Possible transition to online learning
What a week to be reflecting upon the information environment! This week, our school had a school-wide curriculum day to prepare for the possibility of a transition to online learning, should we be required. In the space of a week, all teachers have had to become familiar with Google meets in order to deliver some face-to-face teaching and learning in preparation for a school closure. Having undertaken some online study in the recent past, I feel well-equipped to prepare a library programme to junior school students that takes into consideration factors such as screen time and limited access to a device.
As the junior school Teacher Librarian, I presented to our teachers the range of digital resources available through our library catalogue, such as Australian history mysteries, Story Box library, PETAA, Britannica, World Book online and ClickView as well as a range of digital newspaper subscriptions. I also showed teachers ABC Education and Reading Australia.
Throughout this module I have had my lense firmly placed on student learning, and this week I have really had to shift my focus upon educating teachers about the carefully selected resources that are available for them to use. Further, it has been my responsibility to share with teachers their obligations in regards to copyright, and the information shared by Smartcopying this week has been priceless.
Now, more than ever I have realised how important it is, as Teacher Librarians to stay fully informed on the latest digital technologies as well as the way it is delivered through our school’s learning management system. This week I have seen the struggles teachers (and Teacher Librarians) have faced if they have not kept up to date with the constantly evolving information landscape. I have been able to share my knowledge and expertise with colleagues, as well as relying on strong relationships with e-learning and IT departments to assist me with new technologies. I will reflect further on this next week – but for now I feel well-placed to act as both a support to my colleagues, and a teacher to my students in this evolving information landscape.
National Copyright Unit. (2019). Urgent COVID-19 Information. [fact sheet]. https://www.smartcopying.edu.au/educational-resources/urgent-covid-19-information
