5 Blogs 7/1/2011

"Lady GaGa Librarians Unite!"
Gwyneth Anne Bronwynne Jones
6/25/2011
http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2011/06/lady-gaga-librarians-unite.html
I have to admit....the title made me very interested!  What on earth could Lady GaGa have to do with libraries?  Gwyneth talks about the fact that there is a revolution at hand, and librarians need to prove that they are not expendable.  We just need to change the focus and image of the library.  "Some revolutions compel you throw everything out. This revolution is easy...keep what you love but just make a shift." 

She goes on to say that librarians need to be more like Lady GaGa.  "She is innovative, a risk-taker, a change agent, an early adopter and dag she's COOL!"  How true is that!  I would have never dreamed to compare librarians to Lady GaGa, but it is so true.  Librarians need to become the innovators and become the catalyst for the changes and shifts in thinking that need to take place.  "We are NOT expendable because we are guiding the minds of our students to lead them to become life-long learners, curious searchers, and good digital citizens."


"Literature Map-  The Tourist Map of Literature"
6/22/2011
http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4064
This blog leads me to a very easy to use website to help kids explore new authors: http://www.literature-map.com/.  When you get to the site, you simply type in a name of an author and it creates a word cloud of similar authors.  This would be a great way to help children select new books to read based on their interests.  I have had a lot of 5th graders tell me that they liked a certain series, but had finished it, then what?  This website could get them started in selecting something along similar style of writing.  I also really like the idea presented about using the map to compare and contrast authors.  This could also lead to many discussions on style and genre.


"Current.im: A Private Daily Journal 140 Characters at a Time"
6/14/2011
http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4044
Current.im is an private online journal that takes the concept of Twitter and applies it to a journal.  Each day the students journal in only 140 characters.  This would really make them think about what they are saying and the importance of it.  I can see how this would also be excellent for reluctant writers.  It would be a quick and easy daily writing assignment or a daily warm-up.  Bad thing is the need for an email address (but the blog does give a way around it).

"Leaders Can Make Magic Happen Too"
Judy O'Connell
6/25/2011
http://heyjude.wordpress.com/2011/06/25/leaders-can-make-magic-happen-too/
Judy O'Connell really takes a look at the reasons why technology should be integrated into every lesson. We shouldn't just integrate technology for technology's sake.  We should integrate technology daily into lessons because of the powerful affect it has on student learning and achievement.  Unfortunately, some don't feel that way.  I really liked the comment added by Jeanne Skube:  "Thank you for a refreshing look at technology as power, not a hurdle."  When all educators realize this, student learning will become more evident and meaningful.


"Is Your Library Conducive for Collaboration?"
Leigh Ann Jones
6/25/2011
http://www.shelfconsumed.com/2011/06/is-your-library-conducive-for.html
Leigh Ann Jones looks at the fact that collaboration is necessary for student success.  The library needs to be the place that collaboration can take place.  She addresses the following seven things that can be done to encourage collaboration (most of which we have already discussed in this class). 
1.  Arrange furniture so small groups of students can easily work together.
2.  Allow productive noise.
3.  Work with your tech folks to allow students to bring their own devices.
4.  Establish relationships with students so they feel free to come to the library to work on projects as time allows.
5.  Ensure that the library is open before and after school and during lunch.
6.  Provide materials students may need.  This may range from up-to-date online resources to basic supplies.
7.  If space allows, set up a production lab so students may design and edit projects.  This could be a small office or workroom converted for this purpose.
8.  Collaborate with teachers to encourage projects that are process-based, inquiry-driven, and collaborative in nature.
Most of these can be done without having to worry about money or budgets, they just take devotion and a little extra time to support student learning. 

She also states, "Because students are social, collaboration is natural to them.  As students work together in our libraries, we may be able to observe skills that will help us improve our collaboration with teachers!"  I think this is an important concept.  Many teachers grew up during a time where collaboration is not the norm, and now we can learn a lot about collaboration from our students.