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
I was able to show several of our teachers what igoogle and google docs could do and they were very impressed with its power. I wish that all of my faculty would be as open and excited about a new tool like this, good luck with your principal
ReplyDeleteI think as you use Google Docs, you'll like it and its possibilities more and more, for both yourself and your staff and students. Let me know how it goes. I'm also glad to hear that your PLN is growing in your district. It is a nice feeling to have others to talk to about concerns and successes! I would recommend joining WEMTA and using its list-serv. Getting connected on Twitter has been very useful to me, too.
ReplyDeleteI am quite jealous that you have mentors. It would be so great to have someone in my building/district that I could bounce ideas off of. I do agree though that developing PLN's are very important not only for ideas but to keep us sane.
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