Library Specialist Bloggers

Here are some links to TL's on a virtual journey.

Deanna http://bespeckledhen.blogspot.com

Julie http://juliesaqpart3.blogspot.com/

Take time to explore this blog....I was very excited when one day I attracted a comment from Will Richardson, digital guru and hard core blogger!

Here is an example of a blog journal that I kept for my last graduate course:

http://weblogs.elearning.ubc.ca/etec521/2007/66c/kitchenerd/

The focus of this blog was to locate virtual resources that were illustrative of the use of the interent by Indigineous cultures. It was lots of fun.

Deb's return to the blog

I am posting this welcome to my York AQ Specialist candidates. I too will join you on this virtual journey. Enjoy blogging and post comments, resources as you learn.

Online Virtual Tours

Another resource for virtual tours online...

http://www.vickiblackwell.com/vft.html

Videoconferencing resources for All

Vanderbilt University offers vc for educators for a very reasonable price.

Details:
VANDERBILT VIRTUAL SCHOOL:
Please check the confirmed VC online calendar for available spaces andtimes at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/calendar.htm
Most events follow the following format-
Target Audience: Students in grades 7 -12Time: 9:00 and 10:00 AM (CENTRAL time zone)Format: 45-minute videoconference: formatted into a 30-minutepresentation followed by 15-20 minute interactive Question and Answersession with studentsCost: $50 per siteRegistration Online at:http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/registration.htmQuestions: Call administrative assistant, Chandra Allison, at (615)322-6511 or email Chandra at chandra.allison@vanderbilt.edu.

Wikipedia and Research

I have not been encouraging students to use wikipedia for pure research assignments. As a rule, I like to direct them to database resources, texts and ebooks to support any research they do in school. Still the wikipedia reference occurs.

I also read about how Richardson is reporting that repeated editing in a wiki does lead to accuracy and at our recent librarianship conference a presenter was pointing out how we know editors are blocked, how to identify recently edited entries and I am in a quandry. I understand the value of what is happening in wikipedia and I think it is marvelous BUT my job is to teach and assist students in appropriate research practice. Is it a good idea to cloud the issue with a "pop culture" type of resource????

Blogs and Librarianship

I have been exploring the use of a blog as a means of discussing book club books with students. These kids are busy, they are on the move and they are reading. I want to engage them in discussion without pinning them down to a lunch hour meeting. They have not, however bought into the idea of the blog....what to do? I am going to post nags/reminders on the web page and some brief announcements as reminders. Hopefully it will take off soon.

Be Really Afraid

Stephen Heppell was a keynote speaker at the recent OLA Superconference. He was innovative, entertaining and charming to listen to. He also shared some wonderful examples of teaching and learning with technology without using fancy equipment. The video clips he shared of student projects for BAFTA called Be Very Afraid are fabulous examples of how technology can enrich learning for teachers and students. They are also a testament to teachers who are passionate about their practice.

Here is the link: http://www.heppell.net/bva2/

I wonder how I can encourage more teachers to get connected to learning with IT to use something from these strategies???

Will Richardson and Passion Based Learning

I've just been listening to blogger and technorati Will Richardson in an online conference about re-envisioning education and he makes some good points about how we have to begin changing education. First, we have to embrace change rather than fear it. Second, we have to reach beyond school walls to our students and understand that they are familiar with accessing information 24/7. Third, we have to understand that people will pursue their learning if they are impassioned.

My question is....how do librarians tap into that passion, provide guidance and direction to students who are ready to go down that road????

Blogging for Gold.....

I am a Teacher Librarian in a High School north of Toronto. I am very interested in learning about how other TL's around Ontario, Canada, N. America and beyond are integrating educational technologies and social software of web 2.0 into their teaching in the library environment.

I am very interested in podcasting and the possibilities for creating interesting and authentic learning for students. Here is a web site that was built by myself and some colleagues:

http://www3.telus.net/public/burtb/podcastunit/index.html

It was an assignment for a course towards my Masters Degree in Educational Technology. I plan to use it with a grade 12 class this semester. Feel free to use the site, feedback is welcome.