Funny how you learn something new in an informal setting, in a relaxing slow-paced way and you really enjoy it. But then you take a course, & learn some of the same basic technology, & because it's for a grade, you freak out and worry about being capable of learning and putting that knowledge into action. That would describe me fairly well this semester.
Like I said at the beginning of my blog: I do Facebook and I have put together a DVD with music for my Pre-K kids as a gift to my parents at the end of the school year. I really enjoyed putting it together & did so in less than a week, working fulltime with 21 four-year-olds! But, I guess when you mix in a little extra stress of a grade involved, I don't handle it as well.
That being said, I have learned alot this semester. I have been exposed to technology that I had for the most part only heard of, and some I have never heard of. Ironically, my cousin from Maryland just mentioned Second Life this week on Facebook. He was remarking that he was glad he wasn't young when this technology appeared. Regardless of how I really feel about Second Life, I was glad I knew what he was talking about.
There is just so much "out there" now. I think you have to really try in order to keep up with technology unless you work for a rare school district that promotes the newest technology. I have asked our "tech guys" in my school district several questions this semester, and for the most part, they haven't known anything about, for example flickr, Second Life, Wikis, or even Photo Story.
One way that keeps me interested in learning new technology is to visit other districts websites to see what attracts me to the site. When I was preparing my PhotoStory I visited a site of a kindergarten teacher who uses a PhotoStory every week to post events in her classroom. I really liked that...and plan to do the same. This interests faculty as well as parents that log on to see their child and can get school news at the same time. Because we were provided with so many sites I will use them and continue to search the web for technologies to use in the classroom and library. Also, their as learning opportunities at our Service Center through workshops and I plan to attend the ones coming up that will teach me more about some of the technologies mentioned in our texts.
As a whole, I am feeling much more at ease about technology. I have seen through discussions postings for our class, some know alot about using technology and others are more like me and are eager to learn, but somewhat intimidated. I'm blessed to have a son who know alot about computers and technology, and the things he doesn't know, is willing to ask someone to help me. As I said in my first blog--I am so eager to become a librarian--I can't wait--and they will be surprised to find, this 50+ librarian knows what they are talking about!!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
The role of today's librarian
"I need a book on President Kennedy" Go look in the card catalog. "I want to read Harry Potter...who wrote that?" Go look in the card catalog. "I want a book about dinosaurs." Go look in the card catalog. What? There is no card catalog? Can you imagine a librarian from 50 years ago being dropped into a library of today? Talk about culture shock!
The role of librarian has changed so drastically in just the last 10 years. I use 10 years because I worked in a library 10 years ago. It was a small elementary school library. In 1990 this library had begun ordering books from Follett, with book records accompanying the book order. They were slowly importing data from books already on the shelves. With little training I was plunked into the middle of this process. I look back now & wince at some of the obvious errors I made while entering information.
Today, you cannot find card catalogs in libraries. You could just replace, "Go look on the computer," today. Librarian roles have changed in so many ways--the source of information being a major one. With computer access virtually anyone can "look up" information. From locating books on the shelf, to reading that book online, to finding an author, to research, to...well, you get the idea.
I find this change very exciting. I think technology gives students the power to go places and see things they could never see using just books. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE BOOKS!! I don't know if books will eventually be replaced by Kindles, etc., but for me books are therapy.
There are so many offerings for students-- to interact as they learn. Many people Facebook, have Wikis, play online games, or have a Second Life or Delicious account. My personal Delicious account has ideas I can use as I begin my library career. I will admit that I'm not terribly familiar with Delicious yet, but as I've said in past blogs, I plan to learn all I can from this technology and implement it into my library. My three listings would take students so far beyond just reading a book. I think my tags are the subject headings of the past. Some "subject headings" of today, were not even thought of 10 years ago. The internet has brought blogging, mashups and flickr to our world....and I like it!!
Yes, the role of a librarian has changed...but our basic love of learning has not changed. My role is to empower students or patrons to be a part of a world they may never see in person, but can take part in either through books or technology.
