board member stated that all teachers really needed to teach is a blackboard and chalk. It worked in the past-why should teachers be asking for these outrageously bloated supply lists? (This was a new member-just voted in this month...) That's true. We probably could-but is that really all you want for your children? I thought the idea was to move ahead, improve on things...The district's mantra since I have been there is to move our students into the 21st century. Seems more like we are going backwards here. Yes- it will save a few dollars, but I think by the time the realization hits, it will take much too long to ever catch back up-sadly.
I feel personally libraries DO still have a place in the future (I am holding on to that thought anyway!) as long as there can continue to be fluidity, flexibility, and the willingness to embrace change. (and not be afraid to spend the money if you value the education of the next generation.) I think especially in public libraries-they will become more of learning centers for ALL types of learning to take place. Much technology has already replaced what was before and have filtered in as staples. I hope that it will continue to be FREE for all who wish to access what the library has to offer (especially seeing the children in our district who may only have THAT.) I do just worry where the $ will continue to come from if things and the values in our society do not change. But- I am optimistic. Schools libraries will also become learning centers of sorts-where teachers will not be the only teachers-children will teach others in what they excel at, real world scenarios and skills will replace the books, pens and pencils of today. And we will continue to move forward...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thing 9-E-Books
I do not have a reader but my husband has been wanting one for some time. So I think I will be the "good" wife and surprise him for Father's Day or most probably his birthday in November. 2 people in my family have the color Nook and my sister has the Kindle. From all I have seen, I think I would most prefer the ipad since I have become an Apple convert (:)). I would like to wait a bit for them to iron out the kinks since there are still some. I really like the fact that you are able to change the font size (big plus with old eyes-lol), only have to cary one devise verses a stack of books when traveling-especially now that that charge for everything and my husband and I both are big readers! I also like the other capabilities that the ipad offers-tho I do feel often with alot of Apple products, they do so much more than any one person could ever need. But in my old age after I retire- I will have that time to fiddle and fool with it all to see just what all it is capable of! I also think it is very cool that you are able to still use your library for this purpose-(actually only some libraries do have the capability) "borrowing books" from your local library for your device.
I also never knew before viewing some of the different readers that some are back lit-and others are not, so too that seems like it would be a bigger consideration depending on what and where you plan on using it for.
When I went to download a book, most you had to pay for-even when they said they were free. I found and chose a children's story- Thumbelina- not an edition I would recommend to any younger child, as it was a scarier version-not a cutsie one! The other drawback being it was downloaded onto my computer so not quite the same experience as being mobile with it-which to me is one of the biggest draws. (But hey- I did notice after downloading that Ad Blocker for Safari or may have been the readability app-it was a clean version-AD-FREE! YEA!!!)
Another drawback that I was was fearing that pleasantly surprised me when I checked out my sister's Kindle-was it did not seem like you were staring at a computer screen and tire my eyes the same way it seems to from staring at a regular computer screen.
Whoa- I may be crossing over to the dark side-haha!
I also never knew before viewing some of the different readers that some are back lit-and others are not, so too that seems like it would be a bigger consideration depending on what and where you plan on using it for.
When I went to download a book, most you had to pay for-even when they said they were free. I found and chose a children's story- Thumbelina- not an edition I would recommend to any younger child, as it was a scarier version-not a cutsie one! The other drawback being it was downloaded onto my computer so not quite the same experience as being mobile with it-which to me is one of the biggest draws. (But hey- I did notice after downloading that Ad Blocker for Safari or may have been the readability app-it was a clean version-AD-FREE! YEA!!!)
Another drawback that I was was fearing that pleasantly surprised me when I checked out my sister's Kindle-was it did not seem like you were staring at a computer screen and tire my eyes the same way it seems to from staring at a regular computer screen.
Whoa- I may be crossing over to the dark side-haha!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thing 7-Productivity and Collaboration Tools
How fun would that be to be the person(s)who gets to think up all these applications for people to try, use and actually make it into the realm of computer users on a regular basis? When I went to the section of add-ons to try for Safari, many of them probably were just these people!
I did decide to re-add and use delicious. I guess it probably was on my old computer and I just never reinstalled it on the new one. I find it alot easier for things I do use all the time to be in one place and I also like when I have the time-they suggest others to try:) So I will stick with that one.
I down loaded the basic (not paying for) version of readability but I honestly could not tell any difference. Now the problem is-I cannot find a way to take it off. I really did like the idea of the less-cluttered view, but I think this would make more sense and be more beneficial if you had a mobile device or something alot smaller. Maybe the pay-for version has alot more and I would like this for when I was actually reading something of any length. But for what it seemed to do and for what I use my personal computer for at present, it was not worth it to me at this point.
I tried both Workflowy and Remember the Milk since I am a list-maker-aholic. But I have to say going to my computer-since once again I do not have mobile device- to look at a list I made, or reminders seemed like more of a chore in itself. I guess again -at present- I will stick with my sticky notes or hand-written ones. (God- am I archaic or what?) I can see where I would totally love something like this if I did have that capability with something that I carried around with me all the time. My daughter even sets alarms on hers!
