I started this blog last year for a class in instructional technology. As you can see, we were required to create three posts for the class. Obviously I haven't kept it up since the class ended. I'm not very comfortable with writing a blog. I guess that I haven't felt that I have anything to say that rates putting it out in cyberspace. I don't know why, since I have absolutely no problems rambling about anything and everything to the people around me. Don't get me wrong. I love the blog format, and follow a number of fantastic educators. I'm continually grateful that they choose to share their experiences and expertise, and I have benefited often. I just always think that I should leave cyberspace to the "experts".
I have been working on changing this view, and hopefully keeping this blog up more regularly will help. I am a new Library Media Specialist and many of the information literacy standards have to do with creating information for others to use. We are supposed to be teaching our students to not only use the Internet to gather information, but to participate in the culture of learning. I guess it's time to practice what I preach.
I just finished my coursework for my Library/Media Certification this past summer. After a whirlwind of learning about new technology that was available, I was excited to put my learning into practice. Although I am familiar with many of the recent innovations, I am not naive enough to think that I know it all. I am continually reminded of this fact as teachers come to me with questions that I cannot answer. As the only technology person in my building, I am trying to increase my knowledge base even more so that these humbling experiences become fewer and farther between.
I am lucky to work with a group of teachers that are also excited about the possibilities that technology brings to the classroom. We have already completed many fabulous projects this year using google earth, glogster, my big campus (a cheaper alternative to Moodle), photostory and pixton. As we move forward, I hope to find even more tools and ideas to bring back to my teachers.
Depending on your comfort level, you could use blogging to review books. This might even be a fun way to get kids reviewing, recommending, and participating more with what they read. You could post a weekly question to think about, a challenge activity, or some other interactive piece. Readers could share their thoughts in the comment section.
ReplyDeleteDeb - I share a lot of your thoughts and feelings about blogging. I am a 6th grade teacher and lot of people come to me for technology help. I tell them about all of the cool stuff out there, but I don't practice what I preach. For some reason I felt like I am not the blogging type of person. It is going to be a chore for me to keep up with it as well, but I am excited about the possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI like Jess's idea about using blogging to review books. I am also hoping to use blogging in my book clubs. I think it will be a great way to get everyones opinions and feelings about the books. What age level do you see as the Media Specialist?
Jess
ReplyDeleteYour ideas for using a blog for book reviews is a good one. I have actually tried it. I started a blog called Great Reads for my students to post titles and comments about books. So far this year I've only gotten 1 comment. I think I need to work on advertising the blog some more, or something. I really thought that kids would enjoy the idea of using a blog, but I've missed a step somewhere. Thanks for the idea. Please keep them coming.