The role of librarian has changed so drastically in just the last 10 years. I use 10 years because I worked in a library 10 years ago. It was a small elementary school library. In 1990 this library had begun ordering books from Follett, with book records accompanying the book order. They were slowly importing data from books already on the shelves. With little training I was plunked into the middle of this process. I look back now & wince at some of the obvious errors I made while entering information.
Today, you cannot find card catalogs in libraries. You could just replace, "Go look on the computer," today. Librarian roles have changed in so many ways--the source of information being a major one. With computer access virtually anyone can "look up" information. From locating books on the shelf, to reading that book online, to finding an author, to research, to...well, you get the idea.
I find this change very exciting. I think technology gives students the power to go places and see things they could never see using just books. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE BOOKS!! I don't know if books will eventually be replaced by Kindles, etc., but for me books are therapy.
There are so many offerings for students-- to interact as they learn. Many people Facebook, have Wikis, play online games, or have a Second Life or Delicious account. My personal Delicious account has ideas I can use as I begin my library career. I will admit that I'm not terribly familiar with Delicious yet, but as I've said in past blogs, I plan to learn all I can from this technology and implement it into my library. My three listings would take students so far beyond just reading a book. I think my tags are the subject headings of the past. Some "subject headings" of today, were not even thought of 10 years ago. The internet has brought blogging, mashups and flickr to our world....and I like it!!
Yes, the role of a librarian has changed...but our basic love of learning has not changed. My role is to empower students or patrons to be a part of a world they may never see in person, but can take part in either through books or technology.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Librarians have changed!
I guess since I'm not yet a librarian, I shouln't say librarians have changed. Why? First of all, I'm not a librarian yet, so I'm basically comparing my 10 year career as a library aide, which I held 10 years ago to what I have learned so far in the 3 classes I've taken at UNT. As a library aide, I helped catalog, shelf and file books and shelf list cards. While working in this elementary library, we "did away with" the card catalog. My 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders didn't really "look up" books. I did that for them. I would think by now students at that school would be looking for their own books on the computer. Alot has changed since then. Elementary students have never seen a hard copy catalog of the books in the library. Much of my time was spent alphabetizing cards and filing them. Author, title, subject, etc.--all these cards had to be printed and filed in the card catalog.
As I've said in earlier blogs, I have so much to learn--and most of what I feel is lacking for me is the knowledge of technology and being able to help my students make their educational career exciting and beneficial.
With web 2.0--this second generation technology librarians have so much at their very fingertips. So much information is "out there." Whether the information on a website directly linked to a subject or using wikipedia students can literally research beyond the walls of their school or public library. Students can communicate with students around the world--linking up for projects and helping them have a "hands on" experience, without leaving the building. I remember, long ago, hearing of students having pen pals in another state or country. I always wanted a teacher that would let me do that. Teachers can now do that and so much more with students using flickr.
And that brings me to my delicious account. What a wonderful tool for teachers and librarians! I have 3 sites marked now. My favorite idea for using flickr is to advertise book fairs. When I worked as an aide our book fairs were a great success every year. I can only imagine how much excitement we could drum up using flickr! Using students, I think parents would really support our book fair even more. Another of my marked sites suggested a project using blogs and videos to communicate with students in Pakistan. I think students in 3rd through 5th grade would love the opportunity to get to know and exchange ideas with students in another country. Delicious gives librarians a easy way to collect ideas with other educators. Just like our students, web 2.0 has given us a chance to share ideas and make distance disappear.
As I've said in earlier blogs, I have so much to learn--and most of what I feel is lacking for me is the knowledge of technology and being able to help my students make their educational career exciting and beneficial.
With web 2.0--this second generation technology librarians have so much at their very fingertips. So much information is "out there." Whether the information on a website directly linked to a subject or using wikipedia students can literally research beyond the walls of their school or public library. Students can communicate with students around the world--linking up for projects and helping them have a "hands on" experience, without leaving the building. I remember, long ago, hearing of students having pen pals in another state or country. I always wanted a teacher that would let me do that. Teachers can now do that and so much more with students using flickr.
