Finale

 

    For my final blog post, I find myself reflecting over all I’ve learned this semester.  I’ve been a school librarian for 3 years now, and for all that time, I’ve thrown myself headlong into literacy and instruction.  I’ve focused myself on reading programs, challenges, and collaborative lessons- while simultaneously neglecting the tech side of my vocation.  Naturally, the neglect wasn’t comprehensive; I still managed devices, provided tech support, and the like- but my heart wasn’t in instructional technology.  I viewed it more as a necessary evil, rather than an integral part of my programming.     

I’m happy to say that, having learned more about the myriad tools and programs available, I am now far more invested in providing my students quality experiences through technology than ever before!  Part of this, admittedly, ties into my Makerspace project (the subject of my Research and Design class), but other aspects, such as VR and AR tools, are wholly new and resultant from my exposure through this coursework. 

I have started up a weekly Literacy Newsletter which, as a dedicated section, hosts teacher tips on technology integration, from tools like the Shakespeare translator to services like Google Arts and Culture. I now see myself as something of a technological liaison for my school, tasked with introducing students and faculty alike to new ways of experiencing and engaging with education.  That, I suppose, has been my greatest takeaway:  That I am uniquely positioned to influence all areas of pedagogy by providing access and training on a wealth of transformative digital resources. 

My goal, moving forward, will be to keep abreast of ongoing technological developments in Educational- and Information Science, so that I can provide up-to-date information to my patrons.  Moreover, I have bookmarked several of the resources we’ve covered this semester, and will refer back to them for ideas when drafting my own programming.  In the near future, my goal is to reinstate and manage the CCHS morning show, and to expand my Makerspace programming to include digital tools like 3-D printing apparati and Audio-editing software.