I downloaded the app of AdBlock for Safari on my computer at home-hate those ads! Two other applications I would like to try and have just bookmarked so far is Only2Clicks and Popplet for presentations with my students at school. A.-I have to find out if they would be allowed since it seems everything is blocked at school and B. I really don't have anything specific in mind at the moment but they did look fun and useful. I also liked the Instapaper/Read it Later applications which I felt I would like for personal use as well as all those professional articles we are constanly sent and expected to read at school. I usually wait until a have a few and the time to just sit and read through a few at once. But having them all saved on your device or computer will cut down on the chances of the papers being lost or misplaced and what a paper saver! Definitely want to share this one at school...
Another application I thought looked useful, but seemed would be more conducive in a public library setting in my mind at first glance, was join.me. Tho when working collaboratively with other teachers in school might make this a useful tool also.
What I really do/did like with this class is having each week focus on some different aspect of things that are out there and being in the class MAKES you have to go out and explore things that you may never have otherwise even known about.
Being totally honest, I rarely use my personal computer at home during the week. At work, we are not allowed to access ANYTHING personal or any e-mail. (thank goodness I switched my account for this program to my home e-mail-otherwise I would not have been able to access close to anything we needed!)
My favorite find was "a free learning tool for every learning problem." on i learn central. I'm sure I'll be referencing this site often :D
I did decide to re-add and use delicious. I guess it probably was on my old computer and I just never reinstalled it on the new one. I find it alot easier for things I do use all the time to be in one place and I also like when I have the time-they suggest others to try:) So I will stick with that one.
I down loaded the basic (not paying for) version of readability but I honestly could not tell any difference. Now the problem is-I cannot find a way to take it off. I really did like the idea of the less-cluttered view, but I think this would make more sense and be more beneficial if you had a mobile device or something alot smaller. Maybe the pay-for version has alot more and I would like this for when I was actually reading something of any length. But for what it seemed to do and for what I use my personal computer for at present, it was not worth it to me at this point.
I tried both Workflowy and Remember the Milk since I am a list-maker-aholic. But I have to say going to my computer-since once again I do not have mobile device- to look at a list I made, or reminders seemed like more of a chore in itself. I guess again -at present- I will stick with my sticky notes or hand-written ones. (God- am I archaic or what?) I can see where I would totally love something like this if I did have that capability with something that I carried around with me all the time. My daughter even sets alarms on hers!
I downloaded the app of AdBlock for Safari on my computer at home-hate those ads! Two other applications I would like to try and have just bookmarked so far is Only2Clicks and Popplet for presentations with my students at school. A.-I have to find out if they would be allowed since it seems everything is blocked at school and B. I really don't have anything specific in mind at the moment but they did look fun and useful. I also liked the Instapaper/Read it Later applications which I felt I would like for personal use as well as all those professional articles we are constanly sent and expected to read at school. I usually wait until a have a few and the time to just sit and read through a few at once. But having them all saved on your device or computer will cut down on the chances of the papers being lost or misplaced and what a paper saver! Definitely want to share this one at school...
Another application I thought looked useful, but seemed would be more conducive in a public library setting in my mind at first glance, was join.me. Tho when working collaboratively with other teachers in school might make this a useful tool also.
What I really do/did like with this class is having each week focus on some different aspect of things that are out there and being in the class MAKES you have to go out and explore things that you may never have otherwise even known about.
Being totally honest, I rarely use my personal computer at home during the week. At work, we are not allowed to access ANYTHING personal or any e-mail. (thank goodness I switched my account for this program to my home e-mail-otherwise I would not have been able to access close to anything we needed!)
My favorite find was "a free learning tool for every learning problem." on i learn central. I'm sure I'll be referencing this site often :D
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thing 8- "Video"
Have to also say "Thanks" to my daughter Kayla for help with this assignment. She was the other star in my film-helping the dog with her tricks:) and since we are a bit pressed for time-she also let me use her camera which is super simple. I got a new one for Christmas and tho it does take fabulous pictures, I have not had the time to fool with it and do video yet. I also have imovie on my Mac which makes the whole movie thing really easy to do-even the editing. I love Mac!
The cool thing with alot of these programs too-they are simple enough for kids (or maybe I should say adults-lol) to learn and use.
The cool thing with alot of these programs too-they are simple enough for kids (or maybe I should say adults-lol) to learn and use.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thing 8-Video
I had a lot of fun with this one- tho I can see how much work I need with my photography skills! Believe it or not we actually practiced and did 4 takes on this day! I guess no one will be calling me to produce any movies-LOL! It was pretty easy uploading (I have done pictures for other things and on facebook before tho) You Tube makes it VERY easy with basically just a click of a button. I read through the CDLC directions first, but when I got on You Tube, they also have the directions on how to embed onto you blog which was my main concern beings I had never done that before. You Tube is alot of fun, tho I would prefer to watch, not be a participant. Believe me- if I can do it, literally-anyone can:) Another way to share info and of course with sound and motion-always makes it more interesting to watch.