And that brings me to my delicious account. What a wonderful tool for teachers and librarians! I have 3 sites marked now. My favorite idea for using flickr is to advertise book fairs. When I worked as an aide our book fairs were a great success every year. I can only imagine how much excitement we could drum up using flickr! Using students, I think parents would really support our book fair even more. Another of my marked sites suggested a project using blogs and videos to communicate with students in Pakistan. I think students in 3rd through 5th grade would love the opportunity to get to know and exchange ideas with students in another country. Delicious gives librarians a easy way to collect ideas with other educators. Just like our students, web 2.0 has given us a chance to share ideas and make distance disappear.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Web 2.0...the machine is us/using us
Professor Wesch said Web 2.0, the machine is us/using us.... in this second generation of web users, I believe he was correct by using this title. Our dependence on this technology has almost made us "one with the web." Our computers began as information sources. They still are, but now they are such an intricate part of our lives. There are sites for anything I could ever wonder about. Computer technology has enabled us to "re-link" with friends we haven't seen in years...or Google about taxes on our house...or interact with people on the other side of the globe...or...well, you get the idea.
This is not to mention vast other sources; ones I either don't know about or don't have a need for yet. The most interesting part of this relationship with the sharing of information. We communicate with others everyday...sharing knowledge, ideas, etc., and at this point there seems to be no end to the process. Relationships are established, reconnected or ended online!
I don't know where this technology is going..& of course, as I've said in every post, I have so much to learn! But, I am enjoying the exposure to new and different sites and systems...happy to learn and eager to share with my students when I become a school librarian!!!
This is not to mention vast other sources; ones I either don't know about or don't have a need for yet. The most interesting part of this relationship with the sharing of information. We communicate with others everyday...sharing knowledge, ideas, etc., and at this point there seems to be no end to the process. Relationships are established, reconnected or ended online!
I don't know where this technology is going..& of course, as I've said in every post, I have so much to learn! But, I am enjoying the exposure to new and different sites and systems...happy to learn and eager to share with my students when I become a school librarian!!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Money to spend
Since my last blog I have completed several assignments to prepare me for my new job as a librarian. I'm learning such things as cataloging, MARC record information, and in this class, all about technology. As I said in my first blog, I have much to learn. One true statement about technology of almost any kind--it's expensive.
I just found out that I have received $10,000. to spend in my fictitious library! Oh how I wish this was a real situation-then I would have found my dream job in a very generous district!
My first monies would be spent on Kindles, eReaders, iRexs, iLiads or some other form of downloadable book. This may sound odd for a librarian that takes care of hundreds of hard copy books to want Kindles, but as you will see as I spend this fictitious money, I believe students should be exposed to technology of all kinds to help them in their educational career. If students have not seen or used a downloadable book, chances are they will. Kindle's sell for between $100 to $700. So I'm pretending I found them for $400. and will purchase 10. Library classes could be prepared for students from 4th grade and above to teach students how to use the Kindle and how to download books. Even very young students could be exposed to this technology. The list of books available is expanding every day. Prices to download books vary greatly, but if I only start with two books for each grade level (my imaginary school is a junior high, grades 7, 8 and 9), and spend $20.00 per book, I will only spend $400. per grade level. The devices will cost $4,000. Reading through two books would give the student a good feel for the downloadable technology and help them decide if this is a form of reading that they would enjoy.
My next monies would be spent on two Tablet PC's. These come under the names of Elitebooks, Lifebooks, or iPad. Because Tablet PC's are pricey, I would only invest in two and rotate my class through, exposing them to this computer technology that definetely has all the bells and whistles to impress students. With a full screen (which rotates), and ability to use a stylus instead of the keyboard, Tablet PC's will interest students as something a little out of the ordinary. Students can use the Tablet for research or typing assignments, as well as searching the web, or viewing podcasts. Prices vary from around $2,000. to $3000. I found a bargain and bought two Tablets for a total of $4,000.
Although my money is going fast, I'm going to buy two portable media players. These devices have many of the same functions as MP3 players, but because many students already own MP3's, I've decided to invest in a technology they might not be as familiar with. I will invest around $400. for each one of these devices. Students can use a portable media player to view, or review, previously recorded lessons or videos pertaining to lessons.
If I had $1,000. left I would buy a UMPC. An Ultra Mobile PC is small but allows many of the same functions as a full size computer; complete with Windows XP and wireless capabilities. As classes rotate through the library classes, one student could use the UMPC.
