When I first started ETL401, I felt overwhelmed as it had been a very long time since I had last undertaken tertiary studies. While I thought that I was a confident user of technology, I have to admit, it wasn’t easy. It gives me a new understanding of how students can feel using new technologies or learning a new concept for the first time.

I joined the Teacher Librarianship @ Charles Sturt University Facebook group, I found this to be very helpful. Though at times, a little daunting, as I had no idea what they were talking about. I asked a few questions and was given the loveliest and helpful replies. It is a very supportive place, whether you are starting out or have a few subjects under your belt – I highly recommend joining. I clearly remember Marika’s name popping up a lot, she answered my questions and was a font of knowledge. It is great to hear that she received the CSU Dean award. It is well deserved, I am looking forward to her guest presentation coming up talking about how she managed the TL course.

I have made a huge shift in thinking during this course, as mentioned in 2.1 Thinking about information. While this major change in attitude hasn’t been easy, it is certainly extremely rewarding. I believe that the adoption of this attitude of serving others within the LIS field, is essential for developing collaborative relationships with teachers and the school community. A culture of sharing and helping for the common cause, providing the best education that is possible for students, is a goal that should be adopted by everyone.

I decided to join a Facebook group, TL Study Group, of students starting ETL401, as many of us were struggling adapting to the realities of online studies. I posted (Hello from Inner West Sydney 2046) on 18th February 2020, there are now 42 members. This has been a wonderful support for me and it has I no longer feel isolated with online learning. I’m hoping that it will continue to grow as we continue on this teacher librarianship journey. After becoming fascinated with the journal articles of Margaret Merga, Lee Fitzgerald, Judy O’Connell, Ross Todd, Carol Kuhlthau, Lyn Hay, Hilary Hughes, James Herring, Chin Lo, Carolyn Foote, Susan Grigsby, Joyce Valenza, Mandy Lupton, Barbara Combes and Josephine Laretive, I was inspired to follow them on Twitter. I am really enjoying being connected to new research, discussions and on the job issues. Please follow me, if you like – The Learning Teacher Librarian. Throughout this process, I have really come to understand just how much information there is out there and the difference that TL’s can make. It has been really pleasing to hear so many people currently missing their libraries due to covid-19, though disheartening to hear of school librarians in America losing their jobs. Being connected online has changed my outlook on so many things and it has made me ridiculously excited for the future.