Final Reflection

EDLI 277 Information Technology for School Media Centers

Final Reflection

3. How will you be sure that your library resources are available to all students -- think accessibility here in both access in school and out of school situations.  

Access to resources for our students is at the heart of who we are as a library and my role as the librarian.  I am entrusted with ensuring that my students not only can access resources IN school, but also OUT of school as well.  This course has reinforced this belief by illustrating the  importance of technology in this access.  An examination of the physical layout of the library, a variety of assistive technology, as well as a well organized website can all make a difference in providing access to the library and the sources located within. I am currently in the process of creating a 3-5 year plan for the library and this reflection will enable me to evaluate the technology needs of my students.  

One of the biggest surprises for me was the idea that my library may not be physically appropriate for students with special needs such as a wheelchair.  Book stacks, table organization, aisle location, as well as computer setup may all inhibit certain students from obtaining services in the library.  As I begin to create a new floor plan and purchase new furniture and book stacks, I need to keep in mind, can someone with special needs reach the books?  Can they move around the library freely?  If a student is in a wheelchair, will their chair fit under the desk?  This was an eyeopener for me and gave me a new perspective on the importance of a physical layout that is inviting and accomidating.

Another aspect of the course taught us about assistive technology and the importance of providing the tech tools for access to those students who struggle to read.  I was happy to learn that I had some of the tools such as Kindles and an Audible membership for audio and text enhancement.  I had already planned on purchasing Whispernet to provide simultaneous  reading and listening capabilities.  I also plan on ensuring my new Listening Center incorporates this technology seamlessly and easily.  One aspect that I want to pursue is a more proactive collaboration with the Special Ed department.  I really liked the idea of identifying students who need accommodations and working to ensure their needs are met on my end.   Working with the English Department was also an avenue that I started to pursue last year such as purchasing required reading books on Audible or CDs for students.  Expanding on both of these fronts will reach more students and provide that access that is necessary for their success. Having the Kindles and CDs are portable and will enable students to have this technology at home or in the classroom.  

I feel that our library provides plenty of computing devices to give students access to tools for success in school, but what about out of school?  I know I can’t provide computers to every student, but what I can do is give them a portal to educational resources 24/7.  This can come in the form of a well organized website that is easy to navigate and access from any/all devices.   This is an area in which I have struggled all year as a new librarian.  Being responsible for a website is a daunting task; especially when it is a representative of your library.  I have tried to move things around, enhance the home page as well as reorganize the databases to encourage access to information.  It hasn’t gone well.  I have felt overwhelmed and disorganized.   I really appreciate Dan’s suggestion of reorganizing the tabs.  My hope for the summer is to take a long hard look and think about how I can update the information on the site easily and provide navigational access that is engaging.  I plan on revisiting the various websites that we were provided with for ideas.  

These are just a few of the “take aways” I have experienced from this class.  I am excited to begin the process of rethinking my library and putting into place those tools that will enable all my students to have access to the resources in and out of the library.  

SHS Three Year Technology Plan

Spaulding High School

School Library Three Year Technology Plan

Fall 2016- Spring 2019

In today’s educational mission statements, almost all academic institutions include something about 21st Century skills and technology.  There is a clear recognition that our students need tools and experiences in order to allow them to be successful in their adult lives.  Spaulding High School is no different.  According to our Mission Statement, our Core Values introduction states:

We value education and offer it in a variety of ways to meet the needs of all students, enabling them to become respectful, responsible, knowledgeable, confident, healthy, and ethical global citizens. We are committed that all students will receive the support necessary to achieve these goals and expectations.

Throughout our Mission Statement are examples of our commitment to ensuring our students have access to those resources needed for student growth.  For example, number 5 of our “beliefs about learning” segment articulates this responsibility by stating, we will provide “Up-to-date school resources (that) contribute to effective teaching and learning.”  The library needs to be at the heart of this support as we are responsible for providing equal access to resources for all our students and others in the educational community.  A well thought out School Library Technology Plan needs to clearly illustrate how the library will accomplish this goal and support the specific needs of the community.  

Economically, Barre struggles and as a Title 1 school, the needs of our students are many.  Thinking about my role in providing all our students with access is a daunting task, especially in this day and age where budgets are shrinking, yet, technology is expanding.  With that said, the below plan will include access to resources for all individuals in our school community from students, to supporting staff, educators and administration.  While some aspects of the technology will only be available in-house, others will be available to all through the website or through check out.  

