Deborah's reflections

My journey to becoming a K-6 TL.

Jan 8

ETL402. Module 5.1. Reflection

by debnicklin1

geralt / Pixabay

Think about ‘your’ library – as teacher librarian, librarian, teacher or public user. What evidence is there that the library supports transliteracy practices? What do you think could be done better? Make a note of your ideas and revisit these at the end of this module to inform your response to the Discussion task outlined later in Module 5.

A definition of transliteracy stated by librarianbyday is:

“Transliteracy is the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media.”

At the school I work in, I think we are beginning to move towards this ideal, however, we have many gaps and deficiencies. We have recently updated and added many new devices and wifi capability. More students have greater access during school hours and teachers are branching out and including more ICT. Unfortunately, it isn’t a coordinated response. A technology scope and sequence has always been on the agenda but never seems to move up the to-do list.

Teacher training was uplifted during the online learning period of March and April 2020 and many are continuing to employ some of these learning strategies. Minecraft for education, Google classroom and Seesaw are well integrated. We have lego robotics equipment that is occasionally used and web 2.0 tools are not really explored greatly. I find a great problem with web 2.0 freebies is the amount of advertising that pops up. It’s an annoying distraction for me but young students have a little more difficulty sifting through what is the actual tool and what is extra. Two 3D printers whir away often in a corner of the library making bag tags for buddies to give to new kindergarten students in 2021. Teacher training and time has not been set aside to look for useful tools in the Digital Learning Selector that has been neatly set up by the Department of Education NSW. This makes it very easy to integrate ICT because they have done some of the work for us. Who doesn’t love that! 🙂

librarianbyday. (2009, October 7). Libraries and transliteracy [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/sk4Cw8vrDuM

ETL402

No Comments »
Jan 1

Module 4.1: Literature in the digital environment

by debnicklin1

geralt / Pixabay

Reflection: Existing stories can be told in highly relevant and new ways on a whole new level with book apps.

My niece and nephew who are 3 and 6 are quite tech-savvy. They are up to a second tablet each and operate  them easily. My teenagers are considered digital natives however they never had the kind of immersion that my niece and nephew participate in daily. Despite this they love books and their parents gather many traditional books and share stories with them often. I attempted to search for some book apps, however, as Haughton (2015, January 4) states there are many that are disappointing and don’t enhance the content of the original text. Recommendations from trusted friends and TLs would be a better way to source high-quality apps rather than trawling through the large number available.

I wonder if the interactivity offers more than a shared reading session classroom can offer. Cute features such as animal sounds and movement of the illustrations are fun but do little to offer an enhanced understanding of the text. For young students, involvement in text, storyline, creative illustration and narrative does encourage a love of story and literature which can only serve them well in literature learning.

 

Haughton, C. (2015, January 4). Top 10 book and bookish apps for young children. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/jan/04/top-10-book-and-bookish-apps-for-children-chris-haughton

ETL402

No Comments »
Aug 27

ETL501: Learning Objects.

by debnicklin1

AbsolutVision / Pixabay

A Learning Object is any entity, digital or non-digital, that can be used, re-used or referenced during technology-supported learning. Examples of learning objects include multimedia content, instructional content, instructional software and software tools that are referenced during technology-supported learning. (IGIGlobal, para 1).

Each module in the Masters of teacher librarianship is effectively an intense learning object. The title and introduction sets the learning intention and a variety of online activites support the objectives in the course outline. Shorter learning objects are more appropriate for classroom use and I can really see the value of these particularly for the future of homework.

1. The first learning object I have chosen is using data to solve problems. This unit is intended for a year 4 class. It is presented graphically, with a topic map, Australian Curriculum outcomes, activities, web 2.0 tools, and assessment tasks. The unit can be opened as a pdf or a doc and is comprehensive. This unit can be applied to different themes e.g. pollution, transport, mathematics topics.

2. The second learning object I have chosen is the First Fleet. This learning path is found in Scootle. It has been written by Trish Clegg and provides 3 online resources and student questions to be answered in an online blog or workbook.

3. This learning object is designed for parents to do with their young students in learning from home environment. It is called Seasonal walk and guides parents Students take a walk around their local area to collect some data
about the animals and plants they can find during one of the four seasons. The last page explains the reasons why this activity is useful for parents.

 

Advantages of learning objects:

  • Many have been written by educators and are provided free through the Department of ed NSW sites.
  • They are reusable! You just need an efficient filing system for easy and logical retrieval.
  • Students can work on learning object tasks wherever they have wifi access.

Disadvantages of learning objects:

  • Links change and checking links can be time-consuming.
  • Power and internet access may not be reliable.
  • Students require their own devices 1:1 to complete tasks.

