21st Century Learning Symposium

I had the opportunity to attend the CTAP 11 Symposium in Pasadena last Friday which featured Alan November as the keynote speaker. What followed were opportunities to meet vendors and two breakout sessions on valuable Technology integration resources.



As educators, we need to create self-directed learners that are prepared for the global environment of their future. Alan November stated that "we need to rewrite the job description of student, teacher and family." Our students are asking for a different role in the classroom. Are we under-using technology? How can we provide the mentoring teachers need to create authentic learning where students connect globally to classrooms world wide? Who should own the learning?

Week 9: Video & Downloadable Audio Thing 23: Reflections

I'm grateful to the CSLA Team for your promoting this amazing opportunity and supportive comments along the journey!

• What were your favorite discoveries or exercises? I especially enjoyed week 5 and playing with the image generators. I'm already adding new images to my brochures and promotional plans for the first two months of the new school year. In addition, the information on wikis and their possible collaborative connections was enriching. I will plan to use this format for the professional development that I'm planning to start the year with teachers.

• How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? This program has assisted me in learning the latest technologies more completely so that I might not only increase my own skills but share my excitement and applications with my co-workers.
  

• Some of these Web 2.0 tools were familiar but this opportunity enabled me to learn about each in greater depth. I plan to use the wiki format for my research pathfinders. I'm also considering the features as advantageous versus using Dreamweaver software the challenges of updates with a webmaster.
  

• The use of del.icio.us tagging tool offers flexibility when I frequently utilize multiple computers for my work. I can now login and access my resources more efficiently. The online image generators are going to update my presentations, brochures and other promotional publications throughout the school year.
  

• I already downloaded software for a podcast to advertise new materials, banned book week, and plan to have students create one for a book club. My LibraryThing account is just an initial surface exploration. Maybe a reading blog will have many selections with the features engaging readers to seek additional titles to read and share.
  

• Any take-aways or unexpected outcomes that surprised you? I hadn't expected to view the possibility of using a wiki for my library web page through learning about the various features which are easily updated and have a positive possibility for collaboration, versus the software dynamics of Dreamweaver and a webmaster timeline for updates.

• What could we do differently to improve upon the format or concept? I found sharing of other participants blogs interesting and making comments desirable. Although, I felt I needed to limit my actions due to my late start following my vacation.
  

• If we offered another...would you participate? Absolutely.
  
• Describe your experience in one word or one sentence. Enriching!
  

Week 9: Podcasts Thing 21: eBooks and Audio eBooks

I have a small collection of audio books in cassette and CD format in my library collection. I need to increase promotion of these for reluctant readers and students needing another format. I have students who like these formats to listen to on upcoming vacation travel periods. I was familiar with the Gutenberg Project and knew students who would continue their reading online during lunch time visits. In looking at some ebook sites I question who can enjoy the online read with a screen cluttered with ads and various box shapes outlining text inconsistently from page to page.

I have considered ordering some online ebook research materials that are frequently utilized in the library in print formats. The collection plan will address these curricular areas and resources needed in multiple formats to meet the needs of all learners.

LibriVox audio versions of free books provides information that is important to my stakeholders. The site makes it clear that these are part of the public domain in the US.

Week 9: Podcasts Thing 20: Podcasts(no iPOD required)

I listened to a podcast by Nick Senger titled "Teen Literacy Tips" but found an interesting discussion of tips for rejuvenating teachers from suggested movies featuring motivating teacher role models to reads to start the new school year. AASL's School Libraries Count Survey dated August 10, 2007 featured Keith Curry Lance desiring input on the status of school libraries. The video clip didn't play well for me so I missed the majority of his message. Cable in the Classroom presented a panel from 22.6.2007 on "Digital Ethics" where student behavior in a world of web-based interaction was discussed with Jay Bansbach, program specialist in school library media from the Maryland State Department of Education. Other participants weren't identified on the segment that I chose to listen to from June 2007.

I downloaded Audacity and tried a short recording for opening library public relations after following the directions on the Yahoo! Podcast Tutorial. during my exploration, I found teen read week promotionals, author sharing, and public library podcast information about services.

Week 9: Podcasts, Video & Downloadable Audio Thing 20:Youtube

I have been visiting the resources of Youtube occasionally. I haven't used it in my teaching to date. The attached is a Youtube video from a group of high school students that perform a library commercial as a rap, The Library Rap. Engaging talented students in a National Library Week contest for celebrating your library might encourage positive library promotion.I spent way too...much time observing the contents especially the favorites uploaded or viewed from this site. I prefer the videos that I found on teachertube as more applicable to my needs. Although, I feel it's important to understand the popular culture that's reached through this format. I could edit clips to use as part of library orientation or booktalks which might be engaging to the high school audience.

Week 8: Online applications & tools Thing 19: Library Thing

Library Thing allowed me to begin to create an online catalog of summer reading titles. The site provides options to share your enjoyment of books with others who selected similar reads, join a forum or groups relating to your choices, or create your own group. Create an account and rate your selections, tag them and search for others that readers might enjoy. Librarians who LibraryThing numbers 2898 and Read YA Lit has 888 sharing their love of YA Lit. Non-Profit accounts are available for a nominal fee. Is this the future of online library catalogs? Too cool!

Week 8: Online Application and Tools Thing 18: Zoho writer

Using Zoho writer I created a tentative calendar template to use. I tried to import the doc unsuccessfully. I decided in using Zoho Writer to change the language setting after learning of the possible options. Unfortunately, returning to the desired option isn't working and discerning the choices for FAQs hasn't addressed my needs. I also tried another area for posting issues but with no success.

The ability to access documents from anywhere is a plus. Having the choice of working online or off is a powerful tool. Zoho meeting would be advantageous for web conferencing and online meetings. The Zoho planner enabled me to make notes and write reminders for the upcoming week. In order to work on traditional desktop applications I need more play time for these free web-based options.