July 12

ETL507 Assessment 6: Professional Reflective Portfolio – Dazzling Sun

Teacher Librarians must strive to be as dazzling as the sun.  (Photo: McKenna, 2016)

At the beginning of my studies, I was a secondary English teacher working in a combination of casual and temporary roles in Special Education and English as an Additional Language or Dialect. My passion for literature and the library developed from childhood experiences of the public library and the school library – visiting the public library to borrow books with my grandparents; occasionally attending storytime at our local public library; hearing about books from the teacher librarian then scrambling to be the first to borrow; and an exciting author visit from Colin Thiele(!) when I obtained his autograph. My memory of my high school library was not so quaint. It was a dry, uninspiring, probably underfunded and lonely space. However, after observing the vibrant learning hub created in one of my current schools, it inspired me with the desire to create my own vibrant, imaginative high school library filled with a love of learning and vitality.

Bonanno’s keynote address conveys need for Teacher Librarians to change (2011)

In my first ETL401 blog post, I hazily defined (and limited) the teacher librarian’s (TL) role as an “educational facilitator and manager of spaces” (Travassaros, 2019a, para. 1). How inadequate I can now say this is, being almost qualified as a TL! Etched in my memory and evidenced in my further blog entry from the inception of the course (Travassaros, 2019b, para. 1), disturbingly, has been Bonanno’s keynote address at an Australian School Libraries Association (ASLA) conference (2011). In this video she mentioned that, at the House of Representatives Inquiry into school libraries and teacher librarians, participants frequently referred to the TL profession as an “invisible profession” (1:37). Identifying with this statement at the time, lacking knowledge about the position, I have since had several experiences where the TL position has not been given worth.  Instances such as: while I teaching ‘library classes’ a classroom teacher stated in front of the students that they have a test and needed that time for preparation, thus devaluing my content; my current new position as TL was cut back to three days a week whereas the previous TL worked four days; and the library does not open at break times when I am absent, such as the two weeks I was away for work placement.  In these instances, not only has practice has confirmed theory but it provided strategies and perspectives of dealing with the issue such as Bonanno’s ‘glass half full’ (2011: 0:50). I learnt that it is essential that to be committed to ensuring that the TL role is valued and dazzles as the sun.

Three themes I consider indispensable in my learning and elements for being an effective teacher librarian are: collection development, 21st century teaching and learning; and leading from the middle.

The Big6 (2018) inquiry learning model

Information Literacy and Literature

Originally I was bamboozled by the complex concept of information literacy which has projectiled into 21st century education, as discussed in my ETL401 blog entry (Travassaros, 2019c, para.1-3). The changing information landscape; proliferation of literacies, information and technologies; the internet; the way that information is consumed and increasingly created emphasises the need for the TL to be capable of facilitating teaching and learning of information literacy. Understanding of inquiry learning has important benefits such as the implications of incorporating technology into research units and the natural differentiation it provides as Roots Lewis, Simmons and Maniotes discusses when they justify their choice of choosing Guided Inquiry (2018) with which to develop a culture for learning in their school. Developing a unit of work which was based on the Big6 inquiry model (2018), in ETL401 Assignment 3 (Travassaros, 2019e) and which explored a number of other information literacy strategies such as California State University’s ‘CRAAP test’ of assessing information was instrumental in building my understanding of a number of concepts and resources which will be invaluable for future use (2019). Through devising this particular unit of work, I have developed an excellent knowledge and understanding of concepts pertinent to information literacy. At present, my recently acquired main TL role has limited exposure to classes. However, we have developed a memorable unit which has concepts and resources ready to use on a ‘just-in-time’ basis. In future, I need to develop colleguial relationships to create opportunities.

INF533 Literature in Digital Environments was enlightening. It emphasised the need to be aware of 21st century developments and that implications that these texts have regarding information literacy. We explored digital narratives from a multitude of sources such as ‘Into the Cave’ ABC news story (Motherwell et. al., 2018) and the Incredible Tales of Weirdwood Manor (All Work No Play Inc, 2019). From an educator’s perspective, it was exciting to discover these multimodal texts and contemplate their possibilities. These digital texts be classified according to the variety of features they contain such as in such as in Assessment 2 blog entries of enhanced or interactive digital texts (Travassaros, 2019f(i); Travassaros, 2019f(ii)). They can be beneficial for a range of abilities and learning styles, some texts having the scope to be read to the viewer such as option to have the viewer read to or simply have words on the screen as discussed in my blog (Travassaros, 2019f(ii)). However, Roots Lewis, Simmons and Maniotes warns that technology should not be the focus of the lesson (2018). It should be the subject content. On recently work placement at the Digital Library, four classes of Year 6 students visited on excursion, as discussed in Assignment 5 ETL507 (Travassaros, 2021, p. 4-5). One of my activities was to facilitate their engagement with the virtual reality equipment. The program contained virtual rooms of pictures of the previous mayors which complemented the civics and citizenship educational program the library had running. Most students were enthralled with the experience so it came as a surprise when it was conveyed that some students who participated in the holiday program, although probably more experienced in virtual reality, thought this experience uninteresting. This experience conveyed that it is important for students to be interested in the lessons but there must be purpose to the new technology buzz as they will soon tire of the ability to pick up a virtual plant and throw it across the floor.

As I reflected on this situation, using the theory learnt to apply to practice, I realised that there are many differences between the information agency contexts and the types of digital texts. Applying this work placement experience to the school library context, the school library facilitates compulsory, graded, differentiated educational units of work programmed in accordance with New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabuses. This, to a large extent encourages compliance and participation by students. Whereas the public library provides voluntary educational STEM activities. This particular interactive text when applying to Bloom’s taxonomy only requires a lower order thinking response. The participant finds an article and understands how to use the interactive technology. INF533 emphasised the importance of using quality educational texts. Teale and Yokota warned against interactive elements interfering and detracting from the narrative (2014, 581). While a virtual reality program is more of a timeline rather than a narrative, this, the technical features tended to be an intrusion from the content of learning about the mayors. My main school where I am TL, the library has virtual reality technology. Much of the time it sits unused. However, the theory and practice obtained throughout this course has provided the tools to investigate how to make this into a valuable resource for the library.

