Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Getting it out there!

To be a change agent... need to market myself to school staff more
'Ning' is happening and SLOWLY staff members are coming on board. Limited interaction to date ...small steps
Im trying to inject a bit of humour to get them interested...i do get comments when i see the teachers, which tells me that many are reading, but only 2 members really getting into it. Funnily enough these two are 'off' class..maybe they have the time to sit at computers...Mmmmmmm
My previous post is an example of my discussions on Ning. It's such a useful tool to spread the word...im going to be brave and suggest that as majority of staff members are now Ning members that the school communicates via Ning !!!! accessible 24 hours ..ease of looking it up , know the info is correct rather than hearsay when 'checking' on info now he said/ she said/ maybe its/ ....... hehehe ..accessibility?, authenticity? ... sounds like selection criteria to me! Kennedy is in my head

WHO'S BEEN SPILLING THE BEANS?

The story has leaked...bods in high places know I ve got the teacher librarian position and now there is a Govt INQUIRY into teacher librarians !!!!!

Lodge a comment.. a quick process

Go to -

http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/edt/schoollibraries/index.htm

Every submission is valuable, no matter how brief! Act now! Submissions are due in by April 16, 2010

Copied from ‘Bright Ideas” READ MORE ABOUT IT

§ Carl A. Harvey’s What should an Administrator expect a School Library Media Speciali...

§ Jamie McKenzie’s Why We Still Need Libraries and Librarians

§ The UK School Library Association’s Primary School Library Charter

§ The UK Chartered Institute of Libraries and Information Professionals Statutory School Libraries Document

§ Stephen Heppell’s Libraries and Learning DVD

§ Preparing a Submission to a Parliamentary Committee Inquiry

§ Inquiry into school libraries and teacher librarians in Australian ...

§ Teacher librarian numbers decline

Submissions close on Friday 16 April.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Shhhh... it s been quiet

Still quiet..cause im so pre occupied with all my new discoveries. Well for me they are 'new'. In the last few days ive found out that vidcasts exist...read/heard Roy's vidcast and was wondering if he may appear as a halogram or even arrive by 'beam me up scotty' means. Not yet ...but then again maybe that is a different technology that im yet to 'find'.Well podcasts are now definately in my scope of expertise.. yes i was a virgin before CSU 401 & 503..., i did know aboput i pods but never had used one till a couple of weeks ago. I needed to get my head around the ipod to record the podcasts. Soooo once i found an ipod reject from one of the bods in my house... recharged it ...you know the little slide thing on top turns it on...NO help from anyone cause they are keeping their distance from the madwoman that lives in the same house as them..oh thats ME! Now i did find the cord and plugged it in and nearly blew my brains out with music already recorded on it..the circle bit is the volume imagine that....i had headphones on cause it helps block out the pleas from household members..'havent you done the washing yet Mum?" ... my response to that one was ...thanks for all of your help with my ipod investigations ..see the large white thing in laundry? its the washing machine ...challenge for you ..do it yourself. Enjoy the experience of discovery and satisfaction of a job well done CAUSE THE FAIRIES AINT DOIN IT ANYMORE..they re busy, otherwise entertained with CSU ...no i wont tell you what those letters now stand for, tooooo rude! Ok back to the podcasts.. got an ipod charged and someome blurted out i need itunes..tell you i need a stiff drink more like it. Let s cut to the chase here... I finally downloaded the podcasts onto my ipod...yeah technology! For 503 topic i found some FAB podcasts ...freebies..to boot not copyright...so ive transferred them..from a website to my itunes to my ipod..yeee hah Well im happy now about to move podcasts to school student files for easy quick access then see about placing them in 'my enquiry'. Mind you this path of discovery took hours and hours and hours...but i got there in the end!
Read an article in Sunday paper from 2 weeks ago.... De Bono saying we need to teach the students how to learn....maybe he has been reading my readings also ... I was an advocate of the six hats ...when directly teaching it ..it amazed me how often the 'slower' students got it but the 'brighter' ones struggled...so stuck in the absorption method of learning, regurgitating facts.. mmm 'thinking' hah?
Must copy this post from Seth my feed ...to be reminded
"If you have a teacher (of any sort) that you cannot please, that you cannot learn from, that is unwilling to take you where you need to go because he is defending the status quo and demonstrates your failure on whatever report card he chooses to use, you could consider yourself a failure. Or you could remind yourself...
  1. Grades are an illusion
  2. Your passion and insight are reality
  3. Your work is worth more than mere congruence to an answer key
  4. Persistence in the face of a skeptical authority figure is a powerful ability
  5. Fitting in is a short-term strategy, standing out pays off in the long run
  6. If you care enough about the work to be criticized, you've learned enough for today" by Seth

Monday, March 22, 2010

Change agent ...that's me!
"Change agents support,assist,nuture,encourage,persuade and push people to change,..act as caregivers, coaches, connectors and catalysts ...to assist in chartering and implementing courses of action" ..."T L s to display many of these characteristics to different targets of school reform"
(Hughes-Hassell & Harada 2007 ...so that s how/why shift happens...

