Assignment 1 – Paige's Reflective Journal

INF533 Assignment Post 1

paige.bernard95 2019, Assignment 1, INF533, Learning, Thoughts&Feelings July 28, 2019July 28, 2019digital-environments, library, literacy, school 1 Comment

Is the printed book dead?

As an avid physical reader the thought of the demise of printed books is almost incomprehensible, however, digital literature environments have continued to expand as technological advances have been made. The increase of electronic modes of communication is a step as revolutionary as the mobile printing press (Rettberg, 2012), however, the chances of printed books ‘dying out’ are over-exaggerated by media sources (Darnton, 2009). The impact of this shift is the notion that humanity have entered into the ‘information age’ and as the library is an information service (Darnton, 2009), it is a necessity that in my profession of Teacher Librarian, the maintenance and up-kept of changes and developments is crucial to our knowledge and skills.

The influx of digital literature and technology and tools are utilised due to what they can add to literature, rather than to replace physical literature. Sadokierski (2013) discusses that the value of the electronic book (eBooks) is through what eBooks can offer that print books cannot. The one of the most appealing aspects of eBooks is the efficiency, immediacy and variety available. Librarians can incorporate digital literature to provide reluctant readers with a novel experience, create new texts that dynamically interacts with the readers and offer support within the classroom. Felvegi & Matthew (2012) address the potential that electronic texts can reduce costs in both storage and production, provide opportunities for diverse learning locations and shift teaching pedagogy to assist students in developing the 21^st century skills necessary.

As a new graduate, my experience in the classroom and library environment are quite limited and my current knowledge and practices in play are reversed to using Wushka and a variety of digital uses through Google Suite. Walsh (2013) articulates the differing components of digital environments and the digital forms present currently. The digital environments are engaging readers in a unique way that teachers need to be present of and incorporate these skills into their teaching and learning.

References

Darnton, R. (2009). The information landscape, Chapter 2 in The case for books by Robert Darnton, New York: Pubic Affairs pp. 21-41 http://csuau.eblib.com/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=496489

Flevegi, E. & Matthew, K.I. (2012). eBooks and literacy in K-12 schools, Computers in the schools, 29(1-2), 40-52. DOI: 10.1080/07380569.2012.651421

Rettberg, J.W. (2012). Electronic literature seen from a distance: the beginnings of a field. Retrieved from http://www.dichtung-digital.org/2012/41/walker-rettberg.htm

Sadokierski, Z. (2013, November 12). What is a book in the digital age? [Web log post]. Retrived from http://theconversation.com/what-is-a-book-in-the-digital-age-19071

Walsh, M. (2013). Literature in a digital environment (Ch. 13). In L. McDonald (Ed.), A literature companion for teachers. Marrickville, NSW: Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA)

13.3.19 – My Understanding of the Role of TLs

paige.bernard95 401, Assignment 1 March 13, 2019March 13, 2019assignment, reflection, responsibilities, roles, teacherlibrarian, teaching 4 Comments

Reflecting on your experiences as a teacher before you became interested in working in a school library, write a 500 word piece about your understandings of the role of the TL in schools

It is a curious thing to reflect on experiences that are limited and think of a time before I became interested in working in a school library. As a student, I was passionate about the library and maintained its abilities to provide a safe haven to a bibliophile like myself. I saw the TL’s role as a “secret keeper”, one who created and maintained this place that helped students find new adventures, worlds and friends.

Reflecting, I believed the role of the TL to hold 3 crucial tasks.

To be the keeper and protector of the books.
To instigate, kindle and grow a love and passion for books within students.
To create an environment that allows students to feel safe.

Nowadays as a teacher, I see that the role of the TL is more expansive and supportive. There is a shift in focus to being an informant and collector to assist in community projects, a place for teachers to gather necessary resources and to supply new technologies and the information necessary to access these resources.

NSW Department of Education, Teach.NSW (2019) (hyperlink) prescribe teacher librarians attributes as

Extremely organised;

Resource managers;

Information specialists;

Quality literacy contributors;

Comprehensive technological knowledge to engage and enhance learning experiences.

Similarly Australian School Library Association (2019) segment the role of TLs into three major components:

Curriculum leaders;

Information specialists;

Information service managers.

Throughout these definitions my current understanding of the role of TLs has a lot of room to grow. My previous conceptions were ignorant of the knowledge and information that TLs present to the libraries. I now understand that TLs role is heavily dependent on providing, interpreting and developing assistance in the transference of information, whether to teachers, students, administrators or the larger school community. The information connected to teachers and students is no longer solely focused on reading, rather evolving resources that shape into the current curriculum and provide learning support for all needs of students.

Another surprising aspect of the TLs role is still relating to space, however, the extent to which the library space is used and the TLs accommodate for various clubs, activities, events and the teaching of collaborative spaces for learning experiences. The learning experiences themselves are focused on inquiry, research and investigation, leading to creation and the TLs role with the students is acting as a guide, skill builder, information supplier and technological developer.

I have a long way to go developing my skills as a teacher and the learning progression of the role I hope to emerge into. The importance of having a clear direction of your dream role cannot be understated and this learning experience will be engaging and challenging. I am beginning from what I feel is the very bottom but I will work my way to fulfilling the invaluable role of TL.

Reference

Australian School Library Association (2019). Retrieved from https://asla.org.au/what-is-a-teacher-librarian

NSW Department of Education (2019). Retrieved from https://www.teach.nsw.edu.au/exploreteaching/types-of-teachers/specialist-teachers/teacher-librarian