21st Century Teaching and Learning

21st century education is not only about knowing broader concepts like information literacy but also, to a large extent, about knowledge of context both on a macro scale, through key organisational policies and guidelines, and then having the ability to apply them on a micro scale. In a number of subjects including ETL401, ETL503, ETL504 and INF533 we explored the broader guiding educational documents such as: ACARA’s General Capabilities (Travassaros, 2019e; Travassaros, 2020a; Travassaros, 2020b); each discipline’s NESA Syllabus (Travassaros, 2019e); NESA’s Library Policy [State of New South Wales (Department of Education), (2019)] (Travassaros, 2019g); and ASLA’s Policy Statement – School Library Bill of Rights [2011(2018)] (Travassaros, 2019g; Travassaros, 2019h). From an educational perspective these documents are necessary to function as a TL. A TL must have the knowledge of the content to be able to lead learning into the 21st century, applying that learning, being able to be flexible with it. If unaware, then this course has also given me the tools to investigate.

On a more localised basis, both ETL504 and ETL503 focused on policy documentation such as developing a library policy. Amending another school’s library policy (Travassaros, 2020b) and explored strategic planning activities including when investigating vision and mission statements, learning that the ‘big picture’ must include the present and the future (Jisc, 2012, 1). The synthesis of these items then contributed to creating a white paper, when a proposal for implementing 21st century learning put forth (Travassaros, 2020a, p. 2-6). However, the knowledge of the school demographic context is also essential. In ETL401 Assessment 3 was a collaborative unit based on particular location possessing distinct attributes of the school (Travassaros, 2019e, p. 2 para. 1). For INF533, I created a digital narrative for a specific class, The water cycle: How Splish recovered his Splash (Travassaros, 2019j), connecting the e-text with the relevant syllabus outcomes, copyright and Creative Commons issues in my blog (Travassaros, 2019i). Even when applying context, knowing the demographics, it is sometimes difficult to predict the outcomes. For example, on work placement I facilitated the Battle of the Book Clubs challenge as discussed in ETL507 Assessment 5 (Travassaros, 2021). Impressively, Newcastle Libraries has over 200 book clubs, but it was still difficult to estimate the turn out. Similarly in practice, employed at my main current school for the past four weeks and not having access to classes, I have been organising a writing competition for Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week. However, is difficult to predict what sort of response it will elicit. Nevertheless, it is important to be informed of the context so that situations can be managed, marketed and advocated for and we are provided with the best knowledge and tools to enable success now and to prepare out students to learning in the 21st century.

Leadership

 Figure 1. An early leadership concept map created and submitted in a discussion forum post (Travassaros, n.d.)

Figure 2 Developed leadership concept map (Travassaros, 2020d)

My professional learning journey continued to hit new peaks in ETL504. The growth of our leadership definition was refined in the creation of a concept map in the drawio platform (Travassaros, n.d.). Figure 1 evolved into figure 2. How to construct the concept map (text type), the language and ideas of leadership all evolved. The language of leadership is very important as we learnt the types of activities, persona a leader takes on and formulated ideas on what sort of leadership styles, even testing some out in the case studies! It is interesting that in an ETL504 discussion forum post in 2020, I have noted that leadership should be contingency leadership style (Travassaros, n.d). To be a successful leader, a teacher librarian must be knowledgeable and adaptable when encountering every situation. Bush and Glover’s article discusses various types of leadership theory including: transformational, distributive and managerial leaderships (2014). With contingency leadership, a leader should change their leadership type to suit the occasion (Bush & Glover, 2014). ETL504 provided a landslide of information. This subject is only the start of becoming a skilled leader. I have learnt that to be an effective TL and leader, I will further benefit from experience, practice and networking. In terms of networking, I have joined various professional groups such as ASLA and the Newcastle Area Teacher Librarian Association (NATLA).

Distributed leadership was evident at work placement as noted my Work Placement Report (Travassaros, 2021, p. 5-6). It worked well in developing programs in teams as well as collaboratively when utilising various specialisations such as when the digital librarian and the youth and children services librarian collaborated to devise educational programs such as the Home School Network – STEM discovery learning session and the Civics and Citizenship and Virtual Reality Program for Year 6 students (Travassaros, 2020, 5, 10). With all the attributes that make up 21st century information agencies such as the proliferation of information, it is beneficial to share the workload and have others “own” their projects. At Newcastle Libraries, I also witnessed transformational leadership in terms of the innovative student-centred discovery learning that I witnessed in these events. Additionally, servant leadership took place when the Co-ordinator – Service Design Customer Experience also completed the responsibilities of Customer Service Officer. I learnt that to be a successful leader, it is beneficial to be aware of alternative strategies. However, leadership research is constantly evolving and this course has enabled me to investigate an issue when the need or inclination arises.

During the TL course, I have developed an appreciation of the complexity of the TL’s role. It is a role that needs to be advocated – TL’s survival depends on it! Over the past three years, together – the course and I – have successfully covered vast amounts of knowledge and an understanding of theories. There has been an array of topics in multiple subjects such as information literacy and literature, leadership and 21st century education. The course has effectively taught me many things, only shrapnel fragments of which lay here on these pages. However, key aspects of my learning have been that it is the synthesise of all the elements learnt that allows us to choose the best informed practice and the best chance of successful outcomes. It is with reflection that we can improve our learning and perceive a situation from another perspective. I am still learning and will continue to be a lifelong learner – a 21st century learner. Every situation is different but the challenge, as a TL, remains the same. That is, the aim to achieve the best student outcomes possible.

References

All Work, No Play Inc. (2019). The incredible tales of Weirdwood Manor, [version 1.6.1] [software application]. http://weirdwood.com/

Australian Curriculum Assessment & Reporting Authority. (2016). General capabilities – Introduction. https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/.

Australian School Library Association. [2011 (2018)]. Australian School Library Association policy statement – School library bill of rights. https://www.asla.org.au/resources/Documents/Website%20Documents/Policies/Bill%20of%20Rights_2018.pdf

Bonnano, K. (2011). ASLA 2011. Karen Bonnano, Keynote speaker: A profession at the tipping point: Time to change the game plan [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/31003940

Bush, T.,  & Glover D. (2014). School leadership models: what do we know?, School leadership & management, 34(5), 553-571, DOI: 10.1080/13632434.2014.928680

California State University. (2019). craap-test.pdf. Meriam Library California State University, Chico. https://library.csuchico.edu/help/source-or-information-good

Jisc. (2012, November 8). Defining and articulating your vision, mission and values. https://www.jisc.ac.uk/guides/vision-mission-and-values

McKenna, F. (2016, August 23). Five birds flying on the sea Unsplash: Photos for everyone [image]. https://unsplash.com/photos/OD9EOzfSOh0 Used in accordance with Unsplash Licence (Creative commons licence CC BY 4.0).

