21st Century Teacher-Librarian

Reflections on Daniel Pink's "A Whole New Mind"

2009-05-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

I started reading Daniel Pink’s A Whole New Mind last summer in preparation for our PG&L assignments for the fall. Immediately, I was intrigued by Pink’s analysis that in order to survive in the new global community, we had to start thinking with more than our left brain. Having started my career in the law, a totally left-brain driven profession if there ever was one, I understood when Pink described our society’s aversion to anything not motivated by the left brain. I too got caught up in that philosophy when I chose law as my career, even though I am basically a creative person, I didn’t place much importance on it. Now, having gone that route and been dissatisfied with it, and chosen a more creative outlet for myself, I agree with Pink that we shouldn’t undervalue the right-brain characteristics any longer, and in fact should embrace them, based on what is happening in the global economy, the future rests with creative right-brain thinkers like designers, teachers, inventors and storytellers to name a few. I felt so strongly about this after reading Pink’s book, that I had a long discussion with my teenage daughter. She is also a very creative person, but her school schedule reflected only left brain honors courses and the basics all schools offer: English, math, social studies and science. Since she was entering 10th grade at the time and her future is closer than I like to think, we discussed what it is she would like to do someday. She revealed that she enjoyed being creative and yearned for a profession in the fashion or publishing industry, something her schedule did not reflect. Based on what I learned in Pink’s book and what I now knew about my daughter, I didn’t feel the need to direct her to the left-brained type of professions like I was steered towards. We immediately called her guidance counselor and changed her schedule to include an introductory art class. She took the course this year and enjoyed it very much and was recommended for a special district program in graphic arts and design. She is now enrolled in this course for her last two years of high school and has also enrolled in a summer course at F.I.T. for high school students. It’s amazing what a simple change to her schedule (inspired by Pink!) to include an art course made to her future plans!
Now to get back to Pink’s A Whole New Mind, I enjoyed reading about all the senses, but Story really spoke to me. I’ve always been an avid reader, and the art of story telling has always fascinated me. I totally agree with Pink that society has overlooked the potential of Story for too long and is only now trying to get back to it. As an educator, we strive to instill good reading and writing skills in our students, but do we ever really explain why this skill is so important? Of course students grow up knowing that they must learn how to read and write in order to survive and progress in a profession, but the impact of Story is never truly explained or explored. Even children learn better when told a “story” about a subject rather than given just a list of facts. The publishing world has begun to notice this too, with more and more “trade” books being published on non-fiction subjects which look more like picture or story books for children.
Pink gives several ideas to enhance and develop Story skills. One I particularly liked and feel would lend itself well to students in a classroom setting is the Mini-Saga. The Mini-Saga is a fifty word short story, and unless you’ve tried to write one, you know this is no easy task! To get your thoughts and points across in just fifty words takes practice and skill and should be taught to law students, since lawyers are some of the most verbose people there are in the world! I wrote a Mini-Saga for my first Pink discussion and I’ll repeat it here (I tend to be wordy too, a throw back to my lawyer days, so I’m proud of this):
A group gathered around the man: wife, children, grandchildren, sister, nephew. Amid tearful goodbyes, he thanked them for being there, prayed with them and breathed his last. His passing came and went, but the blessing of his life remains forever in their hearts; saying so long for now, never goodbye.
This exercise in writing a short story, besides being enjoyable, really brings home Pink’s point that in today’s society, when facts and information are free and immediately available to the taking for almost everyone, the facts themselves are not what are valuable. “What begins to matter more”, says Pink, “is the ability to place these facts in context and to deliver them with emotional impact.” This is the real meaning of the skill of Story and why we are seeing more of it in the worlds of business, medicine and hopefully education too someday. There are many ways for teachers to incorporate the skills of Story into the curriculum, through the Mini-Sagas mentioned above, to digital storytelling (bringing technology into the mix to tell a story), interviews, writing exercises involving great opening lines to photographs for “back story” writing, and oral story-telling. Pink suggests all of these ways to work on improving our talent for Story and I feel all these activities would be appropriate for students in a school setting. Being a librarian, I’ve always believed in the power of a story for instructional purposes, so rest assured I will continue to embrace Story in my future lessons and foster more creative, right-brain type activities in my library media center!

