SLIS 5720 Conclusion

At the beginning of this course I stated that I thought I was pretty strong when it came to technology. I know now that I have a LOT more to learn. I feel like I've just barely uncovered the potential of Web 2.0 tools and classroom technologies. I don't know that I will ever again be naive enough to think I am "strong" in technology. With constantly changing innovations, I know now that I will always be a student of technology. I've accepted this and have vowed to stay proactive with new technologies and how they are used. While I cannot become an expert at everything, I will keep an eye out for those technologies that will contribute to a better library experience. To help with this daunting task, I will stay in touch with younger generations and let them have input into what technologies are offered in the library. I will read blogs and contribute to wikis. I am thinking of starting a wiki for library patrons to contribute their ideas for the library. I would like to blend the traditional library settings with virtual by incorporating social networking sites where patrons can share the books they read and users can add their own content. Users will be able to do their own booktalks for their peers to see. I am excited about sharing this part of my job with the students. I will have them as my coworkers, championing books alongside me. I am positive the will be better at "selling" the books than I am, and that does not sadden me. When the message of literacy is given by their peers, it is much more effective! My library patrons will become a part of the library themselves as their ideas shape the information technology within.

SLIS 5720- Handheld Devices

With $10,000 to use on handheld devices, I would first look at the composition of my library patrons and try to support their needs as is suggested in Nancy Courtney's Library 2.0 and Beyond (2007.) I will be using my current elementary school in this case. The majority of my students are considered low income. They are also considered "at-risk" due to being English language learners. Our school makes sure every household receives a free computer. Therefore, most of the students at my school have access to computers at home. However, because of financial difficulties, very few have access to internet. My students, for the most part do not have access to email or printers.Homework or projects that require technology aren't practical for these students. For these reasons, I think it is very necessary to buy MP3 players that can be used as storage devices so that students can transport their work between school and home. Also the MP3 players can also be used to read aloud directions to students for at home work (since most parents cannot read the English directions.) In addition, books and songs can be read abd sung aloud onto the MP3 so that the students can read/sing along with them at home (again because the parents are often unable to read with their children.) There are many uses for MP3s in schools with a majority of English language learners. To get the most bang for my buck, I would spend the majority of my money on MP3s ($5,000). In an elementary school, I also have to be aware of what is appropriate for the responsibility level of the students for this reason the rest of my purchases will be for check out by staff only. I would buy a few gaming devices like Nintendo DS or Sony PSP ($3,000) and make them available for checkout by teachers to use in the classroom. There are lots of educational games out there and these forms of education are motivating to even the most reluctant learners. I would also buy a few Blackberries or IPhones ($2,000) for staff members that need to be accessible to teachers during the day for questions and help. These would be for personnel such as the Principal, Vice Principal, Behavioral Specialists, counselors, instructional facilitators and even for teachers who are out at trainings or field trips and need to be able to stay in touch by email. I believe, considering the age and demographics of my school, this would be the most efficient use of my money.

SLIS 5720-The Machine is Us/Using Us

I think Prof. Wesch gave the video such a title in order to point out the dynamic versatility of Web 2.0. Although it may feel like technology is constantly getting ahead of us, we are, in fact, the driving force behind web 2.0 tools. As we work on the web, we are constantly coming up with ways to make it more user friendly, more accurate, and therefore, more expressive. With so many contributors, it can sometimes make "the machine" feel unstable, fickle and even volatile. I believe that the video was trying to make a statement that while technology is evolving at amazing speeds, we are in control. It does not have to be the elusive and erratic "machine" some make it out to be. By staying on top of web 2.0, we can tame the "machine." Learning and educating ourselves on Web 2.0 changes our point of view from an "erratic machine" to a flexible tool. We can mold it to meet our needs. We are no longer just the users, we are the creators.

SLIS 5720- Technology Assessment

I am proud to say that I have a lot of strengths when it comes to technology. I was recently recognized as a "technology star" by the IT department in our district. This is a reward that is given to teachers who emphasize the use of technology in the classroom and incorporate it in lessons as much as possible. I try to stay up on new Web 2.0 tools and love showing them off to students. I always give my students options when it comes to projects (Photostory, blogging, Microsoft Publisher, etc.) and enjoy seeing their excitement and creativity.

Having said all this, I know I have weaknesses. I never seem to have enough time to learn all the capabilities of new technology. I am definitely guilty of just scratching the surface of what a technology can do and moving on to something else before I learn about their full potential. As soon as I learn one technology and am teaching my students, I hear of a new and better technology that would have worked better. I never can seem to keep up with technology, but I guess that is just how it is.

As a teacher and soon as a librarian, I will continue to try and stay educated on technology. I will continue to promote the use of it and educate students on how to use it, not only for entertainment purposes, but as great ways to express themselves in their work. I will attend all the professional development classes I can to learn more. I think creating a media technology club would be a great way to have students help me stay on top of the ever changing technological environment.