Something to consider

Tashi Lives.
I came across this blog by randomly clicking "Next Blog" and thought it looked like an interesting use. Some of you may know a lot more about it than I do.

Moving

The new (it isn't a new room just new to the library) room is ready to start the moving process. We have a few road blocks ahead, specifically the wall shelves. We can move the free standing shelves with volunteer labor but the wall shelves need to be installed by a district work crew. We have no idea when that will happen. So do I remove the books from the shelves and wait?

The current plan is to move everything we can, leave the books on the wall shelves and take books as needed in carts to the other room. Not perfect but at least it will get us functioning in the new room.

What next?

I officially go back to work on Thursday, August 23. In case you haven't noticed that is really soon.

I am trying to figure out how to use this blog to do my job better. I teach information literacy and computer "skills" to first through sixth grade students in a Hayward, CA public school. The library media period is a prep period for the classroom teachers so I have each class for one 50 minute period each week. We will soon physically separate the library from the computer lab so I need to figure out how to manage the time between the two rooms. The move hasn't happened yet so making the change actually happen will be a challenge in itself.

If anyone out there in blog world has some ideas for using this blog, I would really like to hear from you.

Week 9, Thing 23

Favorite discoveries:
Custom Searches with Rollyo and Google Search both work well, but I like the Google version better. This is definitely a tool I will use often with our students.
PBwiki, what a great collaboration tool and not just for students. I see this as having a real impact in improving our school wide community. I am working on a library one but I see lots of other uses especially with our staff, meeting agendas and sharing of teaching ideas.
Visit my wiki. The magic word is runner. It definitely needs lots of work and I am sure our students will provide lots of ideas and inspiration. I am thinking about locking the AUP page but that is relatively expensive so I'll wait and see what happens.

Life-Long Learning Goals:
I am no longer afraid that the technology will overwhelm me. I have learned to try new things, not be afraid to fail and keep going. There will always be new “things” to learn and do. Our students deserve the very best I can provide.

Surprises:
Just about everything.
RSS feeds have greatly changed the way I view family and friends blogs. The professional blogs have been eye opening and very educational. There are so many wonderful, creative teachers and librarians surrounding me that I will never lack for inspiration.

Do differently:
If there could be some way to encourage more interaction among the participants, maybe comment on another blog each week. I found the comments very encouraging from the team but was elated when a fellow participant commented. The team has been wonderful and I treasure all the input. As so many others before me have said: Thank you!

Participate in another:
Yes, for sure. This was a great experience for me. I don’t think I would attempt one during the school year as I would get too far behind.

One word:
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
I guess that dates me. I am proud of what I have accomplished.
Lyrics.

Week 9, Thing 22

I first became acquainted with ebooks when I was working on a mini-unit on Aesop Fables. I figured they must be public domain so I did a little searching and sure enough there they were. I could easily print out different fables for the small groups. Unfortunately, I did not know of the great resources provided for us in this tutorial. Using examples of modern editions of one or more of the fables and comparing with the older editions the students were able to write their own versions with illustrations. If I had had this class, I would be able to link to an example of student work.

Search results for Aesop

I didn't even think to look for audio, ah, next time.

Librivox search results for Aesop

The students could read, write, record, and share. All with excellent models. Who knows maybe even a video.

I was also excited by all the Baum, there is so much we can use to continue to excite students about learning.

Vacation take 2

As promised here is a Flickr slide show of a few of our vacation pictures. They are different ones but I was experimenting with the process. I'm not sure which application I like better.
Different Vacation Pictures using Flickr

Week 9, Thing 21 Podcasts

Eric Carle.
This is the podcast that got me hooked on the concept of podcasts. This is a professional production with a major children's author and illustrator. Yet it illustrates many ways podcasts could be used in a school library setting:

1. Students listen to relevant podcasts
2. Students produce podcasts for each other
3. Teachers share ideas
4. Podcasts for specific English Language Development Lessons
5. The library "gets with it"

I have subscribed to a few podcasts related to children's books:

1. Book Voyages
2. Booktalks Quick and Simple
3. OCLS Podcast
4. Storynory

Once again, I have to say that time management is critical. It is very easy to use many hours exploring all the podcasts that are available for us.