Blog 10: Biggest Takeaway

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 Hello everyone!


It is so hard to believe that we have reached our 10th and final blog post for ISCI 761.  Over the last fourteen weeks we have explored a variety of topics and shared many resources. I have really enjoyed reading your blogs and I hope that you have found some useful information in mine as well.  


My biggest takeaway is that the school library media center is a much different place than it was when I was in school, and that a school library media specialist wears many hats that can vary based on the needs of the school community.  The school librarian is a broad role that extends way beyond just keeping track of the physical collection of books.  The school librarian also provides users with non-print information, teaches library lessons, helps provide technology resources, plans events, and incorporates hands-on activities.  The role of the school librarian will continue to evolve and change with the needs of the users, as it should.  We have learned something in each module that we can carry on to our future work as school library media specialists.  


My Blog Journey Recap


  • ISTE vs. AASL Standards:  In blog one, we explored standards used by school library media specialists.  We compared and contrasted the ISTE and AASL standards and discussed their application in the media center.  In all areas of education, standards are important for planning and creating quality lessons.  

 

  • Information Literacy: In blog two, we covered information literacy and examined our information diet.  A key part of a quality 21st century education is information literacy.  Librarians are often on the frontlines of helping students to learn how to seek out quality resources for research and information.  We cannot assume that just because students are good with software that they are proficient in digital citizenship. We must teach our students how to critically evaluate what they see and hear online. 


  • Tech Planning and SLM Leadership: In blog three, we put ourselves in the role of a school librarian sharing an ed tech blog / resource for a particular subject area.  Librarians are often seen as the technology leaders in the school.  Teachers have a tremendous amount on their plate already, the media specialist can help lighten the load by sharing tech resources that could be helpful to a whole department or grade level.  Media specialists can provide ed tech resource information and offer tutorials on how to use that resource.


  • Technology Integration Models:  In blog four, we explained how a piece of  technology could be used for education within one of the technology integration models that we had explored in the weekly readings.  This blog was a good reminder that we shouldn’t just use technology for the sake of using it.  When we integrate a piece of technology or recommend a piece of technology to teachers, we should do it with intention and purpose.  Media specialists should not only be knowledgeable on how pieces of technology work, they should also be knowledgeable on the proper frameworks for tech integration. 


  • Resources for Accessibility:  In blog five, we discussed an assistive technology and how it can be used in the classroom and the library.  We also explored the concept of universal design.  Media specialists should be advocates for universal design.  The library should be accessible for all users.  We should provide accessibility resources and assistive technology that can help more users to enjoy the media center and its resources to the fullest. 


  • Social Media in School Library Instruction, Communication, and Advocacy:  In blog six, we examined the power of social media and how we can use it to help the school library.  After using the weekly readings to determine the best platform, we created our SLM social media accounts and posts.  The media specialist should be prepared to reach users where they are, and social media is a great way to engage parents, students, teachers,and other community stakeholders.  Social media can help inform users of current events,display student work, highlight new materials, and more.  


  • Cyberbullying:  Blog 7 forced us to take a look at a difficult but important topic - cyberbullying.  In the readings, we learned how pervasive cyberbullying is and how it doesn’t always end in high school.  We explored how we can reframe “don’t cyberbully” into “be a good digital citizen” for better results.  Although many classroom teachers are doing their best, they often do not have time for standalone lessons on digital citizenship.  Media specialists can fill in the gap for this need by teaching digital citizenship in the media center and having strictly enforced  behavioral expectations for using school technology. 


  • Makerspaces:  In blog 8, we did our second blogshare.  We chose a blog that featured a new to use makerspace concept that we could use in a future media center.  Media specialists have the opportunity to encourage educational exploration with makerspaces.  The makerspaces we incorporate do not have to be elaborate or expensive, although they can be.  Media specialists can seek out maker materials from a variety of resources, including community members that may wish to donate.


  • AR/VR in the Media Center:  In blog 9, we spotlighted an Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Realty (VR) resource that could be used in the media center.  There are a variety of AR/VR resources and platforms that can fit within a school’s budgetary constraints.  By having AR/VR resources headquartered in the media center, they are accessible to a wider variety of students than if one teacher had a class set.  Media specialists can learn the AR/VR technology and then share with teachers and help them incorporate the tech into their lessons.  


I have enjoyed learning how technology can be used to enhance the school library media center program.  My favorite part of the course was building the website and creating the social media account.  I hope that I am able to incorporate what I have learned in each weekly module as well as possibly to build a real SLM website one day.


Thank you again for reading.


Lauren 

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