Are Free Tools Worth the Price?

2009-03-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

In my final discussion panel with Brenda Dyck (Salon # 5: Are Free Tools Worth the Price?), we unanimously agreed they are definitely worth it! First of all, the "No" viewpoint was very weak, focusing on the assumption that we must support the software companies "that have worked the bugs out of programs before we use them." How lame is that? Somehow, I think the computer software companies will figure out how to survive in a Web 2.0 world! I think the "Yes" viewpoint hit on a better negative point, which is the problems sometimes associated with free tools. However, who hasn't encountered similar problems with purchased software too? The extra time it may take to fiddle with a new free tool is well worth the savings, especially in light of today's economic crisis and looming budget cuts. In addition, the argument the "No" viewpoint makes with respect to the lack of usefulness and appropriateness of some free tools I also found to be misguided. Sure, some people may not see the need for "word clouds" or "Wordles" in the classroom, but that doesn't mean they are worthless, just that some people may just lack imagination! To help make my point, I created the Glogster page that's shown above. At first glance, an online poster maker may just seem like another frivolous tool, but with a little ingenuity, a "scholarly" topic and some imagination, even a Glogster can be used in education!

Neil Postman and the Judgment of Thamus: Salon #3

2009-03-26T17:30:00.001-07:00

I participated in the third salon entitled "The Judgment of Thamus", based on an exerpt of a book by Neil Postman. I found the article, our salon discussion and the additional articles and video posted on the salon wiki, very thought provoking! The articles really got me thinking about how the new technologies of today are altering our understanding of the purposes of education and teaching and the role of not only the teacher, but students too. Postman makes the argument that technology innovations have a two-sided effect of being both (he does not mean either/or) a burden and a blessing, and in fact he says "a new technology does not add or subtract something. It changes everything." Although at first reading he seems to be a technology "naysayer", what he's really advocating is moving into the future with our eyes open to the possible effects of new technology innovations. By viewing new technologies in this light, we won't be blind to the possible harm that could be caused, because as Postman stresses, any new technology always produces both winners and losers. Education is an example that he gives where the teachers are the losers, although they are deluded into thinking they are the winners. While I do not view technnology innovation as harshly as Postman, I now view those same innovations in a different light. Before jumping onto the bandwagon of a new Web 2.0 tool for instance, I will look more closely at it to ensure that this technology innovation really improves my teaching and enhances my students' learning and is not just the "bells and whistles" that students are becoming accustomed to. I'm all for the "bells and whistles" if they have a positive impact on student learning, increase enthusiasm for the project or topic being taught and do not hinder any types of learners. In fact, I'm beginning to reevaluate some things I took for granted about new technology, for instance that it always improves learning when in fact some traditional approaches to teaching might still be the better and more effective practice taking into consideration the unique group of learners in any given class. I still support technology innovation and look forward to trying out new tools, but as an educator, I can no longer ignore the negative possibilities that might arise from certain innovations, and must not forget that although technology may solve some "old" problems, that same technology may generate new problems. Our task as educators as we move forward into the future with our "eyes open" is the difficult task of not only trying to predict what new problems will arise from certain technology innovations, but also what these same technologies may ultimately "undo" as we struggle to redefine knowledge and information in our ever-changing world. At least by acknowledging the fact that new technologies alter how we think and learn, we can join with Thamus as Postman suggests and become part of the conversation and ultimately the solution, balancing the old with the new.