Our basic inventory is well developed.  The previous librarians and the IT Department were very cognisant of their responsibilities in ensuring that the library had resources that were adaptable and available.  I also feel that they provide a strong foundation for expanding on these services and resources.  For example, a simple inventory of a few of these resources illustrate this foundation:

14 Computers on the main floor

20 Computers in the e-classroom

A Chromebook cart with 24 Chromebooks

5 iPads

10 New Kindle Fires

Multitude of older Kindles

Digital/Flip Cameras

MP3 players

New Headphones

Yeti Microphones

While I am in the process of creating a larger plan for the library itself, this simple  SLTP will fit nicely into that plan.  It includes utilizing what I currently have to expand services and adding new tools that will not only support the curriculum of our teachers but encourage students to engage with new ways of formative and summative activities and learning performances.  Specifically, I would like to create a Listening Center where students can access a variety of audio/visual experiences in order to actively engage in their learning and expand their global experiences .  As such, I will need the following to ensure all my students, including those who need assistive technology, will have the tools to experiment.

   

Listening Center Rational:

In this busy media filled world, I want to provide a space where students can be exposed to new ways of receiving information outside of Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.  Not that these types of mediums aren’t relevant to my students, but they are limited in scope.  Students need a place to be exposed to new ways of consuming and creating media and a listening center can be a space for this purpose.  My goal is to create a center where students can have access to audio books, Ted-talks, Podcasts and other ventures to expand their horizons or meet the needs of the curriculum for teachers.  I will do this by:

1. Purchase 4 new iPads Pro with a multitude of space and other capacities to enable students to create/consume media.   Cost:  $ 3000.00
2. A variety of audio/digital editing software (both free and purchased) to provide audio/visual assistance such as Audacity or Garageband. Cost:  $ 200.00
3. Audible Subscription for access to audio books for students who need educational support as well as for those who just want to listen to poetry, short stories, or nonfiction materials.   Cost:  $ 300.00
4. Audio Books with Whispernet capabilities in order to support students who need educational support.  These books can be used in the library or in the classroom through installation on the Kindles or iPads.   Cost:  $ 300.00
5. 6 Headphones with microphones to allow students to not only consume media but use the microphones to create as well as communicate with others both close and far.  

Cost:  $ 200.00

Along with the listening center, one aspect of technology that I would really like to purchase this year is two Go-Pro Cameras.  This will not only provide educational support for teachers (such as gym teachers and assessing movement) but will also encourage students to support their learning through creativity and engagement.   

6. Go-Pro Cameras which will allow students to support their learning and illustrate their experiences through video.          Cost:  $ 600.00

Total Cost:  $ 4600

While the Listening Center will take almost half my equipment budget, it is money well spent and will support the learning expectations of our students.  According to number 3 of those Learning Expectations, “Students will have access to and learn to use technology effectively and appropriately.”  By creating the Listening Center, students will be able to not only have access to the technology to let them learn but have instruction on how to use them appropriately in order to produce a creative product.   

School Library Websites: The Challenges

Spaulding Library Website

Web sites and what they offer or how they appear can make or break a library; or any space for that matter.  Mine is no different.  I have often wondered how I can increase traffic, make it a "go to" space for dialogue, research, or technology help, as well as be relevant to the day to day activities of my students and school community.   As a new librarian, I have been profoundly overwhelmed with trying to make this space stimulating.  However, it has become the bane of my existence.  I have tried changing the database page, reworking the home page, and making sure to keep it updated and relevant.  All of these met with frustration and a sense of dissatisfaction.  It doesn't look right, the colors are wrong, the organization is a mess, and the front page is down right....well, who knows. 

A few months ago, I completed a student/educator survey of the library and the web page came up a few times.  A few people stated that it was confusing, hard to navigate, and too large.  This summer I am dedicated to making sure the overall outlook of the web page is visually pleasing, easier to navigate, and is collectively more manageable and predictable. Always a work in progress, any suggestions from anyone reading this would be most welcome!  Just click on the link above and give me feedback in the comment section.

With that said, here are two links to my new tech briefs on WeVideo.  New innovative ways to get students excited about their education must include a means in which to create media and WeVideo is the perfect means in which to do that.  Below are those two briefs.  