T L Role

Have been quiet on blog cause I ve been online....so many fab resources out there. While 'searching' for digital ? web? resources. Wow. The library has officially got a 'web' resource in 'My Enquiry", now know it takes a few hours for it to appear. So exciting. Ning is happening as a staff communication ...slowly....encouraging staff to check posts etc. Even offered a challenge "who can find our new type of resource in lib now ..search 'other tab' etc .. 2 staff members responded... BEAUTY! Slow steps...
Oasis break down AGAIN today... nearly had a teacher librarian break down also! Managed by asking chn to put desired selection in lib bag, returns scanned when working, delivered them to class later. Much better than writing everything down as I was last week.... suppose need to have efficient system when the compts NO WORKY.
Started "Library Online" today..put sites in favs ...Harmony Day quizes ...chn s log ons much better... most chn not a prob. Working on a rotation working well ...and having the timer on keeps them focused on task. The GA has put a 'washing line up on top of compts.. for notices, sites etc...hints...just wait till I put some 'undies' up...surely that will make them look for themselves, rather than hand up...'Miss...how do you..." Hope to get sites on My Enquiry and of course keep track of sites that they stay active etc....checking them out took ages, appropriate etc. Keep in mind when policy writing. Might stick to DET approved sites.
Draft Curr forum meeting tomorrow ...needed to register, got a password,'beam me up Scotty?", my first forum!
Read Doug Johnsons articles.....has a sense of humour 1 of his publications.. simple stupid rules... might enlarge and put them on display.... yep tech involves change, open your eyes its all around you ...doing the students a dis service not equipping them... get over it.... accept it ...get on with it...... "Machines are the easy part; people are the hard part: Observations about
making technology work in schools:"
Second Edition Written by Doug Johnson Illustrated by Brady Johnson
Also commented on parliament submission site ... some of these TL s are a power force....

Thursday, March 18, 2010

SHIFT HAPPENS?

How does shift happen? I want to promote exploration of IT to colleagues but some very negative views. Spoke to school counsellor today about strategies to get some T bods on board the digital trail. Looked up info on "Motivational Interviewing' ... promoting change, strategies. Will try reflective listening techniques to dispel the 'i cant do that' 'It s a waste of time" 'No use learning it because it will be out of date by the time i get it' myths. Plan to hold a library session on the next staff development day. How to use 'enquiry' locating treasures/ resources independently, as game format. Plan to show You tube 21st Cent learning, and samples of childrens work, using computers in library.
Some headway made with setting up interactive sites on lib compts and class teachers giving it a go during lib time. Resistance from lack of confidence? Chn prepd charts with prompts for classroom display, encouraging Ts to continue activities out of library. Harmony Day interactive positive responses from stubborn Ts, " cause the chn already knew how to do it and wanted to continue' . Yes a great motivation tool to use in classroom, some agreeance there! And it's already prepared for you. Slow steps, confidence building, maybe one day we will plan IT together! Ts and TL. Offering fab websites via email and school Ning site, accessed by a few, and on posters in staffroom info board with tear off 'try this' websites to investigate. Small steps... this is all new to me ... if i can do it ...give it a go ...my mantra of late.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Essential teaching partners - Haycock

Models RBT / RBL ?
NAPLAN results - maybe some Ts teaching (for the test) to produce 'better' results- loads of pressure for 'improved performance scores'. Overloaded with content to cover, the RBT may be viewed as a more practical model in the classroom by some - churn through the content .TLs Resource Based Learning model focus on students learning 'how to learn' student centered, purposeful -in line with QT practice. TL is in unique position as a specialist hence vital for collaboration between Ts & TLs as "essential teaching partners"(Haycock)
TL has a particular role, a teacher focusing to support teaching and learning programs of the school, management of the school's information services and sources, and a teacher of 'understanding and using information'.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

My "Teacher Librarian" role

So many sites trawled... have to stay on task..time flies when you are having fun. Reminds me of students getting carried away site after site uummmmm where is that ‘Information Processing” model?”define’

This week ...’my role’? ...tasks

Working on my marketing campaign , sent off library photos to the Principal to include on school website . Also mentioned that I d like a library link down the track.