The Wordle at the beginning of this post is my attempt to start a conversation based on Neil Postman's ideas. I took the key words from his son Andrew's introduction to the 20th Anniversary Edition of Amusing Ourselves to Death, by Postman. When inputted into Wordle, a fantastic "word cloud" of ideas and concepts is created based on (both) Postman's thoughts and writing. Wordle is a great example of how judging the benefits or problems of technology is subjective, since some may say: "A word cloud, so what? How does that help my students?", while I can argue that although it is substitute for Postman's actual written words, a Wordle can generate interest and enthusiasm and ultimately a deeper discussion into the topic! No matter how positive or negative you are about technology (or whether you think Wordle is a teaching tool or a joke), all of us must reevaluate what we do in the classroom in reaction to the increasingly present technology, whether it is closing the door to it or embracing it, we must do so after careful consideration with our "eyes open."

Where's the Beef?

2009-03-07T18:08:00.001-08:00

I participated in Brenda's first "salon" entitled: "Where's the Beef: Finding Literacy in Computer Literacy". I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and came away with a lot of thought provoking ideas and revelations from both the text and the discussion. Literacy is something I'm keenly aware of in my role as a library media specialist, especially how I can instruct my students and better prepare them to be 21st century learners. Information literacy is usually my focus, but literacy really encompasses so many more areas and is constantly evolving in today's ever changing technology rich world. The article really makes one think about whether we are doing the right things as educators, are we focusing on the right technology, the right skills, to ultimately prepare our students for their future? The author makes the point that the education world is notorious for taking its time especially where technology is concerned. I love the final quote of the paper: "So--if we resist, drag our heels, take another 20 years to understand the world of digital literacy, what is the price we are willing to pay? What is the price you are willing to pay?" Since the author discusses the "remix culture" we now live in, especially with respect to literacy, I was inspired to create the above Animoto, a short video depicting the various points the author makes throughout the article. Hope you enjoy my remix of "Where's the Beef"!

Flash Plan Assignment

2009-02-27T16:26:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about learning how to make a Flash animation, however, I know next to nothing about Flash! I feel confident though that after watching all the screencasts, I should have a better understanding of what Flash is all about and should (with a little help from my friends and mentors) be able to create what it is I'm dreaming up for my PBL assignment. So here it is, my plan for my Flash assignment, otherwise known as My Flash Plan:
PURPOSE: The purpose of my project is to introduce the Orphan Train Webquest I am creating for my PBL work this semester.
AUDIENCE: The audience I'm targeting is the class I'm creating the webquest for, a group of 5th grade students.

CONTENT, LAYOUT and DESIGN: I'm visualizing an old-fashioned passenger train car moving across the top of the screen (think Splash header), complete with audio of train whistles and engine sounds. I would like each window on the train to be blank, but as the train moves, for different pictures to open in each window. The pictures will be actual photographs of orphans who traveled on the real Orphan Trains. I'm still thinking of the text, if any, that I might want to appear as the train reaches the end of the page, maybe just the title of the webquest and a catchy subtitle, with my name.
So, that's the PLAN! I'm excited to get started, but I'm not sure of how to do that yet! In the meantime, I'm going to look for the photographs I want to include in the project.

Google Guru Workshop

2009-01-31T08:18:00.000-08:00

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The Google Guru workshop was awesome! I learned so much in such a short period of time and there was a lot of information I want to go back to and explore further! To think I just knew about Google Documents at the start of the morning. Now I'm excited to try some templates and spreadsheets, and have even started playing around with a google form survey, as you can see above. Templates, presentations, spreadsheets and forms, oh my!