Motherwell, S. (Journalist), Spraggon, B (Designer and Co-Illustrator), Hoad, N. (Developer), Madden, T/Reuters (Co-Illustrator), Cross, N. (Video Production), Leslie, T. (Producer), (2018, July 13) Into the cave ABC news report. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-13/thai-cave-rescue-tham-luang-extreme-challenges/9985286

Roots Lewis, K., Simmons, S., & Maniotes, L. (2018). Building a culture for learner voice and choice through inquiry. Teacher Librarian. 45(4). 24–27. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lih&AN=129318056&site=ehost-live

Teale, W. H., & Yokota, J. (2014, May). Picture books and the digital world: Educators making informed choices. The Reading Teacher. 67(8). 577-585. https://www.academia.edu/3886534/Picture_Books_and_the_Digital_World_Educators_Making_Informed_Choices

The Big6., (2018).  Welcome to the Big6: Inquiry every day in every way with the Big6! The Big6.org. https://thebig6.org/ “The Big6.org copyright license 2018; original license for the Big6 is copyright © 1987 Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more on the Big6, visit: https://thebig6.org/” The site is used in accordance with permissions page under Creative Commons Licence (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Travassaros, E. [Elle] (2019a, March 11). Warning … tsumani ahead! Ellene’s reflective journal. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2019/03/11/warning-tsunami-ahead/

Travassaros, E. [Elle] (2019b, March 22). Are school librarians an endangered species? Ellene’s reflective journal. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2019/03/22/are-school-librarians-an-endangered-species/

Travassaros, E. [Elle] (2019c, May 4). Information literacy (… where do I start?) and the role of the teacher librarian. Ellene’s reflective journal. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2019/05/04/information-literacy-where-do-i-start-and-the-role-of-the-teacher-librarian/

Travassaros, E. (2019d). Assessment 2: Discussion Essay. ETL401.

Travassaros, E., (2019e). Assignment 3: Discussion Essay. ETL401.

Travassaros, E. [Elle] (2019f(i), August 31). Interactive Digital Literature Review: INF533 Literature in digital environments: Assignment 2 – Part A. Ellene’s reflective journal. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2019/08/31/out-of-the-cave-and-into-the-enhanced-digital-literature-review/

Travassaros, E. [Elle] (2019f(ii), August 31). Interactive Digital Literature Review: INF533 Literature in digital environments: Assignment 2 – Part A. Ellene’s reflective journal. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2019/08/31/interactive-digital-literature-review/

Travassaros, E. (2019g). Assignment 1. ETL503

Travassaros E. [Elle], (2019h, January 9). Pre-meditated self-censorship. Ellene’s reflective journal. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2020/01/09/pre-meditated-self-censorship/

Travassaros, E. [Elle] (2019i, October 7). INF533 assignment 4: Part C critical reflection. Ellene’s reflective journal. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2019/10/07/inf533-assignment-4-part-c-critical-reflection/

Travassaros, E. (2019j). The water cycle: How Splish recovered his Splash. Book Creator. https://app.bookcreator.com/library/-LpukWY2xVJk7KQ5GF69/gkXU1NgGVPS857wsnxPRZLgf23j2/gt0ogFAtTdSlnUTAHcF2gQ/7CpAVAlLSoeyVTH16FxxLA

Travassaros E. (2020a). ETL504 – Teacher Librarian as Leader: Assignment 2: Navigating 21st century learning: Embracing the learning commons. ETL504

Travassaros E. (2020b). Assignment 2. ETL503

Travassaros E. [Elle] (2020c, May 24). Doors opening … mind the gap. Ellene’s reflective journal. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2020/05/24/doors-opening-mind-the-gap/

Travassaros E. (2020d). ETL504 – Teacher librarian as leader: Assignment 1. ETL504.

Travassaros, E. (2021). Assessment 5 – Placement report. ETL507.

Travassaros, E. (n.d.). Discussion forum post. ETL504.

 

Category: Censorship, Collaboration, Curriculum and Learning, ETL401, ETL503, ETL504, ETL507, INF533, Information literacy, leadership, Miscellaneous, Policy and Procedure, Technology | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 24

Doors opening … mind the gap

ETL504 – Assessment 2 – Part B

All aboard the leadership train! All stops to Leadership Town. Mind the gap.

Like bouncing tennis balls flung at force we intermittently sprung to grab our leadership experiences. Far from being just passengers, we travelled straight into Leadership Town … and we will never be the same again!

My understanding of leadership has flourished over the last semester. The reality of leadership is that it is hard work but can be rewarding. It is about having a shared vision, mission and empowering others. As I teacher librarian, it is beneficial to acquire effective leadership traits such as being respectful, treating everyone as an individual and making people feel valued (Travassaros, 2020, 1 March). Collaboration is a key 21st century skill and readily apparent in a teacher librarian position. From my own experiences with the case studies, if encouraged in a positive manner, the outcomes is likely to be better, the participant views the activity more positively and more likely to want to collaborate again.

Improving leadership, comes from authentic learning experience as well as applying the theories. The case studies were an excellent way to become immersed in teacher librarian experiences. Individually, we began being led (Travassaros, 2020, March 3) through a case study and only contributing my part. This was a valuable part of the learning process as it enabled students to observe how the process of collaboration can work. After Case Study 3, my blog entry (Travassaros, 2020, 4 April) reflects that  my anxiety had dissipated and, after reflective questioning from Bales (2020, April, 9) about leadership styles demonstrated in the activity, I focussed on seizing the opportunity to lead from the middle and adopt more of a leadership role my focussing on my strength – organisation. It was more challenging than I expected. I facilitated volunteers for roles, applied deadlines and made my contributions (Travassaros, May 10). Although I found it beneficial, initially it was time consuming to set up the activity. Endeavouring to keep to the timeframe, I jigsaw puzzled relevant bits transferring information, from discussion forum to wiki to facilitate the process. Each time we participated, the process and our submission became better (Travassaros, May 10). Through demonstrating a combination of leadership styles (instructional, distributive, transformative and servant), by providing organisation, other group members were empowered to excel in their ‘expert’ roles. Our group, (Group 8) established a positive culture in which everyone felt supported and could thrive. This is evidenced in the lecturer’s comments (Bale, 2020, May 9) to Case Study 4’s submission.

In case study 4, we experienced unexpected change. Having already started the first activity, it was fatiguing to have the activity abruptly changed. I learned from this experience that it is imperative to communicate with the leader (and vice versa) so that circumstances can be resolved (Travassaros, May 10). With permission, we continued with our original activity – unaffected by the changes.

Learning better ways to lead from a teacher librarian’s role stems from the synthesis of combining experience leading and researching. Effective leadership is about seizing opportunities, empowering and motivating others, building and sustaining a shared vision, effective communication, positive interactions with others including managing change fatigue and facilitating the process by ‘minding the gap’. Hence, student outcomes staff morale and output improved. A more enjoyable ride had by all.

