Author: AOK

Thoughts on Shatzkin’s Files

AOK ETL503 ,

Ahh the tricks of the trade.  It was very interesting to read about the history of Publishing and how the changing information landscape influences people and people’s decision making.

Shatzkin, (2016) discusses how the distribution of books has always been through a bookstore and that the bookstore offered an avenue for discovery.  This traditional method if you like, I believe, is an important aspect of a school library.  Promoting different authors and genres, book display of themed or new titles gives students the opportunity to spread their wings, try something new and discover.  At the beginning of this school year I asked my students, What sparks your interest? I also challenged them to pass their spark on in the hope to ignite someone else interest or fire.  Peer discovery is just as powerful as teacher directed.  School libraries hosting a Book Fair is another opportunity for children to discover.  Not only is there an excitement about books but you are able to discover what books interest particular age groups in your community and build your own collection appropriately. The need for hard copy collection is still very important

As we live in an ever changing digital environment it is also very important to have students being able to access the 21st method of discovery.  Having a digital library and providing access to it is a critical.  Avenues and pathways for online resources is part of a school library collection.  This needs to be maintained, monitored and updated on a regular basis.

I believe the key is having a balance between the traditional and the 21st method of discovery.

Shatzkin, M. (2016).  Book publishing lives in an environment shaped by larger forces and always has.  The Shatzkin Files.Retrieved from http://www.idealog.com/blog/book-publishing-lives-in-an-environment-shaped-by-larger-forces-and-always-has/

Do new formats and delivery modes or multi-modal resources require users to have different literacy skills to make meaning or is this just an extension of the traditional literacy definition above?

AOK ETL401

I believe the skills users require are an extension of the traditional literacy skills, when engaging with different delivery modes or multi – modal resources, . It doesn’t matter what type of literacy you are engaging, operating, accessing or navigating, being literate is the ability to make meaning.  Traditional literacy skills are fundamental. Depending on the context, different skills are required but they are still based on the ability to make meaning.

As educators I believe that it is paramount to engage students in different modes of literacy and literacy pedagogies in order to build skills to be literate across many mediums.

What is literacy?

AOK ETL401

Literacy has many meanings depending on the perspective and context in which it is used.  Along with the mechanics of how to read, write, speak, view and listen, literacy involves the ability to understand and make meaning, communicate and use what has been read, written, spoken, viewed or heard. The term literacy is being applied to many different areas of information.  To be literate in today’s society, these skills and competencies need to occur across a range of platforms and delivery modes, not just traditional literacy.

 

Evidence Guides

AOK ETL401 ,

There has been a lot of discussion among Queensland Teacher Librarians recently and whether they are eligible to apply for Highly Accomplished Teacher (HAT) or LEAD teacher positions.  Some Teacher Librarians have been told that they are unable to apply for this role due to not having regular classes where they are monitoring, providing feedback and conducting and reporting on formal assessment.  Although Teacher Librarians are planning, teaching and supporting assessment, it seems that the responsibility of the assessment and ultimately the mark, lies with the classroom teacher.  The Evidence Guide however suggest ways in which Teacher Librarians can meet professional standards in this area.

These guides are a great way to define your position as well as inform you of the possible ways you can fulfill your role and meet the standard.  I will be using these documents to help guide my practice.

 

Learning Curve

AOK ETL401 ,

After completing my first uni assignment having been out of the game for 20 years, the importance of teaching students research skills has really hit home with me.  When I last studied, the internet was in its infancy and all information sources were either provided or at least limited to five – ten that you could use.  Having to navigate and evaluate the massive information environment we live in, was not only daunting but also very difficult.  As I work through the module readings the the introduction of inquiry learning has also become evident and how important it is for students and teachers to develop their inquiry skills to have a classroom community of inquiry.

Are School Librarians an endangered species?

AOK ETL401 , ,

My take home message is that Teacher Librarians will only become endangered if you allow them to.

Teacher Librarians need to be active members of the school community and have STRENGTH OF CHARACTER. They need to be different. The recognition of those differences, the LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT, how they help and support students and teachers is what makes them unique. Teacher Librarians need to build RELATIONSHIPS with people who are willing to work with them. They need to be true to the BRAND, meet the standards and be an advocate for what they stand for. Teacher Librarians need to have a FOCUS, set goals and achieve them.

When Teacher Librarians implement and make connections between the National Education architecture – there will always be a need for School Librarians.

2.3 Discussion Information Society

AOK ETL401 ,

Having an understanding of the vast information landscape is important for everyone not just Teacher Librarians.

With advances in technology and the way in which we function in society, things are definitely changing and will only continue to change. I’m not too sure if this change is being driven by technology itself, or society. If we look around our local surroundings, whether it be at a child’s swimming lessons, a teenage party, grocery store, café, or school, it is hard not to see, some form of technology in use. The purpose for which the technology is being used, (socialisation, education, or an everyday operating system) is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is, we are a society that is reliant on technology. These days people don’t feel comfortable without having a mobile phone in their hand, the need to be constantly connected to social media, one to one devices in classrooms are places where we can see this reliance developing. Things that existed in the past, a paper invitation, and dare I say it, communication by physically speaking to another person are becoming obsolete. People rely and interact with technology daily, maybe because they have to or maybe because they want to.

As I delve into the topic of ‘The information Society,’ my eyes are being opened and connections are being made on how Teacher Librarians are a necessity to help assist and build 21st Century learners, students who can problem solve, think critically, and navigate through information. Firstly Teacher Librarians need to be current and up to date with the information landscape formats and delivery methods. The sheer mass of information that exists, the rate in which it is produced and the authenticity of it, highlights the of importance of teaching students how to effectively filter and access it. Equipping students with digital skills and teaching digital technology so that they are able function and operate in the information environment, are just some of the reasons why it is important for us to have an understanding of the information society.

Reflection: What are the ramifications of having ready access to information at all times? How does this affect me and my capacity to study this subject?

AOK ETL401 , ,

Benefits

  1. Technology allows information to be just one click away.
  2. When studying, information is no longer limited to the prescribed texts or books found in
    the library. My access is not limited. I can uncover information through a variety of
    paths, the internet, books, data bases, interact 2 etc.
  3. I am not restricted to when and how I study. I am able to work at my own pace and at my own times.

Negatives

  1. Information overload – access to too much.
  2. The authenticity of the information that is being produced.
  3. The ability to switch off, walk away and leave it alone.