Using Flash in the Library

2009-01-24T16:58:00.000-08:00

It is my last semester in T.E.A.M. and we are exploring Flash. As with most I have experienced so far in this degree program, I have no experience with Flash, but hope to understand and be able to use it very soon! For homework I had to view many different examples of flash on the web, which gave me a better idea of the many uses of flash for educational purposes. After viewing the examples, I developed the following three (3) ideas for incorporating flash into my library lessons:
1. Interactive Games
What better way to assess student learning than through a fun, interactive game? I know my students love playing games on the computer, so why not combine their love for gaming with a review of library terms or a crash quiz on the Dewey Decimal system? With flash, making learning fun for students is possible and helps me assess what my students are learning, what needs to be reinforced and/or explained in more detail. Whether it is a simple game or one which uses more advanced flash techniques, a game is an effective way to introduce or test information literacy skills.
2. Stimulating Lessons: Graphics, Sounds, Movie Clips
I think using flash techniques could really make research subjects come alive for students. Sites like PBS, Discovery Channel, and Smithsonian all use flash to put the viewer in the historical scene. Students can view a movie clip made in flash and gain a better understanding of what they will be researching. Short flash movie clips on a topic would be a great way to introduce a research project and build enthusiasm.
3. Splash Header for Library Website
I feel a vibrant and interactive website is a necessity for a 21st century library media center. Therefore, creating a splash header for the homepage would be a great way to stimulate interest in the library’s website and entice more students to explore further. Employing techniques similar to those used in the Smithsonian—African Voices example given to us, would really enhance the look and feel of my library’s website. Scrolling text, pictures appearing and fading over a set time, are just a few ideas which would look really nice. I can’t wait to start creating a splash page!

Summer I--Video Class

2008-05-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Summer session one has begun and already I'm totally hooked on video! I've just finished creating my first assignment, an educational PhotoStory. I chose to create a documentary of my son's day trip to Philadelphia with his cub scout den and our whole family. Philadelphia is a great city with lots of history, and it made a wonderful subject for my educational PhotoStory. Check out my PhotoStory below to see some of the interesting sites in Philadelphia!

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Reflections on Year One in T.E.A.M.

2008-05-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

What an amazing first year this has been! I cannot believe the amount of technology I have been exposed to, played with and actually used over the last few months. Although this past year has been extremely stressful, trying to finish up my library degree at the same time as starting this Ed Tech degree, I don't regret my decision at all! Believe it or not, working on the two degrees at once really complemented each other. I have been able to use all this new technology in the library lessons I've created for my student teaching this semester and in my assignments for my library classes. Being able to integrate technology in this way into my library work has really been a bonus not only to me, but to my students, and it has made me more confident in my teaching abilities. Now, as I prepare for graduation from library school on Mother's Day (the best and only gift I want that day!), I can look forward to focusing exclusively on T.E.A.M. in the coming summer sessions. I love video and photography and can't wait to get started on those classes, that it doesn't even seem like class work to me! In addition, I have been busy with searching for a library media specialist position for next school year (yes, it has been a very hectic semester!)and am looking forward to finding a job where I can incorporate all this great technology am I learning into my library lessons and media center website.

Having fun with VoiceThreads

2008-05-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

I just took yet another workshop, this time on creating VoiceThreads around images. The workshop was held at the Hecksher Museum in Huntington. What a great location for a workshop! We were introduced to VoiceThreads and then given an assignment to engage us in actually working with and creating our own VoiceThread. First, we viewed some of Long Island's best student artwork, then we had to take pictures of certain works, upload them into VoiceThread, then record a description of each piece including our comments and reactions. I really enjoyed the whole process, from the picture taking to working with VoiceThread. Just think of all the possibilities this tool can present in a classroom or library! Now I have another addictive tool to add to my Web 2.0 toolbox! Below is my first VoiceThread I created at the Hecksher Museum:

Live from ASSET!

2008-03-17T07:04:00.001-07:00

Here I am, at my very first technology conference. So far it is similar to the library and research conferences I have attended, with the name tags, free bags and breakfast. However, I find the vendors and all the cool technology much more fun to look at! As I wandered around the exhibits before the keynote address, I fell in love with a SmartBoard type of technology called Mimio Interactive, which turns ANY whiteboard surface (including a piece of white foam core board!) into an interactive surface! The ramifications of this little piece of technology astounded me, as I pictured teachers being able to share the Mimio, making it much more cost effective than large SmartBoards. Every class has a board, so just clip the Mimio on and you're set to go. I will definitely remember this piece of technology when I get a job in my own library next year, because if there is no SmartBoard already, I'll budget for the more cost-effective Mimio!

