Explanations in Plain English

I was browsing www.slideshare.net (BLOCKED IN MY DISTRICT!!!!!) early one morning (at home, of course) and discovered a wealth of Web 2.0 powerpoints. One of them incorporated a youtube video. I clicked on the link and found myself in the midst of one of the best uses of youtube for explanation.

Lee and Sachi LeFever have developed, written, and produced some incredible videos teaching a variety of subject matters, many of which are concerned with Web 2.0 tools. I highly recommend The CommonCraft Show.

http://www.commoncraft.com/show

Enjoy.

Debbie

Advisory Rotations

I think I might be getting an advisory rotation next year! I am so excited. I was visiting with our assistant principal as to how I wanted to work with a group of students on a Bulldog Wiki for announcements, club news, campus calendar, kudos, etc. and she said, "We're looking to add a rotation so we can have our students giving the announcements."

Of course, I jumped right on it!

That means that each six weeks I will have the joy of working with a group of students for public speaking, podcasts, journalism through the wiki and flyers. This is going to be GREAT!

Debbie

What's Being Taught about Libraries in Teacher-Preparation Programs?

I have decided not much.....

I have spent the past two days interviewing potential teachers during our annual district job fair. I enjoy this assignment. I think it shows the value my administration on my campus places on the library media program.

At some point during the interview I asked each candidate how he or she either uses the library (if currently employed) or would use the library. Here are the responses:

• to remove troublesome students from the classroom
• for silent reading
• to use Study Island
• to take AR tests
  
• to be taught how to use word processing, database, spreadsheet, or presentation software
• to check out books

Not one time was there mention of a collaborative lesson with the librarian. Not one time was there mention of citing sources. Rarely was there mention of research.

I also ask about their use of technology. Here are the responses:

• Powerpoint presentations
• Use of computers -- mostly for word processing, database, spreadsheet, or presentation software
• Use of United Streaming -- good
• CPS system (or the clickers as one applicant called them)
  
• Webquests -- again, good

Not one time did an applicant mention blogging or the use of a wiki or podcasts. I question the teacher preparation programs for not including these Web 2.0 tools. I question the school districts from which the currently employed applicants come.

Now that I have spent two days at the job fair I believe I am ready to work this summer on some much needed teacher training. What "lessons" do I want to develop?

• Orientation to the services in a 21st century library
  
• Using powerpoint effectively -- or beyond the electronic outline
• Using blogs in the classroom
• A class/department/schoolwide wiki
• Collaboration with the librarian
• How to find, validate, and incorporate the use of online materials
  

I see my summer is going to be busy!

Debbie

Let me Clarify!!!

I hope I am not giving the impression that I consider graduate school a waste of time. I absolutely, emphatically, with-a-doubt do NOT! I have earned a graduate degree in counseling and a graduate degree in library and information sciences. I love going to school. At this point in my life, my time is better served taking those courses which are of interest to me and not necessarily courses which would lead to another degree.

I cannot imagine not going to school, whether self-directed or formal instruction.

Keep LEARNING!!!!!

Debbie

What I Have Planned for the Summer

I am so excited that I have decided not to continue taking courses (unless something is of VITAL interest to me, such as the online courses Alan November, http://novemberlearning.com , creates).

Instead this summer I plan to:

• Map out next year's library programming (something about teachers and administrators and other librarians and students makes the planning difficult once school starts)
• READ, READ, READ (I just love YA lit!)
• Clean the library clutter (okay, I admit it -- I am a clutterer)
• Finish the two books I'm writing, continue the 3rd, and begin the 4th

Not too shabby of goals for someone who "has summers off"!

Debbie

Time's 100

I found out this week that Stephenie Meyer (and if I have to tell you who she is, you are not 1 - an adolescent girl; 2 - her parents; 3 - a young adult librarian; 4 - a boy interested in that adolescent girl; 5 - an employee of a bookstore) was named to Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the Year.

I can understand why. After all, to quote Emily (one of my students), "Mere mortals just don't work for us any more, Mrs. A."

Congratulations, Ms. Meyer!

(From a fellow Twilighter),

Debbie

Justa Question

Have you ever wondered why some people have problems with other people but they never come to that person before they complain up the ladder?

Debbie

How Can I EVER Keep Up?

I am sitting here, on my sofa, with Miss Holly, having enjoyed my coffee before 4 am, wondering how I can ever keep up (or at least begin to understand) all the wonderful tools through Web 2.0.

I've come to a few conclusions:

• Turn off the TV (less is definitely more!)
• Stop taking graduate coursework towards a specific degree (all that time on those assignments is keeping me from what I am passionate about -- empowering young adults)
• Learn from others in your Web 2.0 community
  
• DON'T panic. You'll never catch up.
• Share what you learn.

Debbie