References:

aitoff. (2016, October 24). Railway platform. Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/photos/railway-platform-mind-gap-1758208/. This image is pursuant to Pixabay Creative Commons Licence.

Bale, J. (2020, May 9). Case Study 4 (original, not co-vid) Group 8. Charles Sturt Discussion Forum. https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action=list_messages&course_id=_44236_1&nav=discussion_board_entry&conf_id=_88817_1&forum_id=_180720_1&message_id=_2918458_1

 

Category: Collaboration, leadership, Organisation theory, Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 14

ETL504 – Case Study 5 – Revealing Rainbow

kropekk_pl / Pixabay

Case Study 5 saw a change in the way our group collaborated and also a change to the co-vid task. It revealing rainbow that delived into some deep thinking and soared to collaborative heights. In terms of collaboration, I enjoyed that our brainstorming elicited new and different ideas. Holly Pirie (2020, May 13) shed new light from a Children and Youth Librarian’s perspective with some amazing ideas cloaked in various leadership styles, such as public library poetry slams (via Zoom), writing workshops (transformational leadership) and year 10 research workshops (instructional leadership).

Our task involved a reflection on unrealized opportunities and actions taken during co-vid. I felt that key factors underlying the unrealized opportunities have been: isolation and overwhelming workload of teachers, pre-co-vid presence; timing and making yourself ‘indispensable’; and the combination of change and technology (2020, May 14 [emailed]). My context has also had an impact on eventualities due to the limited time I have been a teacher librarian (TL) (2020, May 12). My launching of bookclub proved to be a missed opportunity. It was ill-timed due to the newly established remote learning when students and teachers were being overwhelmed with workload and technology. My reflection revolved around the fact that the teacher librarian needs to link themselves with an indispensable activity. That is, an activity that is key to the essential workings of the school such as the technology. In this instance, the transformational leadership led to a missed opportunity as it was not the right opportunity for the time (2020, 14 May).

Another issue in case study 5 was that arose was the provision of resources to combat the isolating nature of teaching and change in the learning environment. In collaboration with the other school TL, we devised a resources bank for teaching resources. Therefore, we were able to avoid overwhelming teachers further by emailing. These included provision of innovative resources which links to transformational and servant leadership (2020, May 14 [emailed]).

It was established that this too would have been an in excellent time to promote digital literacy and digital citizenship issues and content. Promotion to teachers occur by: email; meetings, saved to  Canvas and/or professional development. This activity could be used to promote scope of the library functions for the future. In addition, teachers should be made aware that these can be tailored to particular units of work. This could be considered servant, instructional and transformational leadership (2020, May 14 [emailed]).

Professional relationships, the pre-covid presence of the TL and teachers unaware of what it is that the TL does can also be an adversity. TLs must be part of the essential everyday running of the school. Non-essential tasks contribute to the school but are not viewed as imperative or valuable in a time of crises. Additionally, I reflected that communication with the principal and executives is essential. Being proactive assists teachers to combat change fatigue (2020, May 14 [emailed]). Many different types of leadership styles were demonstrated. A TL cannot rely on just one strategy.

This activity was very informative. This reflection drew the curtain on my actions and activities as TL and it will inform my practice and provide future direction. It required deep thinking about issues that have arisen recently. Additionally, it revealed a different way of collaborating as a group. It was still effective in raising many ideas (better than the individual alone) and, as I had some time restraints, proved more suitable for me.

Reference:

Pirie, H. (2020, May 13). Case study 5: Discussion [discussion forum]. Charles Sturt University.

Polski, A. (2020, May 14). Pixabay image used in accordance with Creative Commons – Pixabay Licence.

Category: Collaboration, ETL504, leadership, Technology | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 25

ETL503: Resourcing the Curriculum – Reflection

Photo by Jodoin, M.-O. on Unsplash (2018)

Hard Cover

The school library (SL) is like a puddle. It is fluid. It can be muddy with misunderstanding or clear with transparent strategic planning. It has the potential to evaporate due to apathy or expand into a healthy, babbling stream. The asphalt surrounding the puddle represents the SL communities. They will either harden with drought – underused, misunderstood, mismanaged and  not advocated for –  or softened and swallowed up with the help of clarity and support.

As misunderstood as the teacher librarian’s (TL) position can be, perhaps one of the most recognised functions is resourcing the collection. However, the complexities involved, in my experience, are not appreciated or clearly understood by the community (including staff). At the beginning of the unit, I struggled to decipher between collection development and collection management, as demonstrated in Travassaros (2019a) – rather dancing around the contrasting activity, referring to generalised NSW Education Standards Authority’s: Library Policy – Schools [2019 (2005)], rather than ‘plucking off’ the answer as an expert sniper might. Not having seen a collection development policy (CDP) prior to this course nor had much experience in the library, the intricacies of collection development were a new experience. Thus, my journey started.

My knowledge and understanding of the role and nature of school library collection has expanded in many different ways. TL’s resourcing the curriculum was expected. However, it was the process of choosing resources for the annotated bibliography that emphasised the large scope of resources that can be required with a limited budget. That is, resources in all formats to cover all subjects and all students. It was a revealing experience, similar to that of Hughes-Hassell and Mancall’s Decision-making model for selecting resources and access points that support learning (2005) compared to the concept map which I embellished in Travassaros (2019b). Both situations exposed a great chasm between simplified notions and reality. Therefore, evaluating collections are important and implementation of a selection criteria to choose resources is essential.

I learnt the nature of collections are guided by key bodies, many with similar qualities. The International Federation of Library Associations & Institutes (IFLA) (2019) presents intellectual freedom and access to information is a goal of the school library. Similarly, the Australian School Librarians Association’s (ASLA) Policy Statement – School Library Bill of Rights [2018(2011)] relays that information relating to opposing sides should be presented but it stops short of complete freedom. It acknowledges that materials should be appropriate to library users. On a sliding scale, Travassaros (2020a) acknowledges that TL’s can be put in difficult situations when Dawkins reveals that the ideal cannot always be brought to fruition regarding self-censorship (2018, p.8-9). However, it is necessary to have these authoritative organisations and documentation to support and provide a consistent basis for SL operations.

Completely unaware of the potential for a Teacher Reference section as well as a information for the community (or parents in particular) in the library, was another surprise. The role of the collection supporting teachers and collaborating both with the community and teachers is beneficial for the (SL), contributing to its worth. Clarity to those parties needs to be given, though. Stiles mentions (2020) that lack of use of the SL’s resources can skew output measurements. Alternatively, Travassaros (2020b) provides a different perspective, in terms of the disappointment felt by teachers who are unaware that these resources are available in the library. Therefore, promotion of resources, collaboration, professional development needs to be conducted by the TL. If the role and nature of the collection and working processes available to teachers in the library (such as cataloging) – the processes that help them to make use of the library were clarified this would ultimately equate to more support from teachers. Exposure to these new uses/resources would translate to students. This process involves promotion of the SL and the collection, provides opportunity for the TL to become a leader and would encourage support of the SL.