Rushton Hurley was the keynote speaker. He was great, very funny, informative and inspiring. His message was a good one, that technology will enable us to learn along side of our students, creating a fun learning environment which will increase focus and confidence of our students. He demonstrated a few fun and free technology tools and connected these to the curriculum and also to testing and assessment. His use of the interactive "clickers" was a lot of fun too! Now off to my first session on technology projects in the classroom! I'm having so much fun already!

"Which Technologies Will Shape Education in 2008?" Article Response

2008-03-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

My first reaction to reading this article was that I am so happy that I'm in this program now and I can recognize some of these technologies! I like the way this article broke down the technologies into time frames of when we will feel their impact, whether in the near term, mid-term or a bit further down the road. I was excited to see that grassroots video will have a significant impact in the next year or so. I'm amazed by the easy to use and relatively inexpensive video equipment that is now available for student use and the simple and free internet based services supporting the sharing of these videos. If a new computer geek like me can figure out how to make a video and upload it to You Tube or Google Video, then anyone can do it! The mash-ups and mobile broadband in the mid-term range I'm not as familiar with, but the idea of virtual field trips really interests me. Finally, I was a bit surprised to see the "collective intelligence" and "social operating systems" in the further down the road category, since I've seen their use quite a lot recently. The implications for education and learning when using technologies such as wikis or social networking are enormous. I've just begun to use these tools and I look forward to incorporating them into many future lessons!

Survey Monkey Workshop

2008-02-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

I've been playing around with Survey Monkey in order to get ready for the workshop this afternoon. The link for my first survey is listed below. Can you guess what it's about? Reading of course! Click the link and take my survey when you get a chance. Thanks! Click Here to take survey

Metacognition Module Response

2008-02-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

For this assignment, I chose to present my answers to the module questions in a PhotoStory format. Now, if you know me, my strength is my writing, so I definitely decided to work outside my comfort zone and try something new. Since I am student teaching at the moment and working with two 9th grade English classes who are working on my world hunger webquest, I thought I'd create my own PhotoStory, since that's the format the students are using too. I figured I could use the practice so I could help the kids. Well, the actual process of creating the PhotoStory went well, and the project came together easily, I'm happy to say! However, I did not account for the fact that I did not know what to do with the PhotoStory once it was complete! I realized soon on that the file was too large to email to Michele. Then I decided to embed it in the wiki, but how to do that? Well, don't use YouTube, I can save you a lot of time here. I tried uploading my PhotoStory to YouTube and after several tries I realized that wasn't going to work, even though they kept giving me a code to embed, it never worked. At 1 a.m., I gave up and did the only smart thing I could think of the next morning, I emailed Karen! Thanks for your suggestion Karen, which was to upload the PhotoStory to Google Video. This worked perfectly, and I was able to embed the code in the wiki. So, all I can say is, I learned a lot about "Metacognition" in the module, but my learning did not stop there, I've learned alot about PhotoStory, YouTube and Google video too! Here's a copy of my metacognition video, in case you want to check out my first PhotoStory!

Another New Start

2008-02-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Wow, did that school vacation go fast or what? I can't believe that I'm already knee deep in the spring semester, my last one for my library degree (hooray!) and my second semester of T.E.A.M. I'm once again learning things at lightning speed. For example, I took the SmartBoard workshop and now I'm creating lessons for it and doing a lot of my student teaching with it at the high school. The students love when I pull out the SmartBoard, it's not a technology they're that familiar with and I notice I collect a lot of onlookers when I'm teaching with it, as other teachers wander into the library to watch! I just finished a workshop on WordPress and am already creating a new blog with this great, free, online tool, so look out Blogger, as soon as I get my WordPress blog up and running, I'm switching! Now, I'm waiting for my next workshop about creating banners in PhotoShop, which I desperately need some guidance and direction in, so I'm looking forward to this class. I have to design a banner for my Dreamweaver site, which is no easy task, not so much in the technical aspects, but because there are so many choices and to narrow it down and come up with an idea that really pops off the page is going to be difficult to say the least. At least I'm following this whole CSS layout which we are now using for our sites and I'm finding CSS much more easier to use than what I had been doing. So stay tuned for some of the new exciting technology I will be learning and using this semester and possibly a new blog!