WeVideo Sign Up Instructions

WeVideo Tutorial   

Happy WeVideoing!!

My Library as a Maker Space: What do I got?

The School Library used to be a place to go for existing content.  Now they are a place for creating content.  Videos, blogging, 3D printing and more.  How is this supported in your library and how so you see it changing?


Creating a well maintained and complete Makerspace takes money, time, and awareness of the needs of your community.  However, on the "Just for Fun" page given to us this week, I looked at this image which gave us a "dream makerspace" check off list:



Looking through this list it is easy to be overwhelmed with the choices.  If I used this as an assessment tool in what I currently have in my library, I think I am "beginning" on the proficiency scale.  While I could provide my students with some of these activities, the majority of them would be unavailable due to lack of materials, apps, technology.  But I do provide is a space for my students to create; limited though it may be.  

Evaluating the current state of my library, I do indeed provide my students with a limited number of tools to consume; especially in the area of video production.  We have some equipment such as a Green Screen, iPads/cameras, audio equipment, and software such as WeVideo to make and produce movies.  We currently have a group of students who use our video equipment to produce The Friday Show which are student generated comedy sketches.   We also have the means in which to allow our students to blog, vlog, and podcast.  Plenty of computers, Audacity the audio editor, and access to google tools such as Blogger to "blog" and YouTube in order to Vlog.  Currently, however, unless the teacher assigns the project, these activities are not actively pursued by my students.  The rest of the above check off list, would, for the most part,  be blank.  I am sad to say, our students have minimal materials to work with in order to consume.  They also don't see the library as a place to produce anything so this would require a major mind shift for both the students and myself in the area of seeing the library for it's potential in providing them with lots of opportunities.

As my education expands and I become exposed to new ideas surrounding the library I hope to put into place a belief that the Library is so much more than a space to read.  I have started to do that by changing the name of the library.  We are called the Spaulding High School Library and Learning Space.  As stated before, I am in the process of creating a 3-5 year plan, putting into place the suggestions garnered by my students and educators.  Last month, I conducted a survey on their needs and wants.  It was eye opening and I plan on making sure that our students have many of the learning opportunities they suggested such as a cafe seating area and a place for them to create.  I will also give them more input as we move forward because I truly want it to be a space of activity.  I look at the above list and I see the endless possibilities that can occur in this new space.  It will be about the ability for me to design, advocate for, and find the funding for a Makerspace that is suitable for our community.  It is a very exciting prospect.


Maker Space List Citation:
Young, Cari. "Makerspace Shopping List - Library Learners." Library Learners. Library Learners, 23 June 2014. Web. 12 June 2016.

Maker Spacers: To Have or Have Not?

Makerspaces are the newest rage in the library world.  But, what is a Makespace? 
According to an article on the Open Education Database website, a Makerspace is "also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs are creative, DYI spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn.  In libraries, they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more."  These "spaces" offer individuals the opportunity to create instead of just consume.  Who wouldn't support the opportunity for our students to be able to make things and experience real world situations?  But, are they good for all libraries?  Do they fit into all library programs?  Can every school maintain one long term or continue to financially support one in an economically deficient community?  These questions are important to ask in order to assess whether a well created and maintained makerspace should be installed in a school library.  Within the next year, I am creating a 3-5 year plan for my own library that may, or may not, contain a makerspace.  These questions will be essential in assessing my school communities ability to sustain this type of learning space. 

Three weeks ago, I gathered some students together in order to get a better sense of what they thought would make our library at Spaulding a better place.  Part of my 3-5 year plan needed input from students.  When we talked about literacy issues or increasing usage of the library, they described a place of activity, not a place of study.  They wanted a place to create and to BE.  Along with a "cafeteria" or an area where they cold bring in food, they described an area of the library they could create.  A place where there was a "graffiti wall" or a space where they could draw , a place to games (both board and video) and to have chances to make things. I was excited, because what they were asking for are the very things that a makerspace is and all about.  I suddenly had a vision of the Essex, VT library and their Learning Commons that specifically included a Makerspace for their students.  It is a topnotch, first rate makerspace that includes a video studio, organized bins of materials, and enough space to have multiple different projects going on at the same time and individuals to monitor and provide their students guidence and instruction.  The question is, can or will our community here in Barre be able to support and sustain such a space financially; especially in the form of additional people to physically monitor the space? 