In the school/library setting kids especially are so used to the constant stimulation that as I said, to catch and maintain their attention-more sound and more motion= increased attention span time:)
I have some relatives as well as friends who use this venue constantly to put their talent out there and at least each week or so someone is sending me something to watch that's posted on You Tube-great exposure!
In the school/library setting kids especially are so used to the constant stimulation that as I said, to catch and maintain their attention-more sound and more motion= increased attention span time:)
I have some relatives as well as friends who use this venue constantly to put their talent out there and at least each week or so someone is sending me something to watch that's posted on You Tube-great exposure!
Thing 8- "Video"
I chose to make a short video of our dog Kallie doing tricks-guess we have to do some brush up work over the summer-haha! Enjoy!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thing 6-Webinars and on-line meetings
I think my principal was a bit taken back when she asked what I thought and I stated I was a bit disappointed, and I was. I am not sure what I was thinking it would be, but it did fall short. It was a discussion on the Common Core Standards by a small panel of four from CELA and CASDA.
The presentation was about an hour long yesterday after school and entailed the four talking about some things they felt were important to implement the CCS. The gentleman who was the moderator I believe, would pose the question and the one woman who seemed to be in charge, would give an overview of what the other two women were going to speak about. Then the other two would give some examples after prefacing again what they were relating their examples to. I really don't believe they needed to keep reiterating the same things over and over since I can hardly believe there were too many viewers out there without some clue about the education field and paying to watch this for sheer entertainment. I mean, maybe, but...
There was no interaction between us and them. There was no opportunity for questions. It was no different than watching a taped panel discussion, I felt. They never stated WHAT the Common Core Standards were. I would have thought that may be how the presentation would begin. I feel this is the key piece I am having trouble grasping. It seems too vague. Now from experience of what we have been discussing at our school, I understood it mainly does go by what your school wants to focus on within the realm of the parameters they are putting out there. So, that may very well be why they didn't state what the standards were to being with. But it seems to me, all this has to be based on something! And really-after watching this-I felt like the main gist was making students think deeper, not just taking things off the top surface, not just asking the basic questions. Yes, we also need to be asking the right questions and that does take some work on the part of the "teacher". Now, I may have missed something here, but I feel like this HAS been our focus (I THOUGHT) for quite some time. I feel like I have been implementing these strategies. When I stated this after my principal questioned me, I felt like her look made me feel like I was just saying this to earn brownie points. I am sure too, many of you feel like this is preaching to the choir, but ISN'T this what we have been trying to and are doing already? Like I said-did I miss something somewhere here? What a shock for all of the school districts who let their librarians go...
Not to say this was a total waste of my time. I did glean a few strategies and ideas of how to implement some of the subject material and it was neat to see how this really does and can span and interconnect all subject areas.
I will leave you with what I personally thought was the best way I have heard it stated-a line from one of the woman in the panel-
"Our goal is to teach them "how" to think, without telling them "what "to think.
The presentation was about an hour long yesterday after school and entailed the four talking about some things they felt were important to implement the CCS. The gentleman who was the moderator I believe, would pose the question and the one woman who seemed to be in charge, would give an overview of what the other two women were going to speak about. Then the other two would give some examples after prefacing again what they were relating their examples to. I really don't believe they needed to keep reiterating the same things over and over since I can hardly believe there were too many viewers out there without some clue about the education field and paying to watch this for sheer entertainment. I mean, maybe, but...
There was no interaction between us and them. There was no opportunity for questions. It was no different than watching a taped panel discussion, I felt. They never stated WHAT the Common Core Standards were. I would have thought that may be how the presentation would begin. I feel this is the key piece I am having trouble grasping. It seems too vague. Now from experience of what we have been discussing at our school, I understood it mainly does go by what your school wants to focus on within the realm of the parameters they are putting out there. So, that may very well be why they didn't state what the standards were to being with. But it seems to me, all this has to be based on something! And really-after watching this-I felt like the main gist was making students think deeper, not just taking things off the top surface, not just asking the basic questions. Yes, we also need to be asking the right questions and that does take some work on the part of the "teacher". Now, I may have missed something here, but I feel like this HAS been our focus (I THOUGHT) for quite some time. I feel like I have been implementing these strategies. When I stated this after my principal questioned me, I felt like her look made me feel like I was just saying this to earn brownie points. I am sure too, many of you feel like this is preaching to the choir, but ISN'T this what we have been trying to and are doing already? Like I said-did I miss something somewhere here? What a shock for all of the school districts who let their librarians go...
Not to say this was a total waste of my time. I did glean a few strategies and ideas of how to implement some of the subject material and it was neat to see how this really does and can span and interconnect all subject areas.
I will leave you with what I personally thought was the best way I have heard it stated-a line from one of the woman in the panel-
"Our goal is to teach them "how" to think, without telling them "what "to think.
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