I could go on and on spending my fictitious money! I think this technology interests students today, and handheld devices are some of the best cutting edge technology. I realize that because I teach very young children I might not be aware of all the uses these devices can afford, but as I said in my first blog, I am learning so much....I have come a long way....but still have a long way to go!!!
I just found out that I have received $10,000. to spend in my fictitious library! Oh how I wish this was a real situation-then I would have found my dream job in a very generous district!
My first monies would be spent on Kindles, eReaders, iRexs, iLiads or some other form of downloadable book. This may sound odd for a librarian that takes care of hundreds of hard copy books to want Kindles, but as you will see as I spend this fictitious money, I believe students should be exposed to technology of all kinds to help them in their educational career. If students have not seen or used a downloadable book, chances are they will. Kindle's sell for between $100 to $700. So I'm pretending I found them for $400. and will purchase 10. Library classes could be prepared for students from 4th grade and above to teach students how to use the Kindle and how to download books. Even very young students could be exposed to this technology. The list of books available is expanding every day. Prices to download books vary greatly, but if I only start with two books for each grade level (my imaginary school is a junior high, grades 7, 8 and 9), and spend $20.00 per book, I will only spend $400. per grade level. The devices will cost $4,000. Reading through two books would give the student a good feel for the downloadable technology and help them decide if this is a form of reading that they would enjoy.
My next monies would be spent on two Tablet PC's. These come under the names of Elitebooks, Lifebooks, or iPad. Because Tablet PC's are pricey, I would only invest in two and rotate my class through, exposing them to this computer technology that definetely has all the bells and whistles to impress students. With a full screen (which rotates), and ability to use a stylus instead of the keyboard, Tablet PC's will interest students as something a little out of the ordinary. Students can use the Tablet for research or typing assignments, as well as searching the web, or viewing podcasts. Prices vary from around $2,000. to $3000. I found a bargain and bought two Tablets for a total of $4,000.
Although my money is going fast, I'm going to buy two portable media players. These devices have many of the same functions as MP3 players, but because many students already own MP3's, I've decided to invest in a technology they might not be as familiar with. I will invest around $400. for each one of these devices. Students can use a portable media player to view, or review, previously recorded lessons or videos pertaining to lessons.
If I had $1,000. left I would buy a UMPC. An Ultra Mobile PC is small but allows many of the same functions as a full size computer; complete with Windows XP and wireless capabilities. As classes rotate through the library classes, one student could use the UMPC.
I could go on and on spending my fictitious money! I think this technology interests students today, and handheld devices are some of the best cutting edge technology. I realize that because I teach very young children I might not be aware of all the uses these devices can afford, but as I said in my first blog, I am learning so much....I have come a long way....but still have a long way to go!!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Strengths & weaknesses
As I begin my second and third class from UNT, I have to stop and assess my strengths and weaknesses in the area of technology. On one hand, I feel confident and well-equipped in the area of technology. I enter data daily on my computer at school. I use my computer for attendance, assessments and correspondence every day. There is, however, so much more to technology besides computers. Such things as an ELMO or even a complicated DVD player might give me some major headaches. There is so much technology out there, most of which I have never used.
I do have a single strength that I think will serve me well. I have the desire to learn all I can regarding technology. I have learned so much in the six years I have been teaching at the Elementary level. To some my knowledge may seem minuscule, but I can use Word, Power Point, Movie Maker, Print Shop, Board Maker, and use a VCR/DVD player. Six years ago, I could only use two of the six items I listed. I plan on learning all I can from UNT about technology and implementing that knowledge in the school or public library position I plan to get upon graduation.
I do have a single strength that I think will serve me well. I have the desire to learn all I can regarding technology. I have learned so much in the six years I have been teaching at the Elementary level. To some my knowledge may seem minuscule, but I can use Word, Power Point, Movie Maker, Print Shop, Board Maker, and use a VCR/DVD player. Six years ago, I could only use two of the six items I listed. I plan on learning all I can from UNT about technology and implementing that knowledge in the school or public library position I plan to get upon graduation.
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