This episode provides a practical contrast to the theoretical focus upon the information environment that you are engaging with in your module readings.The proliferation of digital information that shapes our information landscape has fundamentally transformed the TL role, and in this podcast we are aiming to share some of the ways that is evident in the day to day practice of the teacher librarian.
Recorded 01/09/2022
Download the transcript in PDF format here.
Our guest
Our guest for this episode is Suzanne Penson.
Suzanne is a dynamic and experienced Teacher/Librarian working in a large Catholic Secondary School at Port Macquarie. Suzanne has worked as a leader of learning technologies and in the creative space as Co-Director of Litfest2444 a festival of story. She is influential in her role at the Lismore Catholic Schools Librarian Network and industrially as a General Executive Member of the Independent Education Union NSW/ACT. Her commitment to the profession has delivered academic and wellbeing outcomes for many students and teachers. Her passion is in curriculum design incorporating higher order thinking, technology and authentic learning experiences.
Podcast highlights
Suzanne’s current working context. At 2.34 Suzanne describes her current role and her school.
Suzanne’s connection with Teacher Librarianship. Suzanne explains how was drawn to Teacher Librarianship, from 3.34.
Digital information and education. At 6.50, Suzanne discusses how access to digital information transformed how we educate students.
The information environment and the TL role. At 8.38 Suzanne explains how the changing information environment has influenced the role of the Teacher Librarian.
The value of seeking grants and funding to enhance digital resourcing. At 12.40 Suzanne shares how she achieved grant funding to set up a new media suite for podcasting and vlogging designed around on project based learning.
Implications of digital information access. From 15.55, Suzanne shares some of the positive and negative implications greater access to digital information has had for education and more specifically, for the TL role.
Libguides for managing digital information. Suzanne explains what Libguides are at 17.20.
Challenges when managing digital resources. At 19:25 Suzanne discusses the importance of quality vs quantity.
Databases for digital information management. 20.04 is where Suzanne talks about managing databases as a key digital resource.
Developing learning opportunities with teachers. Suzanne gives real world examples of how she has worked with teachers to collaboratively develop learning opportunities at 22.00.
Building confidence and credibility. At 26.36 Suzanne advises how to build your confidence to collaborate with teachers and build credibility of the TL role.
Using technology in learning. At 29.34 Suzanne shares another anecdote of how she is currently collaborating with the Geography teaching staff to use drones as a creative way to use technology in learning.
Building wellbeing as a TL. The role of the TL in building wellbeing – with a digital resourcing example closes the podcast at 31.52.
Further resources:
To find out more about what Education grants you could apply for, check out the Education Grants Hub.