Posted in ETL523 Digital Citizenship in Schools

ETL523 Reflective Practice

(Erol, H, 2020)

This subject allowed me to explore the concept of responsible digital citizenship in the twenty first century. In a world saturated with information and digital tools, educators must be innovative to help students navigate changing digital landscapes. With social media blurring the boundaries between our personal and professional lives, consideration must be given to our digital footprint and the impact it may have on one’s future. In the discussion forum, I considered my own digital footprint and reflected on the need to set boundaries to ensure privacy is not compromised (Friend, 2022, March 12). When considering legal implications in the digital learning environment, I acknowledged how difficult it can be for teachers to understand copyright restrictions (Friend, 2022, March 12). The crowded curriculum allows little time for teachers to source compliant learning materials and departmental filters can cause unnecessary restrictions. To model best practice for students, classroom teachers need to integrate the teaching of issues such as copyright and plagiarism into their daily practice. Continue reading “ETL523 Reflective Practice”

Posted in ETL504 Teacher Librarian as Leader

ETL504 Reflective Practice

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I had never given much thought to the leadership structure that existed in schools. To untrained eyes, formally recognised leaders hold positions of authority over a hierarchy of middle managers who oversee professionally trained teachers. It is a simple view, but until you’re asked to examine school leadership more closely, it is a fair assessment. With an unusual start to the school term, I posted my thoughts to my blog about leadership in lockdown and how the leadership team in my school changed their focus to support staff through a crisis situation (Friend, 2021, August 26). Continue reading “ETL504 Reflective Practice”

Posted in ETL504 Teacher Librarian as Leader

Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds: Library Leadership in Lockdown

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There was a frenzy of activity in my household this week as my own kids sprung to life to find perfect Book Week costumes. Learning has been challenging for everyone this term during lockdown. I have been observing how the teacher librarian at my children’s school has supported learning across the whole school during home learning. As a secondary teacher currently still working in a classroom, this experience gave me insight into some of the ways primary teacher librarians were supporting and leading their learning communities. Continue reading “Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds: Library Leadership in Lockdown”

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

ETL401 Reflective Practice

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Understanding Information Literacy
I had never thought that finding a simple definition to a word could be so complicated. The ETL401 course introduced the overwhelming concept of information. As I worked my way through each module, it became apparent that information was a complex issue. I soon discovered how challenging the information landscape was for a teacher librarian (TL) to prepare students with the transferable skills for the jobs and technologies of the future (Friend, 2021, March 15). Continue reading “ETL401 Reflective Practice”

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Information Literacy Model

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The article by Mandy Lupton discusses ‘Inquiry skills in the Australian Curriculum’ and focuses on the areas of science, history, and geography. When comparing the subject areas, it becomes apparent that the inquiry skills in each subject area do not align neatly across stages. Therefore, opening up the opportunity for a curriculum specialist such as the teacher librarian (TL) to have input in any school wide approach to information literacy. Continue reading “Information Literacy Model”

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

The Teacher Librarian and the Principal

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A supportive partnership between the Teacher Librarian (TL) and the school Principal is important to the success of the school library. If the objective of the library is to support the learning needs of the school community, it makes sense to align the goals of the library with the vision of the school. The strategic directions identified in the school plan will outline the priorities for professional development and the focus of working groups for a three-year period. These strategic directions have been developed to improve outcomes for students, with the specific needs of the learning community in mind. When everyone in the school is working towards a common goal, improvement is likely to follow. Continue reading “The Teacher Librarian and the Principal”

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Are School Librarians an Endangered Species?

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When considering Karen Bonanno’s speech A profession at the tipping point: Time to change the gameplan at the Australian School Library Association conference, I note the following ideas. The role of a teacher librarian is at a crossroads and we all have a choice to make. We work swiftly to become hardworking advocates for the essential position, or we sit back and watch the profession shrink away to extinction. (Bonanno, 2011) It is up to each and every one of us to add value to the role, working productively to ease the pressure of resourcing on our overburdened teaching colleagues. We must position ourselves in schools as leaders, who continue to deliver valuable resources to school communities in an environment of rapid technological change. We must embrace change and become indispensable and unique members of our school learning communities. Continue reading “Are School Librarians an Endangered Species?”

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Teacher Librarian in the Information Landscape

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It has always amazed me how fast the digital revolution has taken hold of our world and how quickly people have transformed and adapted to new ways of working and studying. As a society, our relationship with information has changed rapidly and we have scrambled to keep up with its pace. With increasing consumer awareness about data and privacy and the rise and fall of social media platforms, it is unclear exactly how the digital landscape will evolve. As technology continues to advance, we must be ready to face the next hurdle which presents itself in the digital landscape. Given the complexities of trying to define what information actually is, teacher librarians working in schools face challenges which are in a constant state of fluidity. Continue reading “Teacher Librarian in the Information Landscape”

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

The Role of the Teacher Librarian

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A Classroom Teacher Perspective

In the quiet sanctuary of the school library exists a friendly teacher librarian, who absolutely adores books! The shelves are filled with rows of fictional adventures and interesting facts waiting to be discovered by eager young minds. But the school library and its staff offer so much more to the learning community they support. Over my fourteen years of teaching, I have discovered the role of the teacher librarian is many and varied. Continue reading “The Role of the Teacher Librarian”