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Final Reflection - Digital Technology for the School Librarian

For this course, I was required to interact and evaluate a plethora of technology tools for use in the library. Some technology was geared toward student use, other pieces were used for faculty or staff use or for connecting with parents or other library patrons. I think this may have been one of the most useful courses I've had thus far in my LibSci grad program. On top of absolutely loving the way assignments have been handled through blog posts, the hands on experience and ability to look at how other students are using the same tools was so incredibly useful. The list of blogs for other students also gives me a future resource when I am looking for ways to use these tools.

My favorite tools were definitely the web 2.0 tools that I can use with students to create. Whether using them for lesson plans, makerspaces or with clubs, these creative ways to use technology to further understanding will likely be a core piece of instruction as a librarian. I imagine I will be using these sort of tools not only with students, but to lead inservices with teachers so that they can turn around and use the same things in their classrooms.

Included in these are the webcomic creators and podcasting tools. I think both lend themselves so well to creative use. In addition, the finished products can then be displayed using library social media accounts - another thing we focused on in the class.

For my own professional development, I am very excited about the infographic tools we got to play with. I'll admit my first attempt for the assignment turned out clunky and somewhat awkward, but the potential to create eye grabbing infographics that inform students or share data with administrators, parents, teachers and school board members is really exciting. I can't wait to really play with it and become more well versed in all the different applications for this tool.

Overall, the class was like a giant "Make and Take" session. I feel like I'm leaving the course far more prepared and with a giant toolbox of ways to connect with the different people I will interact with in my library.

Comments

  1. PB the LibrarianMay 1, 2016 at 9:20 PM

    I love your comparison to a make and take! It was like that. I enjoyed the blogging process and the comments from peers. It is a very valuable course!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Elizabeth GrossMay 4, 2016 at 7:27 AM

    This is so great to hear! I know that not everything is something you were already versed in, but that is how our teachers feel, too. You've learned to move out of your comfort zone and can encourage others to do so as well!

    ReplyDelete

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