6/10/2011 Blog Reviews

http://projectsbyjen.com/blog/?p=2035

This post really made me think about the use of technology in my school.  Many of our teachers feel that simply using a projector is using technology.   I like how Jen Wagner explained some ways to make using the projector more beneficial by allowing students to interact with it, rather than just view a projected presentation.  I really liked the example of using the projector to peer edit, showing that even without a SmartBoard, the images can be interactive.  The interactivity is what makes things stick for the students.

(On a side note, Jen Wagner puts together collaborative, online projects that students love.  I have participated in quite a few over the years, and my 5^th grade students love them.  I highly suggest looking into them at http://projectsbyjen.com/index.htm. )

Wagner, Jen.  “The Words I Said Out Loud Today.”  Thoughts by Jen.  1 June 2011.  Projects by Jen.  Web.  8 June 2011.

http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/neverendingsearch/2011/06/08/i-hope-youll-search-with-skill-a-revised-letter-to-my-grads/

This post hit home—HARD.  My first class of fifth graders graduated this year.  As I started thinking back to what I taught them 8 years ago, I am amazed at how much better I am at integrating technology into lessons today, whether by technological advances or by experience.  Eight years ago, I never once took my students to the computer lab.  Partially due to scheduling issues, partially due to not knowing how to incorporate lab time into lessons.  I had one computer in my classroom that luckily was connected to the TV so they could see what I was doing.  I honestly hope that my students gained the technology and knowledge that they need to be successful during the rest of their middle and high school years.

 Luckily, I also realize that in the past couple of years, I have been helping my students learn and participate in a lot more interactive and collaborative activities that will prepare them for their futures.   I also realize what else I can do as a teacher librarian to help my current students become better and more effective at searching for information.  After all, I feel that it is not as important to know information, but rather to know how to effectively locate and use information.

Valenza, Joyce.  “I Hope You’ll Search (with Skill):  A Revised Letter to My Grads.”  NeverEndingSearch.  8 June 2011.  School Library Journal.  Web.  8 June 2011.

http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/2011/05/26/nurturing-transliteracy-with-vook/

This was the first I have ever heard of the Vook, a way to connect books, video, and the internet all in one format.  After reading this, my mind just started flowing with a whole bunch of ideas and applications that kids would love.  I even checked out the website (http://vook.com/) to get more information on what it has to offer.  What an amazing way to connect students to literacy.  I really feel that giving students the opportunity to create something like this, many reluctant readers would become more interested and take more ownership in their learning.  I will definitely look into the many possibilities and opportunities that Vooks can offer that will benefit students.

Hamilton, Buffy.  “Nurturing Transliteracy with Vook.”  The Unquiet Librarian.  26 May 2011.  Wordpress.   Web.  8 June 2011.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/05/the-future-of-the-library.html

This post was very relevant considering the learning commons discussion this week.   Many excellent points were brought up about how students will still need librarians, just in a different role.  Students will still need a library, but not just to access books, rather to be a center for their learning.  Once again, it shows that the librarian’s role is ever-changing and evolving.   I love that it was emphasized how important the librarian is in the lives of students and them being technologically adept.   “We need librarians more than we ever did. What we don't need are mere clerks who guard dead paper. Librarians are too important to be a dwindling voice in our culture.”

Godin, Seth.  “The Future of the Library.”  Seth Godin’s Blog.  N.d..  Typepad.  Web.  8 June 2011. 

http://pixelatedlibrarian.blogspot.com/2011/04/relevant-learning-angry-birds-in_24.html

This blog post only goes to prove how much more children know about technology than adults.  A school in Greenock, Scotland is using iPads in kindergarten classrooms to teach many skills is an amazing way to get and keep attention of some of our youngest learners that are often inundated with technology.    The school has a 1:1 ration of iPads to kindergartners.   How cool is it that a game that has captivated the world, “Angry Birds,” is being used in kindergarten classrooms to teach things such as position, size, etc.  It is even sparking conversations and collaboration between students on how to succeed at levels.   

Casida, Fiona.  “Relevant Learning: Angry Birds in the Kindergarten Classroom.”  Pixelated:  Rreaders and iPads in the School Library.  24 April 2011.  Blogspot.  Web.  8 June 2011.