Can I provide our students with a media center?  Yes, I have the space and Green Screen technology for media creation.  I don't however, have the software and state of the art computers for the space.  Can I provide our students with the materials for creation such as paper, fabric, buttons, stencils, and other types of materials for creation? Yes, I can purchase some out of the budget and perhaps even call upon the community for donations. Can I bring in robotics and other types of engineering activities to the space?  Well, this may be a little harder as I am a history teacher and couldn't tell you the difference between the positive and negative side of a battery, let alone how to create a mini-robot.  Yet, I can almost guarantee I can find someone to volunteer their time to come and play/build/create with the students.  We could, given the funds, build and supply a Makerspace, this I have no doubt.  The problem comes in providing the man power necessary for providing adequate and safe supervision.  I would love to organize these wonderful activities, but I am one person and I am constantly fighting to keep my workforce as is.  The reality is for most communities is that instead of investing in education and being innovative in their approach,  many schools are having to make very difficult choices in how monies are spent; especially since personnel tend to be the first on cut list.  This would have to be a conversation had with the School Board on many levels.  I also would have to convince other teachers of the value in these types of programs.  I had an art teacher look at me with fear and a bit of jealousy when I told him about my plans.  He took it as a threat to his programs instead of an extension of his work.  I was unprepared for that response and recognize that it may take some convincing.    

Do I beleive that Makerspaces are appropriate for a Library?  YES!  No one can deny the impact a Makerspace would have on a library and the educational community.  The Edutopia article we read this week states, " While formal learning can also happen in both spaces, as classes are brought in to work toward more prescribed learning objectives, most school libraries and makerspaces are equally as supportive of non-curricular, student-driven, independent explorations."   Student NEED and WANT to create and a library can be a perfect place for our students to create as well as consume, however, the type of space that would allow for this type of innovation needs to be a priority and I don't think our community would be able to support it.  Nonetheless, my 3-5 year plan does include room for innovation on a smaller scale.  I am going to try to provide our students with some type of creation space where they can come and experience new things.  They don't have this enough.  

OPED Resources:  A Librarian's To Makerspaces: 16 Resources


Image Citation:  
 Storck-Post, Holly. "A School Library Makerspace with Colleen Graves." A School Library Makerspace with Collen Graves. Library as Incubator Project, 23 Mar. 2016. Web. 12 June 2016.

Meeting the Diverse Needs of ALL My Students: How Do I Measure UP?

While I like to think I provide my students with a multitude of ways to access information in my library, the reality is, as a new librarian, I am just beginning to understand my responsibilities.  My role is to ensure that ALL students can participate in the library and I have wondered, how do I measure up in providing my diverse learners with access to information?  For now, I give myself a C and in our new educational world, I have yet to meet proficiency.  While not a totally delinquent in providing accessibility, I have just started to understand the immense resources that are available out there in order to provide equitable access for all our students at Spaulding.  

The image above is taken from a Thinglink I created for my libraries web page.  It illustrates all the "services" my library provides to our education community.   On the surface, I appear to provide many ways for individuals to connect to the collection and to access information.   We have iPads, kindles, audio books, newspapers, audio equipment, digital/flip cameras, and videos; all of which can provide those with hearing and visual impairments the ability to participate in many aspects of their academics. I was very proud of the fact that if a student needed an audio book, we could provide it through the Kindle, a Mp3 player or CDs.  If a student needed to manipulate font size, no problem, a Kindle or iPad should do the trick.  All these tools are indeed essential and needed and our budget is sufficient enough that I can provide these services.  However, upon reading about Assistive Technology and the variety of tools available, I realize that I have much more to do and learn.  

As a new librarian, this year my focus has been on just learning all the day to day responsibilities and the tricks of the trade.  It has been an overwhelming year of just trying to BE a librarian.  My ignorance of what is my role in my school at the start of the year has morphed into recognizing the many facets of my job that I didn't know and just how much  I have to learn; especially when it comes to providing our diverse learners with the tools they  need to be successful.  I remember opening a folder in my new desk and seeing the word Bookshare on it.  I thought to myself, what the heck is this?  I even asked my co-workers if we were a member of this and they said "yes" but they didn't expand beyond that.  So back into the desk it went and to be honest, I haven't looked at it since.  Little did I realize that this organization is so important to my students in so many ways. It is these little nuances and little bits of information that will make my role so much stronger and allow me to advocate for my students.  