Photo by pixpoetry on Unsplash, (2018)

I have learnt CDP is the string on a marionette puppet. It draws the framework together, enabling the collection to breathe life. It aligns the collection development with the school’s vision and values (Australian Library and Information Association Schools & Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians, 2007, p.8); provides guidelines to assess the library’s collection and defining its gaps; using the assessment reports as evidence to support a budget which will fund the library’s annual costs. It sets goals for future development including the collection’s selection, acquisition, maintenance including deselection processes. It provides a basis for protection with the aid of authoritative backup (Newton, 2018) and when issues arise including challenges. A professional standard in presentation of the CDP is expected as the International Federation of Library Associations & Institutes (IFLA) (2019) assert that the TL is professionally qualified and responsible in terms of managing and planning. It is an evolving document.

The CDP assists in future proofing the collection for many reasons:

  1. It prevents the collection from becoming irrelevant by linking the rationale with with vision and values of the school (Australian Library and Information Association Schools & Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians (ALIAS & VCTL), 2007, p.8) and encourages best choice of resources and equality of users.
  2. It sets criteria to adhere to which protect various parties – the students’ right to certain types of resources set out by ASLA Policy Statement – School Library Bill of Rights [2018(2011)] , TL’s rights to uphold intellectual freedom and equality of access to information International Federation of Library Associations & Institutes (IFLA) (2019) and TL from sole blame when it comes to issues that arise (Newton, 2018).
  3. Review of the document every three to five years guards against stagnation (ASLAS & VCTL, 2007, p. 21). All variables surrounding the library evolve quickly.
  4. Promotes the collection, allows transparency in what the TL’s role is and the resources available to the staff and community, knowing more about the collection and its processes can empower others while providing an innovative means to collaborate with colleagues and obtain community, as well as promoting the SL.
  5. Sets guidelines for assessing the collection, provides evidence with which to apply for future budgets.

The CDP can help with future proofing but it is up to the TL to manage the policy and the collection. The policy is only a piece of paper unless the TL breathes life into it. Additionally, it cannot be used in isolation. Innovative resources (including technology) and teaching strategies together with networking both on a local and global scale is also important. The CDP offers a means to collaborate and extend into the school and the community. The future of the library depends on finding, transparency, usage, promotion and willingness of TL’s advocate and lead.

References

Australian School Library Association. [2018(2011)]. Policy Statement – School Library Bill of Rights. Retrieved from: https://asla.org.au/resources/Documents/Website%20Documents/Policies/Bill%20of%20Rights_2018.pdf

Australian Library and Information Association School & Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians. (2007). A manual for developing policies and procedures in Australian school library resource centres. Retrieved from: http://www.asla.org.au/policy/policy-development-manual.aspx

Dawkins, A.M. (2018). The decision by school librarians to self-censor: The impact of perceived
administrative discomfort. Teacher Librarian, 45(3),p. 8-12. Retrieved from: http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/A_Dawkins_Decision_2018.pdf

Hughes-Hassell, S., & Mancall, J.D. (2005). Collection management for youth: Responding to the needs of learners. Retrieved from: https://primo.csu.edu.au/permalink/61CSU_INST/kk7san/alma991012600868402357

International Federation of Library Associations & Institutes. (2019). IFLA/UNESCO School Library Manifesto 1999. Retrieved from: https://www.ifla.org/publications/iflaunesco-school-library-manifesto-1999

Jodoin, M-O. (2018). Unsplash – Photos for everyone. Retrieved from: https://unsplash.com/photos/-TQUERQGUZ8 used accordance with Unsplash Licence.

Newton, L. (2018, March 5). 4 Reasons every Christian school library needs a collection development policy [blog post]. Retrieved from: http://www.librarianlisa.com/reasons-christian-school-library-collection-development-policy/

Pixpoetry. (2018, August 2). Unsplash- Photos for everyone. Retrieved from: https://unsplash.com/photos/jqrX8cSeVbQ

Stiles, Y. (2020, December 20). Module 3.1 – Using output measures as tools for purchasing. Retrieved from: https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action=list_messages&course_id=_38050_1&nav=discussion_board_entry&conf_id=_74553_1&forum_id=_169580_1&message_id=_2632379_1

Travassaros, E. (2019a, November 10). Module 1.2: Definitions of collection development and collection management. Retrieved from: https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action=list_messages&course_id=_38050_1&nav=discussion_board_entry&conf_id=_74553_1&forum_id=_169572_1&message_id=_2573224_1

Travassaros, E. (2019b). Choosing learning resources. Ellene’s Reflective Journal [blog post]. Retrieved from: https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2019/12/09/etl503-resourcing-the-curriculum/

Travassaros, E. (2020a). Pre-meditated self-censorship. Ellene’s Reflective Journal [blog post]. Retrieved from https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/ellene/2020/01/09/pre-meditated-self-censorship/

Travassaros, E. (2020b). Module 3.1 – Using output measures as tools for purchasing. Retrieved from: https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action=list_messages&course_id=_38050_1&nav=discussion_board_entry&conf_id=_74553_1&forum_id=_169580_1&message_id=_2632379_1

 

Category: Censorship, Curriculum and Learning, ETL503, Policy and Procedure, Technology | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 14

Future of the School Library Collection

Potential futuristic collection development – Photo by Hammer & Tusk on Unsplash

School libraries and their ingredients are in a state of perpetual change and funding is a decisive factor in allowing them to thrive. I think in ten years time, there will definitely be a need for a school library. It will have evolved though.

The school library will be a place of innovation that inspires students to learn –  with the right funding. I think mostly non-fiction books will disappear (I am sure many will disagree) but a physical fiction section will remain. There will be new ways to learn different concepts such as ethics. In a TED Talk video (Christopher Robichaud: How I used Dungeons and Dragons to teach ethics), Robichaud conveys how he taught ethics to policy makers through an online simulated game which incorporates group activities. Technology will progress and methods of teaching through these technologies will too. This is an opportunity for teacher librarians to lead these changes.