Cognitivism Module

2007-12-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

After studying all the information on cognitivism, I now have a better understanding of how to help students encode information meaningfully to long-term memory so that it can be easily retrieved, namely by focusing on two main elements: providing organized instruction and activating prior knowledge. Memory plays a prominent role in the cognitive theory, and learning results when information is stored in long term memory in an organized and meaningful way. One way to help students to do this is through graphic techniques such as semantic maps, concept maps, networking, advanced organizers, etc, all of which can be done using technology or the old-fashioned way, on the board or individual worksheets. By emphasizing the structuring, organizing and sequencing of information, teachers are facilitating optimal processing. Students benefit from using such techniques as outlining, summarizing, mneumonics, chunking, analogies and links to prior knowledge. A favorite in library instruction is the K-W-L chart, where the students list what they know on a topic, then what they want to know, and finally, after the research is complete, what they have learned. In this way, students are assisted in organizing and structuring the information they already know with the new information they are learning.
Acrostics, mneumonics and visual clues also help students to connect new information to memories already in the long term memory. I remember to this day the colors of the rainbow through "Roy G. Biv" and the "preposition song" and the "helping verb song" I sang in 7th grade English class. By setting all the prepositions and helping verbs to popular song tunes, and repeatedly singing the songs, this knowledge was transferred to my long term memory, as evidenced by the fact that I still remember these songs (but don't ask me what I had for breakfast 3 days ago, you get the idea)! I'm looking forward to singing the bibliography song with my library students someday, another song which combines students knowledge with a popular tune. I also recently observed a library lesson which made clever use of mental imagery. The lesson was on the "Dewey Body" and helped students to remember the different Dewey Decimal classification categories by connecting them each to a different part of the body. I never saw students learn this information so fast and in such an enjoyable manner! Coincidentally, I was studying those same classification categories in my cataloging class, so I passed the "Dewey Body" lesson on to my classmates, since you're never to old to have fun with learning!
Two other ways teachers can help students to encode information meaningfully to long-term memory is by using cognitive apprenticeship or anchored instruction. During cognitive apprenticeship (an example of cooperative learning), students can collaborate in groups to construct meaning and call on their teachers as facilitators to the process. Anchored instruction engages students with authentic tasks designed to develop useful knowledge and problem solving skills, while at the same time motivating students by connecting to their prior knowledge, and thereby facilitating transfer into long term memory.
Finally, while attending my first TEAM workshop last week on Podcasting, I was reminded of the cognitivism module. One of the reasons I listed for using podcasts in education was that they allow for infinite review and reinforcement of skills. By recording podcasts we are using the technology that our students are most familiar with, such as IPODs, and we can help them break down important information into smaller digestible chunks, which they can review at their own convenience, as many times as they feel necessary. I feel that podcasts are a great technology tool which ties into the cognitive theory which emphasizes that the learner is responsible for learning to occur as they rehearse, code and structure their knowledge.

2007-12-03T15:43:00.001-08:00

@ Your Library Podcast created in my first workshop! I worked with a partner, a fellow librarian, and we had to discuss ways podcasting can be used in libraries.

Click here to get your own player.

Adolescent Boys' Literacy

2007-11-26T19:10:00.001-08:00

I am going to add this video to the introduction of my NERA Conference Literacy presentation.

World Hunger Animoto

2007-11-24T08:08:00.001-08:00

I created this animoto on world hunger to introduce the webquest I'm developing for one of my library classes!

