Standard 4:
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Elements4.1. Networking with the library community
4.2 Professional development 4.3 Leadership 4.4 Advocacy |
Reflection
The librarian is in a unique position to “lead from the middle” as both an administrator and instructor. Librarians must be effective communicators to their community and provide evidence of their impact. They connect students with local scientists, artists, business owners, and cultural leaders and encourage patrons to explore career options and expand their personal goals.
George Couros wisely stated that if we expect our students to be curious and hungry for new ideas then we too should practice the same in our own lives. I believe as educators that we should not only stay abreast of educational breakthroughs but also developments in the sciences and humanities. The creation and maintenance of a personal learning network, both physical and digital, is essential for everyone in this field.
For the grant application task, I visualized a student-run multimedia outreach program. This hypothetical program allows students use the medium of their choice (blogging, photography, videography, podcasting, etc.) to create stories and profiles of local scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, activists, and other people making a difference in their community.
In November 2017, I attended my first educational technology conference. One presenter encouraged me to consider the importance of teaching coding to elementary students. Another helped me realize that we must shape “builders of knowledge” over mere “consumers of knowledge”. Two other researchers told cautionary tales of several school’s arduous journeys in implementing one-to-one technology plans. I appreciated all of the stories I heard, whether idealistic or realistic.
In February 2018, I attended the Ron Clark Academy, which inspired me to increase my expectations on classroom discussion. I had been reading a lot about Flip Grid, a platform that enables students to submit video responses on a teacher-created discussion board. I became more familiar with the app and presented a professional development session on Flip Grid to all of my fellow teachers with a companion online module. Several teachers throughout the building began implementing Flip Grid with their students.
Other tasks in coursework that exhibit advocacy and leadership are screencast tutorials on Adobe Spark and a music video that I created with students to promote positive behavior.
George Couros wisely stated that if we expect our students to be curious and hungry for new ideas then we too should practice the same in our own lives. I believe as educators that we should not only stay abreast of educational breakthroughs but also developments in the sciences and humanities. The creation and maintenance of a personal learning network, both physical and digital, is essential for everyone in this field.
For the grant application task, I visualized a student-run multimedia outreach program. This hypothetical program allows students use the medium of their choice (blogging, photography, videography, podcasting, etc.) to create stories and profiles of local scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, activists, and other people making a difference in their community.
In November 2017, I attended my first educational technology conference. One presenter encouraged me to consider the importance of teaching coding to elementary students. Another helped me realize that we must shape “builders of knowledge” over mere “consumers of knowledge”. Two other researchers told cautionary tales of several school’s arduous journeys in implementing one-to-one technology plans. I appreciated all of the stories I heard, whether idealistic or realistic.
In February 2018, I attended the Ron Clark Academy, which inspired me to increase my expectations on classroom discussion. I had been reading a lot about Flip Grid, a platform that enables students to submit video responses on a teacher-created discussion board. I became more familiar with the app and presented a professional development session on Flip Grid to all of my fellow teachers with a companion online module. Several teachers throughout the building began implementing Flip Grid with their students.
Other tasks in coursework that exhibit advocacy and leadership are screencast tutorials on Adobe Spark and a music video that I created with students to promote positive behavior.