Lewis, Boudrye, Panter & Stout in their journal article, School library best practice requires innovation (2017 p. 6-7), reveal four areas that are integral to the success of future school libraries. These are inspiring areas but need to be elaborated on.  We also need to protect our students, so the ’empowering learners and teachers’ area also should include educating students more about how to use the internet, not only safely, information literacy but also in terms of whether their data is going. Therefore, with new technology the budget will need to expand. The gaps between those who have access to the budgets and technology will, unfortunately also increase. Therefore, advocacy and attention to equity  needs to increase.

Education and, school libraries, are already becoming more internationally connected. Gavigan in School library research from around the World (2018) asserts that best practices for library programs can be better established with research papers from worldwide sources and better student outcomes. School library collections will evolve, becoming more electronic, become more innovative and change with developments. Therefore, school librarians need to ensure they are professionally aware, contributing and advocating.

References

Gavigan, K. (2018). School Library Research from Around the World: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Headed. Knowledge Quest, 46(5), 32–39. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lih&AN=129489737&site=ehost-live

Hammer & Tusk. (2016). Woman using black VR headset. Unsplash: Photos for everyone. Retrieved from https://unsplash.com/photos/y1If8AIBpzU. This image is used in accordance with Unsplash Licence.

Lewis, K. R., Boudrye, J., Panter, S. L., & Stout, R. W. (2017). School Library Best Practice Requires Innovation. Knowledge Quest, 46(2), 6–7. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lih&AN=125991976&site=ehost-live

Robichaud, C., (2017). Christopher Robichaud: How I used Dungeons and Dragons to teach ethics. Ted: Ideas worth spreading. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_robichaud_how_i_used_dungeons_dragons_to_teach_ethics

Category: ETL503, Technology | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 9

Pre-meditated self-censorship

Self-censorship is refraining from doing or saying something that another person may find objectionable (“self-censorship”, 2020). This can be intentional or subconscious. Most teacher-librarians and librarians are brought into the occupation ready to follow their association or guiding body’s instructions regarding self-censorship. Some may not realise they are partaking in it. This blog entry focuses on those instances where it is recognised by the “guilty party”.

Geralt @ Pixabay

There are many organisations, some stricter and seemingly unforgiving than others with their guidelines. In an international school library context, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) conveys that contained in the school library’s Collection Management Policy it should state that the school librarian has a responsibility to resist calls for censorship – no matter what the source is (Oberg, D. & Schultz-Jones, B., 2015, p. 34). The message here is blunt and seemingly inflexible. However, there are many situations where this may put the teacher librarian in a difficult situation whether it is due to the principal/executive input or a parent. Additionally, the material provided to students needs to be age-appropriate in schools, which the IFLA also recognises (Oberg, D. & Schulty-Jones B., 2015, p. 33) . Therefore, in a school, there is a type of censorship occurring.

Australian School Libraries Association in their ASLA School Policy Statement – School Bill of Rights, stops short of using the word “censorship” generally and states that the school library should provide materials “appropriate” to the user, as well as put “principle above prejudice and reason above prejudice”. It continues to reveal that the school library is concerned with the preservation of freedom which is achieved through the development of informed citizens [ASLA, 2011 (2018)]. Therefore, ASLA recognises that censorship does happen in a school library and it is appropriate in some circumstances.

However, the reality is more complicated than the ideal. Jacobsen, in her article Unnatural selection, reveals many reasons why censorship is on the rise. Reasons that include increasing controversial content, challenges for certain books to be excluded from the collection and age-appropriate concerns (Oct 2016, p. 20-24). Dawkins articulated that the ideal is not always the reality when it comes to self-censorship. Interestingly, she discusses the fear of challenge some teacher librarians may feel when selecting their collection – whether by principals and/or other teachers. Their choice may be in conflict with intellectual freedom and their own beliefs but they can feel pressured into self-censoring due to Noelle-Neumann’s Spiral of Silence theory (as cited in Dawkins, 2018, p. 8-9) – the fear of isolating oneself. I can imagine that support of the principal would very much affect a teacher librarian’s decision on how “free” choice would be perceived to be. Dawkins also mentions that it is important to communicate with the principal and ensure measures such as collaboratively constructed selection policy is in place as what is perceived is not always true (Dawkins, 2018, p. 8-12).

So, is self-censorship a dirty word? It can certainly put teacher-librarians in a difficult situation – having to decide or negotiate between what the ideal is and what the reality might be. Perhaps, it should be thought of as something to aspire to – an ideal that teacher-librarians should attempt to incorporate in their libraries. However, there are sometimes variables that are outside their control and other factors again will influence how the situation eventuates.

References:

ASLA, [2011 (2018)]. School Policy Statement: School Bill of Rights. Retrieved from https://asla.org.au/resources/Documents/Website%20Documents/Policies/Bill%20of%20Rights_2018.pdf

Dawkins, A.M. (2018). The decision by school librarians to self-censor: The impact of perceived
administrative discomfort. Teacher Librarian, 45(3),p. 8-12. Retrieved from http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/A_Dawkins_Decision_2018.pdf

Geralt @ Pixabay (n.d.). Pixabay. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/photos/censorship-man-newspaper-read-news-4266441/. This image was used in accordance with Pixabay licence (Free for commercial use, no attribution required).

Jacobson, L. (2016). Unnatural Selection. (cover story). School Library Journal, 62(10), p.20–24. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lih&AN=118573940&site=ehost-live

“Self-censorship”. (2020). In Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-censorship

Oberg, D., & Schultz-Jones, B. (eds.). (2015). 4.3.1 Collection management policies and procedures. In IFLA School Library Guidelines, (2nd ed.), (pp. 33-34). Den Haag,
Netherlands: IFLA. Retrieved from https://www.ifla.org/files/assets/school-libraries-resource-centers/publications/ifla-school-library-guidelines.pdf

Category: Censorship, ETL503 | LEAVE A COMMENT
August 31

Critical Reflection of Digital Literature Experience

INF533 Literature in Digital Environments

Assignment 2 – Part B

What makes a good digital text? What counts as a digital text? What purpose do digital texts serve?

From a teacher librarian/educator’s perspective, a good digital text is a text that is enhanced by the multimodality, it is completed with quality literature and quality features including technological inclusions that add layers of meaning to the text rather than provide simply distractions (Yokota & Teale, 2014, p. 581). With digital texts, Simpson and Walsh (2014, p. 30) assert that what changes is the “interdependent semiotic modes” that impact on the combination of multimodal features (Kress, 2010, p. 157) such as the option to have the text read aloud to the reader and other variable elements such as modifications to the visual display. Simpson and Walsh (2014, p. 31) caution that the multimodal texts can be more demanding in terms of students needing to deal with layers of texts and modes which can have an impact on meaning. Additionally, as the interactive features compound, more participatory skills (Walker, Jameson & Ryan, 2010, p. 212) are needed rather than just being able to focus on the skill of reading alone.

