current topics in school library media centers
In this class, we had to take a look at the issues in education from the point of view of the library media center. Through this class, we analyzed, discussed, and came up with possible solutions to these issues as well as evaluated various trends in librarianship, particularly looking at how we fit in a pluralistic and global democracy.
the role of libraries in assessment and academic achievement
One of the papers we had to complete in this class was taking a critical look at the role of libraries when it came into assessment and academic achievement within a school. There is no doubt that a strong library programs leads to higher standards within the student body and a more likely path for success. As I thought about this topic, I began to analyze how my school in particular, Ponderosa High School, succeeds when it come to supporting our student body within the library and where it might need to improve.
putting my studies into practice
Many of the idea I brought up in my paper above, I have put into action during my first year as the TL at Ponderosa. For example, I am definitely that bridge between teachers and technology. One of my favorite things to do as a TL is to have a teacher approach me and say, "I have this project, but I'm not exactly sure what piece of technology I can use to make it happen." This is when I go springing into action!
For example, a French teacher came into me recently not quite sure how to complete their photo collage project. They were taking a poem in French, recording their voices saying it, and inserting pictures to coordinate with what they were saying. I suggested a fun and exciting way to make this all happen would be to use Animoto.
So I set the French teacher up with an Animoto account, created an example project, created instructions both through a video and on paper, and got her students going with the project. When those students came in for the instructions, they were a little hesitant to try something new, but as soon as they saw the example project, they were ready to use the program and excited!
Below is a video of the example project followed by the instructions I used with the students.
For example, a French teacher came into me recently not quite sure how to complete their photo collage project. They were taking a poem in French, recording their voices saying it, and inserting pictures to coordinate with what they were saying. I suggested a fun and exciting way to make this all happen would be to use Animoto.
So I set the French teacher up with an Animoto account, created an example project, created instructions both through a video and on paper, and got her students going with the project. When those students came in for the instructions, they were a little hesitant to try something new, but as soon as they saw the example project, they were ready to use the program and excited!
Below is a video of the example project followed by the instructions I used with the students.