Reading For the Fun of it!

2007-11-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

I tried the Poll Daddy site out and inserted a reading poll in my blog because as a soon to be full-fledged school librarian, reading is my thing! I'm a voracious reader and read everything from school books (yes, I enjoyed reading Schools That Learn) to young adult fiction (since I work in a high school library) to all sorts of adult fiction and non-fiction too (especially cookbooks, since I love to cook and collect them). In response to my poll, one of you asked what I've read recently. Well, besides the required reading for T.E.A.M. and the three other classes I'm taking in library school, I'm currently reading Love in the Time of Cholera, and I recently finished Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and Lance Armstrong's autobiography It's Not About the Bike. As you can see my tastes run the gamet, but what doesn't change is that I always have a book in my hand. I feel strongly that as educators we must model an appreciation for reading in order for our students to develop their own love of reading. Literacy experts call this the "Peter Effect" and have documented that teachers cannot give their students what they themselves don't have, soooooooo, I urge all of you to not delay and pick up a book you've been putting on hold! Your students will benefit and so will you!

Reading Poll

2007-11-13T10:22:00.001-08:00

Technology in the Fast Lane

2007-11-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would know and accomplish as much as I did in these last two weeks! I feel like I went from 10 mph to 90 mph in the blink of an eye, all without a crash helmet! I'm just loving this blog thing, to the point I have to pull myself away from it to concentrate on my other work. I made the mistake of showing my kids how to make a meez, so now they're distracted by the new technology I'm learning too! I find myself following a sort of routine now, checking all the new sites: TEAM, TEAM Wiki, QuickTopic, gmail, blogger, delicious, etc., as I go about my day. I should have bought a more fashionable case for my laptop, instead of the functional backpack, because it goes everywhere with me now. Maybe I should have went with the smaller screen version to save on the weight, since my back has been protesting lately! My new headphones are a blast, I feel like a pilot as I sit in front of my computer all plugged in and ready to Marratech! Anyway, I looovvvveee all the new technology I'm learning, and I'm sharing it at the very least with my family at this point, and can't wait to turn this new knowledge into extraordinary library lessons someday. After all, I'm the new generation of 21st century teacher-librarians!

My Thoughts on Starting T.E.A.M.

2007-11-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here I go again, diving in head first into a completely different and unique situation, in this case, T.E.A.M. I became intrigued with the Masters in Educational Technology program after observing Karen in her library. The lessons she has developed are not only creative, but integrate technology to such a degree that I was intimidated and amazed at the same time! I knew that she went through the same library program that I am currently going through, however, I have not been introduced to the sort of technology she is using. When I made the connection that all her wonderful use of technology and know-how came as a result of T.E.A.M. I knew I had to look into the program myself. Little did I know that my life was about to change drastically, yet again! It wasn't enough that I decided to retire from being an attorney when my second child was born. No, then I had to get a job as a teaching assistant in a high school library, with the intention of becoming a teacher someday. Not only did I fall in love with the library, but I found a new career path, that of library media specialist. I enrolled last fall in the Masters of Library Science program. Now, not only am I finishing that degree this coming May, but I have embarked on yet another path (T.E.A.M.), one which I feel will help me become the "21st Century Teacher-Librarian" I hope to be someday, hence the name of my blog! In the last week I have been busy setting up all different accounts, buying a laptop, installing software, creating of all things a blog (my kids are having a real laugh over this), reading yet another textbook, and learning new technology at such an incredible rate that my head is spinning! Ideally, I probably would have waited until I finished the library degree before beginning T.E.A.M., but circumstances just fell into place and here I am now. The next six weeks will be brutal for me (and my family!), until my class schedule lightens up somewhat when the spring term starts in January, but I am so excited and motivated to learn that I feel all this effort will be worth it in the end. Educational technology is such a natural pairing with the library, that I know I have made the right choice. I can't wait until my first class in two days!