Need to ‘share’ info with staff more efficiently, have set up a display of ‘new resources ‘ in staffroom , flashing them (ie. resources) in staff communication meeting not enough.

Preparing for our class blog. Investigating “Ning” template for blog entries.

Ive foraged through the storage areas of the library, Ive been amazed at the resources that the library has in its collection. Some great stuff hardly been used. Unfortunately there are many antiquated resources wasting valuable space there also. Much time is spent physically searching, in the TR kit room, the drop on the floor cause you cant shove it on the shelf’ system no worky too well. Just some of the challenges I suppose. I need to prioritise and get helpers on board. Weeding time, everyone on board.

Library shelves taken off back wall in preparation of smartboard coming. Junior fiction in milk crates on the floor, very different presentation of Junior Fiction for now - moving “Reference” out to TR area

There is good news - new computers have arrived, technicians came installed and secured. Sorting out student log ons with classroom teachers, prep for PRC, bring it on. Notes have been coming in (permission to have name printed in newspaper) children keen to log on computer.

Increased borrowings now in place.(Methinks that could mean more lost books, groan)

Oasis wouldn’t open, server probs 2 mornings last week – admin office also frustrated, fingers crossed this week – hopefully not too many hiccups with borrowing/ returns , 2 classes writing all barcodes down.

Some interesting interpretations of “information process” model in circular form, from stage 3 last week, sharing ideas time this week.

Cybersmart site task proving challenging with the use of a timer. Locate site, complete module all within 12mins.

Found the craft book with spiral green and white cover...you know the one? Hey that one was easy , look for the spiral. Now the others???

Want to jump up and down about draft national curriculum..... consultation closes 23rd May ....do something about it.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

ASK A T L !

What’s a TL to do?

‘Hazell - 'partner in student learning' rather than just an organiser of resources, we are Teacher Librarians, we are teachers not just resource managers . What an opportunity - to be familiar with resources available and have the opportunity to focus on ‘learning’, - using information .The importance of collaboration with staff, it' s a battle at times ‘selling myself’ as TL. TLs are specialists let’s maximise learning opportunities for students., working ‘together’. I m thinking I need to ‘share’ more with staff, especially on how to use ‘enquiry’! Hello, they can even access it at home. The norm has been to mention a unit of study and the TL provides with resources. The times they are a changing, TLs can do much more. Let' s ‘learn to learn”.

My sign off on emails now reads ‘Teacher Librarian”

Friday, March 12, 2010

Thursday, March 11, 2010


Revamp the library - I had some time (carnival day) and willing helpers. Ikea specials, Spotlight fabric bargains, a heap of inspiration and hard work.We covered the daggy split benches, re-organised the shelving to free up a wall (smartboard coming), and staple gunned our little hearts out. The reaction from the children makes it all worthwhile. Checking out Ruth Skerricks blog Skerricks: GIFSL* 53: Signage: Welcome to fiction spurred me on. I ve just read her 'bargains' post and noticed the way she's arranged the chairs. - Ill be trying it asap. Immitation is the highest form of flattery they say. I do wonder 'how does she find the time'.????

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Sites and more sites I have navigated a gazillion sites of late. There is so much good stuff out 'there'... I wonder where I have been, that I have not embraced this exciting digital world around me sooner. 21st Century learners.... like me...need well resourced up to date libraries with teachers willing to share skills.
Subscribing (free) to the Oz-teachers OZTL_NET www.csu.edu.au/cstl/oztl_net/sub.html &
Edna http://www.edna.edu.au/edna/go groups has given me instant connections to a myriad of useful sites. I ve been msging sites off to other staff. The time just flies as I explore and press 'save as'.
This "Imagine" clip is so cheesy, but packed with relevant messages, goes for 3.25.
I was interested in looking at background shots of the library re set out also.

Find more videos like this on School Library InfoTech Programs: Tapestry of Effective Practice

Saturday, March 6, 2010

21st Century learning matters you tube
How to identify 21stC learning organisations? Where does the learning occur? -based on how they function than by how they look. Schools become learning organisations.(i thought they always were!) Students need personally meaningful relationships (students need to be purposefully engaged)interest driven learning. The quantity of knowledge has multiplied and we need to guide our students to access it.

