CEdu 572 - 11/17/10

1. Describe your progress on your Library Media Website (etc)


In the spirit of being completely honest, I would describe my progress as follows: I've written a mental post-it note to myself to remind me that I need to start working on this.  Everything I note after this I suppose I could consider my progress to date.  The software that my district uses is Destiny Library, which I know next to nothing about.  In exploring it, I see that I can write an "introduction" on it's home page, but that seems to be it.  But we will see if there's more I can do.  Otherwise, I plan on using Google Sites to simply create my own page with a link to my district's page.  I did explore the library website for Madisonville Primary School's library.  It looks pretty good with tons of links and resources.  It also has an up to date calendar of events, which many sites seem to lack.


2. Were you aware of the Common School Fund before our reading and tonight’s discussion?  What are your thoughts about this unique funding?


I was vaguely aware that the Library had a budget to buy new books and so on. But I had no idea where that money came from or how it worked.  I personally think this is amazing!  I have always believed in the progressive nature of Wisconsin, though politically our state has been pretty wild.  I mean think about it.  Wisconsin produced both Robert "Fightin' Bob" LaFollette as well as Joseph McCarthy (of McCarthyism anti-communism fame).  But I digress.  To know that there exists a state law that takes prearranged dollars whose sole purpose is to fund and enhance libraries is just amazing.  I am excited to both benefit from and defend this institution.


3. Basing your comments on our readings this week, react to this quote from Chapter 1 of our textbook:  “Make a difference in the lives of students and positively affect their learning.”


There it is.  That's the point.  It's not about having summers off.  It's not about having incredible health insurance.  It's not about the paycheck.  It's not about high-fastening pants.  It's about the kids.  If you don't WHOLE HEARTEDLY believe that the aforementioned quote is the singular reason you are where you are, then get out.  Go sell cars.  Get into real estate.  Work in the plastic surgery industry.  But for God's sake don't teach.


4. Again, based on this week’s readings and discussion, has your impression of the job of Library Media Specialist changed?  If so, how?


Not drastically so.  My impression is either confirmed or enhanced that an LMS is a unique blend of both an independent actor in their own arena and a collaborator in just about every community.  To speak directly to the reading, if I had to boil down the chapters into a unifying theme, it would be "know thyself."  Know your collection, know your patrons, know your community, and so on.  I've seen this in the classroom setting as well, and I see no reason why it doesn't apply to the library as well.


5. Any questions or other comments you have?


Don't misunderstand.  I thoroughly enjoyed my coursework with Cardinal Stritch when attaining my educator's license.  It was informative AND fun.  But I can already tell, from just three classes, that I'm learning much more concrete information.  For example, after class on the 10th I asked my mentor where I could find the district's collection policy.  Not only did she find it, but found that it was incredibly out of date.  And that started a discussion among the district's librarians as a whole to get the policy updated. Good stuff.


6. (Louis Question)  How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.


Well, after our class, I emailed my mentor to ask about the Common School Funds and how that applies to us, outside the theoretical.  That was fun.  I learned about the CSF and how it works, exactly.  I also learned that the main issue with managing your collection is simply knowing about your collection.  You know, the whole "knowledge is power" thing (I didn't want to recycle the "know thyself" quote).

CEdu 572 - 11/10/10

1. Which Google Tools are most interesting to you at this time?  Why?


I would have to say that the "Docs" tool is most interesting.  The ability to share and multi-user edit simultaneously is fascinating.  It not only increases collaboration between users, but can help to foster a greater classroom identity and culture.


2. Are you using any of the Google Docs in your professional life?


No.  It may be possible to introduce the concept of google docs to one of my schools (as the principal and I are close), but I would have to be its advocate for certain.  The reality is, being new to my buildings and the profession, I have more immediate problems to tackle.  Eventually, I will bring it up.  But not right now.


3. What have you learned about PLN's?  Which networks do you plan to join or work with?


Essentially, I've learned that PLN's are everywhere in both formal (professional groups and organizations) and informal (personal networks) incarnations.  Currently, I plan to utilize the networks I already have or should be using.  I have a mentor, as well as access to the librarians of my district.  I have made friends with some educators that I trust, and plan to lean on them as well.


4. Do you think it's important to have a Library Media Center Web Page?  Why?


Well this is a loaded question.  Of course it's important!  What's the alternative, no web page at all?  But in all seriousness, a librarian needs to be the biggest advocate of their library.  A great way to do that is to have a well done web page that's both informative and inviting.  I would argue that the quickest way to a library's death is to not know about it.


5. (Louis Question)  How has our class and this week's activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.


Well, for starters, I met with my mentor.  We arranged for her, two other mentee's and myself to meet at my library and go over a few things.  Originally we had planned to meet, just the two of us.  But after my class, I thought it might be a good idea to bring in the other two to meet as a group.  We were able to learn from each other as well as, in fact better than, if we had met with our mentor separately.  My little PLN just got a few people bigger.


To address the two things I've learned from this last week's class, I would start with the PLNs.  I have always tended to be a loner when it comes to work, despite my outgoing social personality.  One of my personal goals has been to embrace the support of others instead of going it on my own.  PLN's are both easy to use and put to work my tendency to be friendly.  The second category of things I've learned are the Google Docs.  While I was initially underwhelmed by these tools (I mean, I already have a copy of Microsoft Office '10) I was made to see some of their broader potential.


-O'Connell out

Inaugural Entry

11/10/10  7:28  Inaugural entry.

I am in class at the moment.  And I'm blogging.  I'm not sure if this is surreal or not.

O'Connell out.