As I expand my knowledge and reflect on this past year, I realize that I need to collaborate more with the Special Ed. department and to be more proactive in recognizing students who may need extra support.  I also need to look further into what EXACTLY we have for our diverse learners.  For example, when I was a teacher, I had a student who was visually impaired and the school provided him with a special computer that did contain some type of magnification but I have no idea what it was, where it is, or who is responsible for the technology.  By collaborating more, I will have a better capacity to find the holes in the variety of assistive technology available to our students.

I also plan on paying closer attention to the physical space in the library.  How do we support our students with physical disabilities?  We are putting together a 3-5 year plan and I will be more aware and mindful of how the physical space can become more welcoming and adaptable for students to ensure accessibility.  For example, just the simple act of purchasing more half stacks will not only help in supervision, but allow for students to reach books and materials on their own and they will no longer be out of reach.  

While I may not be proficient yet, I hope to put into place the systems and tools necessary to ensure that ALL our students have accessable the means of learning.  

Essential Technologies for a School Library

In order for our students to be prepared for a 21st Century world, they need the skills and tools in order to be a part of it.  While many agree our students know ABOUT technology, they don't necessarily know how to use it correctly or to critically think about what they see and read online. But what types of technologies are instrumental in supporting them?  Below are the 10 essential technologies that I think every school library should possess in order to help all our students obtain and have access to those tools. While these may be in some respects generalities, they are important in their context.  

1. BOOKS!:  Without the ability to read, interpret, and critically think, students can not become part of the 21st Century.  A library must provide its students and others in the educational community with a variety of monographs that speak on a variety of topics from a multitude of perspectives.  These materials need to be free and available.  
2. Fast, Free and accessible Internet/Wifi:   Access to the outside world is essential for the global connection that is expected of a 21st Century student.  Deprived of affordable or free internet access would limit a student's ability to become competitive and have access to information.  
3. Electronic Devices:  Students need exposure to a variety of updated and adaptable devices that allow them to connect to the internet and to information.  Not only do they need the exposure, but in some cases access to the devices themselves.  Computers, tablets, and even cell phones all allow students to access to this information even if they do not have this at home.    
4. Ebooks/Audio Books:  Books come in many different formats and are available 24/7.  As such, a well-rounded library would provide a collection that is available on the above devices for people on the go or for those who need additional academic/physical support.  
5. Assistive Technology:  Accessibility is imperative and students with physical and learning disabilities are at a disadvantage.  Their ability to access the information on a computer, listen to a lecture, or to write a paragraph will hinder their participation in many of those skills so necessary for the 21st Century.  Our mission as a library has to be to provide any type of technology that may help such as audible books for those with reading disabilities, texts from Bookshare for visual issues, and perhaps digital pens that can help transcribe notes to the computer.     
6. Applications:The quantity and variety of apps in today's world are astonishing. Students need to be able to access the types of applications that will help them organize, curate, and provide connection to resources and materials.    
7. Valid and Vetted Databases:  Students need access to information that is unbiased, reliable, and unlimited to a certain degree.  Google is great and an important tool, but it can be difficult to find information that is reliable and specific for their particular topic of study.  Solid, reliable connection to research materials and academically curated sites are essential.  
8. Integrated Library System (ILS):  All libraries need an adaptable and ever updating ILS technology that will give students the best means in which to access information.  Organizing a library’s collection will provide students with the ability to access all the materials available in the library.  
9. Digital Cameras/Audio Equipment:  Students need a diverse set of tools to allow them to not just consume media, but to create it.  Media literacy and how to produce it is essential to a 21st-century student.  Once again, our goal is to ensure all our students have access to these tools despite socio-economic status.  
10. Audio/Visual Accessories:  This is a very broad area, however, a student needs speakers, earphones, microphones, adapters, monitors, even batteries in order to access all the above devices in order to consume and produce media.   

Political Cartoon Citation:

"Technology & Education : Political Cartoon #2: Technology in the Classroom." Technology & Education : Political Cartoon #2: Technology in the Classroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2016.