Digital texts serve numerous purposes. From the perspective of the educator, they can serve to educate their students. Though from the perspective of the author and the host of creators involved, their purpose can be to educate with the highlighted text that the reader/participant can follow but also to entertain. Into the Cave ABC News Report in addition also is informative but unlocks opportunities to teach students about information literacy.

 Compare your experience of reading digital texts with reading print.

The e-book focuses on the traditional reading experience, it lacks many of the technological and multimodal features and is the closest to the print experience. In my own experience, I prefer the print text to the simple e-book experience. I prefer the texture, it is less strain on the eye and just a more pleasant experience – one that is relaxing. However, I feel that with increasing my experience of reading e-books, this opinion might change. As the digital texts develop, the multimodal features generally add another dimension to the reading experience to both the enhanced and interactive texts. The danger with this type of text is that the reader, when the text is read to the listener, can become lazy or scroll too fast through the text – missing reading parts of it. In relation to the interactive text, it becomes more of a participatory experience that can incorporate a game. It takes the focus away from the narrative and more attention is given to the technological components. The characters are animated so limits the reader creating their own creative visualisations as the images are fed to the reader. However, the games can have value by promoting problem solving and creative thinking skills. Digital texts should offer different benefits so that digital books should not be interpreted as superseding but instead providing variance to codex.

Chose the digital text you most enjoyed. How might you incorporate it into a program at your institution?

Into the Cave ABC News Report appears to be such a versatile text for teaching purposes. I envisage that a collaborative three-way cross-curricular unit could be introduced. For English, there is the possibility this text could be incorporated into a collaborative non-fiction or newspaper unit. The unit could be organised through the teacher librarian. It could be structured to incorporate an information literacy model such as the Big 6 and teach features such as features the CRAAP (currency, reliability, authority, accuracy and purpose) acronym could be taught by the teacher librarian along with other concepts such as fake news. It may study a number of newspaper texts leading up to a group assessment of designing your own newspaper that reports on events within the school and wider community. The Information Software and Technology teacher’s role could be to facilitate teaching webpage design including the ability to animate parts of the webpage and incorporation of any sound features. However, these are quite large plans and would have to be supported by the school and relevant faculties.

I enjoyed the e-book, Peter Pan but I preferred reading Into the Cave ABC News Report, due the visual elements and creativity of the enhanced text. The interactivity of The Incredible Tales of Weirdwood Manor slow and time consuming. This interfered with the flow of the narrative. Admittedly, the extras grew on me after I could see that they would contribute to the story and this encouraged me to read on. However, it wasn’t until the end of the Book 2 and, for teaching, this was too late. Even though the digital texts can be applied more readily to Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Capability in the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority General Capabilities, realistically, how each applies to the curriculum is, to an extent, limited to the imagination and purpose.

Reference List

All Work, No Play Inc. 2019, The Incredible Tales of Weirdwood Manor, [version 1.6.1] [software application]. Retrieved from: http://weirdwood.com/

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, (2016). Critical and Creative Thinking: General Capabilities. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/media/1072/general-capabilities-creative-and-critical-thinking-learning-continuum.pdf

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, (2016). Critical and Creative Thinking: General Capabilities. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/ethical-understanding/

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, (2016). Information, Communication and Technology: General Capabilities. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/media/1074/general-capabilities-information-and-communication-ict-capability-learning-continuum.pdf

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, (2016). Literacy: General Capabilities. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/media/3596/general-capabilities-literacy-learning-continuum.pdf

Barrie, J.M., (2008). Peter Pan. Retrieved from: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16

Evaluating Web Resources, 2019, F. D. Bluford Library, North Carolina State University. Retrieved from: http://libguides.library.ncat.edu/c.php?g=778558&p=5584082

Free e-books Project Gutenburg, 2019, Project Gutenburg. Retrieved from: https://www.gutenberg.org/

Kress, G. R., 2010. Multimodality: a social semiotic approach to contemporary communication. Retrieved from : https://primo.csu.edu.au/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma990019477460402357&context=L&vid=61CSU_INST:61CSU&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&tab=Everything&lang=en

NSW, Education Standards Authority, (2012). English K-10 Syllabus (2012). Retrieved from https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/english-year-10/english-k-10

Pixabay – the image used on this blog page is used pursuant to Creative Commons Licence

Simpson, A., Walsh, M., 2014, Children’s literature in the digital world: How does multimodality support affective, aesthetic and critical response to narrative?, English Teaching: Practice & Critique, 14(1), p. 28-43 Retrieved from https://www-emerald-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ETPC-12-2014-0005/full/pdf?title=childrens-literature-in-the-digital-world DOI: https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1108/ETPC-12-2014-0005

The Big6 – Information & Technology Skills for Student Success, (n.d.), Retrieved from https://thebig6.org/

Walker, S., Jameson, J., & Ryan, M. (2010). Skills and strategies for e-learning in a participatory culture (Ch. 15). In R. Sharpe, H. Beetham, & S. Freitas (Eds.), Rethinking learning for a digital age: How learners are shaping their own experiences, (pp. 212-224). New York, NY: Routledge.

Yokota, J. & Teale, W. H., (2014). Picture books and the digital world: educators making informed choices. The Reading Teacher, 34(6). Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/3886534/Picture_Books_and_the_Digital_World_Educators_ Making_Informed_Choices

 

 

Category: Curriculum and Learning, e-book, e-literature, INF533, Information literacy, Technology, Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 26

Part C: Reflective Practice

Sweet droplets

Myriams-Fotos / Pixabay

In my naive and very first blog post in the Introduction to Teacher Librarianship labelled “Warning – Tsunami Ahead”, I reflected on the role of the teacher librarian as one of mammoth proportions. Only now have I realised that information literacy (IL) is an entire tsunami in itself – part of a series that will keep rolling in to constitute the role of the teacher librarian. The term, information literacy, is continually evolving in the 21st Century. As student teacher librarians we still have so much to learn about the role and the use of information literacy. Enhancing the teacher librarian’s education – keeping up with information literacy and the evolution of the ‘information age’ is integral to the teacher librarian’s (TL) role and to a student’s education.

As my understanding of information literacy (IL) developed. I noted in my most recent blog post titled Information literacy = healthy society and a fulfilled individual that students need to be educated and capable in every literacy (such as digital literacy and transliteracy) that enables them to become capable, fulfilled individuals that make up a healthy contributing society. Teacher librarians can facilitate this process. However, we need to have an information literacy model to support our teaching and students’ learning.