Digital tasks have been a feature of library lessons, however, I can see the value in combining several tasks together in a learning object. This would allow more time for the TL to circulate and support students in working through these tasks. Students can self-pace and differentiation can be built into the sequence.

Education Services Australia. (n.d.). Digital technologies hub: Families Digital Technologies. https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/docs/default-source/family-tasks/parent-guide—collecting-seasonal-data_white-bkgd.pdf

Education Services Australia. (2020, July 14). Scootle. https://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/p/home

IGIGlobal. (n.d.). What is a learning object? https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/designing-blended-learning-strategies-for-rich-content/16905

ETL501

No Comments »
Jul 25

ETL501. Module 2.2. Website evaluation

by debnicklin1

geralt / Pixabay

What have I learned about website evaluation?

Essentially that it is an art more than a science. Harris (2018) espouses a skeptical attitude towards the authenticity of a website and not to be deceived by a professional-looking interface. The acronym CARS

C-credibility

A-Accuracy

R-Reasonableness

S-Support

is useful in guiding TLs in making an informed decision about a website recommendation. In terms of reliability, a trusted source is invaluable. My go to for reliability of educational websites is Scootle. A team of experts from Education Services Australia curate this online resource and are pre-evaluating websites for teachers. Grade levels, curriculum areas, matching outcomes and topics are determined by professionals. Time strapped TLs and teachers should be using Scootle extensively.

Students are well prepared to begin the task of writing responses if they have refined the sites to use. A full understanding of the task, critical analysis of information sources including reliability considerations support students well to succeed.

Reliability criteria questions

Is the URL from a reliable/recognisable site?

Can I learn about the author of a site?

Has the author produced other sites?

Is there a date and is the date recently updated?

Are there links to other sites?

Are there reviews connected with the site?

Is the tone of language professional/neutral or persuasive?

Do other sites show similar views or theories?

What is the reading level of the site?

Harris, R. (2018). Evaluating Internet research sources. Virtual Salt.  http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm

 

ETL501

No Comments »
Jul 16

ETL501: Bloom’s taxonomy table

by debnicklin1

Adding tools to this table became somewhat tricky. The first few were easy, due to the notion that the tools were familiar. A stumbling block was my use of web 2.0 tools is limited. I have explored quite a few but as far as classroom use goes, I only use a few. Another is familiarity with the topic. There are really only the bare bones of a unit of work here without an outline to direct focus.  I have added tools to the table below I have explored as part of this course, however, a more in-depth look at key tools will build confidence in exploring them in a classroom setting. Despite these hurdles, making room for more web 2.0 tools and applying them authentically requires careful thought.

Objective Question Resources/Web 2.0 tool
Knowledge What is an ecosystem?  

Dictionary – print or online or basic textbook, eg. Wordnik, Visuword, specialist glossary, …
Knowledge Define an ecosystem and list the varieties that are found in South Australia.  

World Book Online

NF texts in library

South Australian Govt website

Google Earth

Google doc or slides (collaborative group task-set up a document/folders to store information gathered/links to websites found)

Google slides

eduglogster-make a virtual poster

Wordle-creates word clouds

https://www.mentimeter.com/- also creates instant word clouds using QR code.

SA Environmental legislation website to explore laws.

Mind map- https://www.canva.com/graphs/mind-maps/

 
Comprehension List the different parts of the ecosystem and explain what they do.  

Ipad-poplet

Word document

Google form/slides(collect CC images)

World Book Online

Mind map tool-mindmeister

Comprehension tool to create an online cloze task-https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2017/04/create-cloze-tests.html (Students could create their own to share.)

https://bubbl.us/ (Mind mapping tool)-free
Comprehension Compare a marine ecosystem with one from another area of our state. https://www.canva.com/graphs/mind-maps/

https://venngage.com/
Application Using a diagram, show how the water cycle operates in an ecosystem. Cardboard (Poster)

Draw.io

https://venngage.com/
Application Demonstrate what happens when humans interfere with the water cycle. Present to another group your findings (peer reviews)

https://venngage.com/

Create a Kahoot to be shared with the class.

 
Analysis Contrast the natural water cycle with that used by our community.  

https://venngage.com/
Analysis Examine an ecosystem that has been damaged by human interference. Avoided how? A walk around school grounds or homework activity to photograph local sites/waterways. Describe how the ecosystem has been altered and/or damaged. Then describe how the change could have been avoided.
Synthesis Identify an unspoilt ecosystem and design a way of preserving it. Google earth

https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/about_us/legislation
Synthesis How would preserving our local ecosystems enhance our environment? Build on collaborative google doc/slides.

https://venngage.com/
Evaluation Is it reasonable that people pollute our waterways? Defend your answer. Debate/discussion

Record a mindmap of the discussion https://www.canva.com/graphs/mind-maps/
Evaluation Assess the impact of pollution in our local waterways. Create a newspaper article using slides.