Learners of the 21st Century

Friday, March 5, 2010

Ashley Freeman ( at Cliftons - course orientation) commenting on the use of the word ‘library’ and its relevance, i thought ‘come on we don’t have to change everything.....' but i have now been wondering on the future of the library, and even the term 'library'......seed was planted
'library' "noun,plural-brar·ies.
1.a place set apart to contain books, periodicals, and other material for reading, viewing, listening, study, or reference, as a room, set of rooms, or building where books may be read or borrowed.
2.a public body organizing and maintaining such an establishment.
3.a collection of manuscripts, publications, and other materials for reading, viewing, listening, study, or reference.
4.a collection of any materials for study and enjoyment, as films, musical recordings, or maps.
5.a commercial establishment lending books for a fixed charge; a lending library.
6.a series of books of similar character or alike in size, binding, etc., issued by a single publishing house.
7.Biology. a collection of standard materials or formulations by which specimens are identified.
8.canon1 (def. 9).
9.Computers. a collection of software or data usually reflecting a specific theme or application.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

"Education for the Library Profession in the Digital Age.
"Re Dagmar Schmidmaier's address at the State Library of Victoria on 6 February 2007.
D S relating the ‘lost key’ Tafe story highlights that the challenges are everywhere, not just MY lib. There will always be challenges.. with my lack of experience in the TL role, i thought my challenge would be more about a money grab so that more resources can be purchased ohhh im learning it’s so much more.
“the modern library – meld library and the internet”
Future of libs- very interesting comments, lib of future an exploration of ideas & innovation. Rather than the demise of libraries TL have a platform to expand libraries -the needs of users are there. Of course meet the needs of users by encompassing & embracing technology developments . Provide an up to date efficient service, mindful of the ever evolving technology developments... more challenges for me as TL
School lib unique position of being instructional...where users learn how to access info. Provide students with relevant learning opportunities using digital sources. My school is in a low socio-economic area, many families don’t have computer access at home and don’t seek it (public libs etc) hence many students disadvantaged.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

After reading “Covey” time management, I could place people I know in different ‘key activities’...crisis is how my teenager gets by day to day! Most interested to read further........
“Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People®
habit 1 - be proactive®
This is the ability to control one's environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Self determination, choice, and the power to decide response to stimulus, conditions and circumstances
habit 2 - begin with the end in mind®
Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful.
habit 3 - put first things first®
Covey calls this the habit of personal management. This is about organising and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says that habit 2 is the first, or mental creation; habit 3 is the second, or physical creation.
habit 4 - think win-win®
Covey calls this the habit of interpersonal leadership, necessary because achievements are largely dependent on co-operative efforts with others. He says that win-win is based on the assumption that there is plenty for everyone, and that success follows a co-operative approach more naturally than the confrontation of win-or-lose.
habit 5 - seek first to understand and then to be understood®
One of the great maxims of the modern age. This is Covey's habit of communication, and it's extremely powerful. Covey helps to explain this in his simple analogy 'diagnose before you prescribe'. Simple and effective, and essential for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life.
habit 6 - synergize®
Covey says this is the habit of creative co-operation - the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which implicitly lays down the challenge to see the good and potential in the other person's contribution.
habit 7 - sharpen the saw®
This is the habit of self renewal, says Covey, and it necessarily surrounds all the other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional, which all need feeding and developing.”
From http://www.businessballs.com/sevenhabitsstevencovey.htm 27/2/10
In the TL role I always need more time and to be very well organised -to cope with the demands. I ll try to put the big rocks in the bucket FIRST
“the time management 'rocks in bucket' story
Use this time management story to show how planning is the key to time management.
Start with a bucket, some big rocks enough to fill it, some small stones, some sand and water.
Put the big rocks in the bucket - is it full?
Put the small stones in around the big rocks - is it full?
Put the sand in and give it a shake - is it full?
Put the water in. Now it's full.
The point is: unless you put the big rocks in first, you won't get them in at all.
In other words: Plan time-slots for your big issues before anything else, or the inevitable sand and water issues will fill up your days and you won't fit the big issues in"
From http://www.businessballs.com/rocks.htm 27/2/10
May need to tell this story to many people around me, also need to remind myself sweat the big stuff plan & handle the rest.
Love the idea of organizing on a weekly plan, suits school life so well.

Monday, March 1, 2010

MY LEARNING JOURNEY

Hi

Hi let the journey begin

My 'learning' journey


Well it's a beginning ....actually it's a blog mmmm web log
did it I'm a blogger with an avatar chuffed if i do say so myself
learning curve...
Oh i ll have to just BLOG IT!