Final Project - Reflection and Artifact
Course Reflection
It was the TL at my last school that suggested I pursue a TL position as I had extensive experience in working with technology and supporting my peers in its use. I was somewhat skeptical, but applied for a number of positions anyway. What I lacked was the "library" experience, so I decided to start the Teacher-Librarian program at UBC.
At the beginning of this course I was not sure what to expect as this was my first course in the Teacher-Librarian program. Darcy suggested to me that, given my background as a technology "person" working with teachers, this would be an excellent course to help me ease into the program. As I come to the end of the course I would agree with her.
The text we were assigned - Leading from the Library - gave me a strong sense that I did indeed have skills integral to the TL position. Immediately in chapter 1 Miller and Bass point out that technology "creates an opportunity for librarians to be digital age mentors, cultivating digital skills, online learning, and understanding of the information age." (p.15) I spent 14 years playing this role in schools and it gives me great pleasure to help others realize their digital potential.
This course has helped me see my potential as a TL, while allowing me to begin to get a better understanding of the role of the TL outside of just the digital mentor.
Final Vision Reflection
I have years of experience supporting people in the use of educational technology. Because of this I was immediately drawn to the idea of creating a website that would form a resource for learners in my school. While I initially thought of creating a site to just support teachers, my research into the digital component of a School Library Learning Commons got me thinking differently.
"The school library’s main website is extremely important, and serves as a hub for presenting resources, connecting to collaborative spaces, demonstrating accountability, and making the library program visible to the school community and beyond. ... Viewing the website as a virtual hub – a platform for connecting people with opportunities – may help understand its potential. (Brooks Kirkland)
The article I read by Brooks Kirkland helped me to think larger. The site I would start should support the whole community. This "hub" would empower students, parents, and teachers to create a community of learners. So I expanded the scope of my website. Because I am not currently in a school I elected to use Google Site to create my website. This is a tool I have worked with in the past.
In School library websites: Essential features and examples, Morris reinforced my thoughts on the elements that constitute a good site. She also reminded me to think about accessibility. This got me to return to the site and ensure that all the images had alt tags for the visually impaired / screen readers. I was already using a simple and clean colour scheme, so I felt fairly comfortable with that.
I have called the website I created Launch Pad - as in a launch pad to success and further exploration. As noted above, I hope for the site to act as a hub for the school. I created the site with the idea that it should support all learners - from students looking for resources (from the SLLC or their teachers); to parents hoping to understand the tools their children are using; to teachers who want a central location to post links or find information to support their learning.
While I used Google Sites to create this iteration of the website, I would actually look to transfer it to the tool supported by the school / school division I find myself working in. I would also like to find a way to password protect the teacher section so it can act as a virtual staff room. This would depend on the tool available for site creation.
I see the Launch Pad as a starting point. Having seen a number of example sites, I think there is room for growth. What that looks like will depend on where I end up.
Sources
Information
Miller, S., & Bass, W. (2019). Leading from the Library: Help your School Community Thrive in the Digital Age. International Society for Technology in Education.
Brooks Kirkland, A. (2020). The Virtual Library learning commons: Leveraging the pandemic tipping point for lasting change. Canadian Schools Library Journal. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/the-virtual-library-learning-commons-leveraging-the-pandemic-tipping-point-for-lasting-change/
Morris, K. (2021, May 19). School library websites: Essential features and examples. The Edublogger. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://www.theedublogger.com/school-library-websites-features-examples/
Holland, B. (2015, January 14). 21st-Century libraries: The learning commons. George Lucas Educational Foundation. Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/21st-century-libraries-learning-commons-beth-holland
Images
Most of my images on the site came from me. The logos come from the vendor sites and are used to support / "promote" their product.
The images on the main Student Links page come from Peggy_Marco | Pixabay - 8 on Pixabay and have Pixabay Licenses - Free to use under the Pixabay license No attribution required
I love the idea of the "virtual staff room" and feel that leaders such as yourself will be instrumental in moving our professional spaces online more and more. Thank you for sharing so much of your expertise with us over these few months!
ReplyDeleteWhat a clear and inviting layout! You present your program (and you!) as fun, engaging and inclusive. I like your invitations for input with the content, both to students and to teachers.
ReplyDeleteNice work, Rob! You really have a great tool here that you will be able to customize to a school site. I think that by seeking input from your users, you will build engagement and make something that truly is a rich resource for your school community. Thank you for sharing your IT perspective with us - I gained many gems from you!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Shawnese T.