Create a poster encouraging the community to look after our waterways.

 

 

 

 

 

ETL501

No Comments »
Jul 15

Fun web 2.0 tools

by debnicklin1

https://venngage.com/

Venngage is a tool for all types of mind maps, reports and posters useful for a number of Bloom’s stages.

—————————————————————————————–

https://www.canva.com/graphs/mind-maps/

Canva is a similar tool to create posters, mind maps, graphs etc

https://www.mentimeter.com/

How fun is this! It’s an interactive word cloud among other things.

ETL501 Web 2.0 tools

No Comments »
Mar 8

ETL505. Modules 1 and 2.

by debnicklin1

vonriesling / Pixabay

Module 1 essentially introduces us to the idea that quality information resources need to be carefully and systematically described. Standardised processes in cataloguing items allow information seekers to locate relevant information easily. How these records are recorded must support user needs through the FRBR tasks (Functional Requirement for Bibliographic Records) of: Read the rest of this entry »

ETL505

No Comments »
May 25

Discussion Forum:6.2a

by debnicklin1

*Yes, I could use tech more effectively and efficiently. I rely fairly heavily on World Book Online which is perfect for the primary school environment. They make it easy for teachers by presenting information well and including quizzes, web quests, multiple levels, translations and links. I’m beginning to use Google Classroom which has resulted in maximum engagement and a flipped classroom as my year 4’s are teaching me more than I’m teaching them. I asked them this week what they would like to do on Google Classroom and they came up with a few ideas I hadn’t thought of such as writing an ongoing story they all take turns at adding to.

I prefer to use fewer platforms and become more familiar with its uses however this can be problematic if the tech tool becomes outdated. I’ve explored a few others as part of Assessment 3/Inquiry unit which I’m taking the plunge into trying next term.

*I’m streamlining programming on Office 365 however this is taking a while as I’m starting from scratch with library programming. Learning the immensity of Oliver is taking time. “Barcode not found” is a message that comes up now and then and why some books show as temporary loans is still a mystery. Work communicates generally through email.

*Oliver is a favourite tool and the students like Orbit and the kid friendly features of being able to change their background and see what is new on the shelves. Survey Monkey and Kahoot have been used with success.

ETL401

No Comments »
Mar 20

Are TL an endangered species?

by debnicklin1

Karen Bonanno (2015) advocates that the TL must focus on their own skill development in three areas: Professional Learning, Professional reading and research and professional dialogue and practice. These areas are key along with Principal support and funding for libraries to succeed into the future. The use of technology alongside traditional print resources will ensure our students are learning the skill set required. It is our responsibility to maintain a leadership/curriculum presence in our schools, to support our students and colleagues and to approach change with a positive and reflective attitude. Therefore the answer is no, TL are not on the endangered list!

Reference

Retrieved from: http://kb.com.au/content/uploads/2015/03/profession-at-tipping-point2.pdf

rawpixel / Pixabay

ETL401

No Comments »
Mar 13

Think about the ramifications of having ready access to information at all times. For example, how does this aspect affect you and your capacity to study this subject. What are 3 benefits and 3 negatives?

by debnicklin1

Digital overload is an often used term in our modern lives. I see my high school children who seem to be attached to their devises as often missing out on developing other life skills such as sport, cooking or music. It is all encompassing and their education as well as their entertainment, demands they keep their online lives up to date. Over time I too have increased my online presence which has taken away from other aspects of my life. Work and its requirements exceed the time allocation of the “working day.” I check emails and complete programming at home. I search online sites for relevant teaching resources often in my own time and using my technology.

Interestingly the French government has discussed the idea that a Labor Reform Bill be considered that workplaces of over 50 employees draft a policy whereby work emails will not be responded to until the employee returns to work. (2016) .Huffington Post. This is to alleviate the high levels of work/ stress that is more prevalent in recent times.

Three benefits;

  1. Information is always available. Our curiosity to answer a question instantly can be satisfied.
  2. Social connections and inclusion can fulfil our need to belong.
  3. Time saving. e.g. Paying bills or shopping online is a prudent use of time and energy.

Three negatives;

  1. Automation has given rise to unemployment and/or underemployment.
  2. Work crosses over over into home life. A digital work place can demand you respond remotely to aspects of our work.
  3. Digital distraction of too many aspects of our lives are online .

rawpixel / Pixabay

 

Reference

https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/work-emails-france-labor-law_us_57455130e4b03ede4413515a?section=australia

ETL401

No Comments »
Brand New Day Theme by Caroline Moore | Copyright 2024 Deborah's reflections | Powered by Edublogs
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Step 1 of 2
Please sign in first
You are on your way to create a site.

Log in

Skip to toolbar