Libguides & Research

Recently, I decided to give Libguides a go which my current school has provided for some time now. I was quite surprised at quickly I mastered it being able to draw on my experience with Web 2.0 technologies.

What I love most about Libguides is how you can gather library resources for a selected topic and host it in one location without the need to browse the OPAC in depth. Not only can you list the varying resources (and links) but also documents and other details.

I created my first libguide for Year 8 students studying Geography where they have to complete a research assignment on global issues. I found it challenging as a professional just to locate the resources on the OPAC and search engines. I wonder how the students would have coped on their own. Also I felt that online resources were in abundance on their topics, especially some of the topics were print resources were quite limited (few books are actually published on them sadly). I decided to focus on the harder to research topics and managed to find some resources for them. I bought these together all on the one page.

An awesome feature about it as well is how easy it is to update. As websites change and as the curriculum changes, I can modify the libguides. If anything new appears, it can be added in an instant.

For extra measure, I got the web resources added to the OPAC as well and even ensured that current links in the OPAC were still working.

Free E-Books & Audio Books

If you are looking for a free read and have either an E-Reader or Tablet, I've come across a link that provides an index of whats out there and the content that is available.

Happy Reading.

Wikipedia as a library of knowledge + tips

Judy O'Donnell has written an interesting article on the role of Wikipedia which allows for the creation of a library of knowledge (as I see it) and how we as a global society can shape it.

There are also some useful tips on how to use Wikipedia in research as well.

However in a classroom context, I feel that while it can guide a student in understanding an idea or concept, they can easily fall into the trap of relying on it solely for gaining information. 

I'd only recommend Wikipedia as a starting point for a research task and generally should not be included in a reference list or bibliography. We need to encourage students to locate resources in different formats from different locations. Students also are taught how to verify their information as they can compare information from one source with another source to ensure that it is correct and accurate.

Library Lovers Day - Feb 14

Today is not just Valentines Day but also is Library Lovers Day. It is a day to celebrate those who celebrate and love libraries but also remind key decision makers how loved and appreciated they are by the community.

More information can be found here.

Paul Dillon Presentation - Feb 5 2014

I had an opportunity to attend a staff information session hosted by Paul Dillon on Wednesday at the MLC School in Burwood (where I'll be based for Term 1). Dillon is the director of the Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia. The session focused on Teens and underage drinking.

What was most surprising about the presentation was the message that he had for teachers. He told us that with teens, alcohol and the culture of binge drinking amongst Australians, there is really little that we can do to stop the problem. Teens will drink no matter what. How I see it is that we as teachers have to minimise the harm.

We were reminded of the importance of drug education, reminding us that we have to work with parents and the wider community to minimise the risk of harm. Also he explained to us which year group is the most vulnerable which according to research is Year 10. It happens that the biggest increase in underage drinking occurs during that year.

He did give us one piece of advice for teens and drinking and its a lesson that every person can do, not just teachers. That is one reason why I'm posting this entry.

We should be praising those that choose not to drink. They must not be chastised for whatever reason they choose not to drink e.g health, personal preferences, abstinence.

I think this is a big challenge living in a society where it is expected that one drinks in order to be accepted by others and seen as the way of life.

My challenge to you is to see if you can do it too. I know people who don't drink but I don't judge people like that.

CEO Sydney ILe@RN with Mobile Devices - Ipad 2 - Final Reflection

The model itself (SAMR) is great for teachers to use in integrating technology for teaching and learning and to measure how the technology will impact on the learning process. By aspiring towards redefinition, we can teach in a means that can engage all students but also cater for the diverse learning needs of the classroom, especially special needs students. 

Comment by Fabian Amuso in "Rebecca's Mobile Journey", January 19 2014

During this course, I have gained many great insights into the use of Ipad's for teaching and learning but also to broaden my understanding of technology. 

This course has provided a great insight in how to use Ipad's as a teaching and learning tool. I started off in the first modules by exploring some of the "tips and tricks" in using an Ipad whether it might be splitting the keyboard into two, taking a screenshot and bookmarking webpages (and even how to create a icon on the main page). At regular intervals throughout the course, I was also introduced to more apps and resources which can be used to support teaching and learning in the classroom to provide for an engaging learning experience. 

Then I had the opportunity to learn how to evaluate an Ipad for teaching and learning purposes. As a teacher librarian, I have a major responsibility in advising teachers relating to the suitability of resources for classroom learning. This extends to technology and includes Ipad Apps. Without a system for evaluating apps, I would not be unable to provide a proper professional assessment of an app for classroom use. While not mentioned at the time, the evaluation provided insights into the nominated app that I may have not picked up initially. I will certainly apply this model in my work.

My knowledge and understanding of cloud and syncing devices was built up on. As mentioned I already have used some devices and applied it to some extent in my teaching. I even use it to store documents that are essential to my work and that allows for easy viewing at home or work. By the way, this removes the need to transport documents from home to work and vice versa, reducing the risk of loss to nearly zero. 

I was disappointed by the annotating apps because they were not advanced enough in my view with restrictions on what can be done to a pdf file in the annotation stage. I do believe that in time more features will be added and their usefulness to learning will become more established. 

The later modules provided the most relevant and useful skills needed for my professional role. Module Five provided me with apps to use in the creation of E-Books. It allows students with another way to reflect on the learning process but also if they want to share information or simply tell a story. I also shared some challenges that I'm faced in terms of encouraging students to read E-Books as seen through my experience to date as a teacher librarian. Students need to know that E-Books are available and offer benefits that print books cannot provide. This also includes newspapers and periodicals that are available electronically. I also learnt about IBooks and how they allow one to create their own digital library.

Module Six provided me with the SAMR model, a model that I intend to use in incorporating technology into teaching. It taught me that technology should allow us as teachers to redefine the teaching experience; to incorporate technology that allows for learning experiences that have not previously been possible with the use of pen and paper technology. That is reflected in the comment that I posted in another participants blog that I posted at the top of this entry. Technology caters to all learning needs and all types of learners. "Pen and Paper" just seems to be a generic way of teaching and often the easy path which we as teachers and educators have all been guilty of doing at some point. To me, I need to know how students learn and then select and incorporate the technology that reflects their learning needs.

Finally, I was able to create a short film using the camera and then edit it with Imovie to create the final film. I was impressed to discover skitch, a simple app that allows me to label an image with great ease. I didn't write it in my entry at the time, but I think it is the best app or program I have come across on any device that allows me to label an item which such ease. It will allow for a more professional presentation of labelled diagrams or pictures.

I conclude my reflection by stating that I feel competent and very confident in using Ipad's in the classroom for teaching and learning. While some aspects of the technology are not as effective as traditional computers, I feel that in time, Ipad's will have the full capability and function that traditional computers offer. While tablets are still in my view, tools for consumption of information. I believe that from the case studies of Ipad usage in the classroom plus my own experiences in creating content, they will become devices that can create information effectively. Some apps have their limitations as I noticed in this course but in time, will be fixed.