New Directions in IDT

I am a big fan of the emerging technologies for IDT.  There are several that I have experience using in my classroom and several that I look forward to using as a librarian.  I definitely think that using these technologies can enhance the learning experience.  I have thoroughly enjoyed e-learning as an option for professional development.  It allows professionals to choose options that are relevant to their area of expertise and classroom needs.  It allows you to choose when you learn and it gives you the opportunity to rewatch something when you need a refresher.  I absolutely love Web 2.0 tools because they allow you to differentiate instruction and allow students opportunities to have a choice in what they learn and the products they produce.  For example, Glogster is a tool that produces interactive posters.  Using rubrics you can have different levels of standards for the posters students create.  They can have a say in the topic they choose and the material they include.  I love how students can take ownership of their project and standards can meet various needs.  I love different tools for communication such as Remind, where you can send reminders and updates to students/parents.  I love Evernote and the way you can access your information from different locations.  There are so many ways that Web 2.0 can help you achieve curriculum and personal objectives in the classroom.  I also am a fan of games in the classroom.  There are so many programs designed to teach different standards and the students LOVE spending time using these games.  Students love using Starfall for practicing phonics, iStation for reading and science learning, and Cool Math Games to practice math skills that can seem boring when drill and practice is required to learn a skill.  Games can add a level of competition and incentive to improve.  Technology is absolutely a fantastic TOOL to use in the classroom, but there is nothing like an actual teacher to lead that learning.  A teacher knows their students and their strengths and weaknesses, they know the curriculum and can figure out where there are gaps or where you can make connections to real life experience.  A teacher communicates with parents and collaborates with other educators, parents and community members to make sure that students needs are met.

These technologies can all be huge assets in the classroom, but they don’t come without issues.  When it comes to e-learning, there will always be the issue of whether it was the teacher doing the learning, or were groups of teachers sharing answers.  This is a professional ethics question that I have seen raised within my district and school.  Even though teachers I knew were being questioned, it was hard to find hard evidence to support them either cheating or not cheating.  Technology can play a huge role in helping bridge gaps for students who are behind or lacking certain skills.  However, there can be issues when technology becomes so ingrained in the curriculum that it is necessary to use it outside of school.  Many low-income students do not have access to technology or internet that works consistently outside of the classroom.  There are also issues when it comes to troubleshooting problems with technology such as internet failure, equipment malfunctions, etc.  These take time and technical support that are not always available when pressed with curriculum needs.  Technology also has plus sides.  You can individualize instruction so that students are achieving personal goals.  You can explore and communicate beyond the walls of the classroom.  You can experience simulations that you would never have the time to experience in real time.  I think the main thing to remember with using technology in the classroom is that it is a tool.  Ultimately, the teacher knows the students and curriculum better than anyone or any technology.  The teacher can make decisions and plan instruction better than anyone.  A skilled teacher will utilize the tools they have to improve that instruction.  These tools can include technology, support staff, community resources, and other ways to make learning more relevant to our students. 

So what's in store for my future?

 I am excited about this blog because it is definitely something I need to address, as I get closer to finishing this graduate program.  Currently, I am a stay at home mom, but I will write from the perspective of a teacher (my profession for the past nine years).  I am working on my masters in library science and educational technology.  When I graduate, I hope to find a job as an elementary school librarian. 

After teaching high school for four years, I made the move to elementary school where I taught fifth grade for three years.  I then became a dyslexia specialist where I worked with small groups of dyslexic students for the past two years.  Making the move to elementary school was so eye opening for me because I realized the importance of those early years and how they truly are the catalyst for education for the rest of your life.  I also realized how many of my high school students could not read and had given up.  Learning to read in elementary school is absolutely necessary for success in the long run.  I know that I love working with students and helping them learn to love reading.  I also want to work with teachers to empower them to help their students.  I believe my strengths are in getting to know my students and designing instruction that meets their needs.  I know I want to work with elementary students in a public school setting.  My dream school would be about half low socioeconomic and half middle class.  I want to make sure that I have strong parental and community support to meet the needs of my students.

In order to be effective as a librarian, I will need to have a good understanding of the curriculum of every grade I serve, school policies, district policies.  I will need to be knowledgeable about all things library: cataloging, copyright, acceptable use policies, community support, collection development, weeding and much more.  I do feel like I got a good overview of library skills in my library tract classes.  My practicum in the library was a great way for me to get hands on experience working in a library environment.  That class really helped prepare me for my certification exam and gave me insight on what to expect when I start my job as the school librarian.  I would love to take some electives on diversity in education and some school leadership classes.  I would love to work on building me leadership skills to help with collaboration with teachers and administrators to achieve school goals.

There are several organizations that I am already a member of that will help me in my library profession.  I am already a part of TLA (Texas Library Association).  I will also join ALA (American Library Association) and AASL (American Association of School Libraries).  These organizations will help me stay up to date on current best practices in the school library.  TLA does a great job of posing as a sounding board among librarians for different day to day questions and issues you might face.  I do believe these organizations will be so helpful for my career as a librarian and I look forward to learning from the seasoned librarians whom I meet.