Now, more than ever, I am an advocate for collaboration between the teacher librarian and classroom teacher. In module 4.1B discussion forum response, I noted that the willingness of classroom teachers may be factor in preventing collaboration. Rather than that, in Part B of the Assignment, I found that organising a time to meet to collaborate was the issue. In this instance , I designed a Geography unit which incorporated the Big 6 IL model. My methodology being in English, I was burdened with the reality of compiling a unit when not qualified in the subject and how difficult it can be with limited collaboration. I liaised with the acting head teacher and found him very willing to help. Nevertheless, it was challenging to meet up with the Geography teacher who most pertinent to the project. Collaboration is key to developing subject content and information literacy processes.

During the course, I experienced confusion relating to information literacy models as discussed in Assessment 3 Discussion Forum questions. In the response, I received clarity that differentiated skills based approach from a much more in-depth understanding. Therefore, instead of the steps being key – it is the meaning and processes behind the steps that are significant. This response, led me to discover Eisenberg’s Information Literacy: Essential Skills for the Information Age (2008, p. 39-47) and Lupton’s Inquiry pedagogy and the Australian Curriculum (2013, p. 23-29) which enhanced my understanding of the Big 6 IL and problem solving model, inquiry learning and questioning frameworks. Consequently, these resources, as well as others in the course, contributed to my overall understanding.

IL models are necessary as is developing inquiry based frameworks as I feel that TL’s need a model to guide them and students, likewise benefit from a process to adhere to as noted in my response to Module 5.3a. The Big 6 was initially alluring due to its logical, simple steps. A response to that same module entry associated the Big 6 with “primary school”. This response was a positive occurrence as it prompted me to delve into the research and justify my selection. I noted that this model was suitable for students through to twelfth grade – my school context being a middle school (years 7-10) and I came to the conclusion that the Big 6 was suitable for the purpose. My clientele, being students of all abilities making the Big 6 appropriate. I am sure that my ideas on information literacy models will continue to grow and change according to purpose and context.

Ideally, the information model chosen would be most effective if implemented whole school as discussed in my response to Module 5.4a. The teacher librarian could facilitate this process in many ways. My knowledge throughout this unit has increased from non-existent to an understanding that, I hope will continue to increase. I cannot say that my knowledge is to capacity as information landscape booms rapidly. Returning to the analogy of the tsunami, we have come full circle for this unit – the wave has peaked and broken leaving in its wake a flower which, at this stage, promises of hope blooming to capacity.

Reference List

Lupton, M, (2013). ‘Inquiry pedagogy and the Australian Curriculum’, Primary and middle years educator, 11(2), pp. 23–29

Eisenberg, M. B. (2008). Information Literacy: Essential Skills for the Information Age. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 28(2), 39–47. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.14429/djlit.28.2.166

Category: Curriculum and Learning, ETL401, Information literacy | 2 Comments on Part C: Reflective Practice
March 22

Are School Librarians an Endangered Species?

 

Teacher librarians (TL) must adapt to changing conditions or face extinction. That is the message in Karen Bonanno’s Key Note address titled “A professional at the tipping point: Time to change the game plan” at the ASLA conference (as cited in O’Connell(?), n.d.).  Bonanno conveys that teacher librarians must take the “glass half full” approach, to work within the boundaries, be pro-active, change with developments, be aware of learners and keep current.  In particular, to be successful, TLs should follow what she calls the “Five Finger Approach” which makes them a valuable and relevant asset. Powerfully, Bonanno re-iterates throughout the video that “The rhetoric must engage with the audience”.

 

References

O’Connell, J, (n.d.) 3.2 The Role of Teacher Librarian, 3. The Role of Teacher Librarian (TL), Retrieved from https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_42380_1&content_id=_2633957_1&mode=view

Category: ETL401, Technology | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 21

Informed About Information

On the surface, the definition of information should be very simple. How deceptive and naive that thought is!

Simple dictionary definitions do not scrape the surface of all the facets that various types of academic definitions do. The semantic definition where the meaning of information is important as opposed to the more classic definition – almost a dadaist interpretation of information just existing. These seem to be the extremes in the definitions. The data-knowledge continuum tells of chaos and wisdom – which are an extension of the semantic and classic definitions. The classic definition being in incoherent jumble of characters and as the continuum works its way up the sliding scale it becomes more about an information hierarchy about meaning, types of meaning and the types of meaning – a similar concept to Blooms taxonomy. According to Stonier (as cited in O’Connell, n.d.) “information requires no intelligence to interpret it. It does not have to have meaning to exist.”1 However, Gregory Bateson (as cited in O’Connell, n.d.) puts much more emphasis on the meaning of the information as he asserts that it “changes us”2.

It occurs to me that the purpose and the context of the information is important. That is, what the information is being used for, who is using the information, what is  and how it is to be used are all necessary factors. For information to be defined properly, it is necessary to know all these things.

Learning as a Collaborative Process

rawpixel / Pixabay

As a prospective Teacher Librarian, it occurred to me that all this information might exist, it may have context and purpose but it is how the information is used and perceived or processed by the conveyor and the receiver is what matters.  It is interesting that Steve Regur in a Ted Talk video (as cited in the “Create, Curate, Collaborate”, n.d.) presents his talk on how “Learning Networks Could Reconfigure Schools”. He talks about collaboration and instead of there being one teacher teaching to a number of students, he says that there should be a learning team involved in the students’ learning. Students should seek out experts or professionals in a project or field they want to study  and are passionate about, they should pick the learning outcomes, seek out resources, compile their learning teams and direct their learning. I think this is a valuable concept that deserves to be explored. It is an interesting concept that teacher-librarians would be integral in.3  The “General Capabilities” page in an ACARA article (as cited in Lori’s E-musings, 12 March 2019)4 provides much room to expand this concept. However, it also leaves great space for refining and crafting. It would be fascinating to explore it further.

The role of teacher-librarian is constantly growing and developing. Libraries and teacher-librarians have great scope for being managers of information, creators and facilitators and distributors of information.

References

1 and 2 O’Connell, J, n.d., Module 2: The Information Environment, Retrieved from Charles Sturt Universit website at https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_42380_1&content_id=_2633951_1&mode=view

3 Create, Curate, Collaborate n.d., Retreived from Teacher-Librarian Learning Network’s blog at https://feedly.com/i/entry/5oT5ifkZN1JBXX3mX4pji4hWD0AUSB04SCT7+1+6tNQ=_1696a74271c:78409:5bce999a

4  Lori (2019), Information. Dissemination. influence. in Lori’s E-Musings Retrieved from https://lorikemusings.wordpress.com/2019/03/12/information-dissemination-influence/

 

Category: Curriculum and Learning, ETL401, Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT