Back again as guest blogger is Jeanna Walker, the media specialist teacher at Portage Northern High School (MI). There she is centrally involved in activities with students and teachers in the Library Learning Commons.
Visit the Portage Public Schools High School CyberLibrary.
Visit the Portage Public Schools High School CyberLibrary.
Portage Northern High School's library teaching program was selected to represent Michigan on Dr. Nancy Everhart’s AASL Vision Tour. Jeanna Walker was recently named by the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) as Michigan's 2014 School Librarian of the Year. ISTE also awarded Jeanna their 2014 Making IT Happen Award.
Learn more about Jeanna Walker and her work at Portage Northern High School plus her busy professional life at
This year's startup question for all of our blog-guests is - "What is the most important part of your school library program at New Haven High this year?"
Jeanna,
ReplyDeleteYour website seems very straight forward, did you develop it and maintain it? It appears that most school libraries use Follett Destiny as their catalogs, why is that?
Thank you for sharing.
Evie
HI Evie,
DeleteYes, our website is straightforward. I am not one for :clutter" and an overwhelming amount of information that might prevent/delay the students in getting to the links that are most valuable. Myself and my fellow school librarian at my "sister" high school in our district, developed the website together. I asked one of my students to create the art work on the home page.
Follett Destiny is one of the big players in the school library online library management software. We did investigate other vendors, but decided Destiny fit our needs as far as being a truly online platform, with apps.website that students could access anywhere, even on their phones. The State of Michigan had a deal with Follett that gave us a better price than going it alone.
Jeanna -
ReplyDeleteI read that your library was recently renovated. What kind of new technology was incorporated with your renovation? We also went through a renovation that transformed our media center to a "mediaplex". Our renovations included a SMART wall, a simultaneous computing lab as well as a small group room complete with personalized computers and dry-erase tables. I feel as though our mediaplex is very under used and many educators (myself included) don't often take advantage of what there is to be used. Do run into this problem at all?
I think practice and training on a lot of this equipment is essential in order for educators to see how it can be used, but finding time for just that can often be a whole other story. Are you a main structure of support for your staff when it comes to the technology your school offers?
Thanks for your insight!
Tricia
Hello from Portage, Michigan! The Portage Northern High School Learning Commons is the hub of learning in our school. PNHS serves a diverse socio-economic population of 1450 students with a wide variety of academic programs, from Education for the Arts/Education for Employment to being designated as an International Baccalaureate School, offering the IB Diploma. An average of 4,000-5000 students and staff actively learn in our LCC each week. Our Library Learning Commons has 4 open classroom technology enhanced spaces where the teacher media specialist and classroom teachers can collaborate and team teach to bring the best of project-based learning to our students. A soft seating reading area enhances our welcoming atmosphere. I am the teacher media specialist and I have one support staff member, a media secretary. We also have a building technician who troubleshoots all hardware related issues. Both are invaluable to me. Our partnership allows me to focus on teaching. Our library teaching program represented Michigan in the AASL Vision Tour.
ReplyDeleteAdministrative Support - My Principal and the District Technology director both evaluate me as a teacher. They see the value in student learning and achievement. They know that I am the direct link to students and teachers and that I will jump in to offer a new opportunity to reach our school community with the best in information literacy skills and collaborative technology. How do they know what I do - I tell them! I make every effort to celebrate our success and invite the administrators at the building and district level to share in our excitement for learning.
Being a Leader in the District and in State Organizations has given me professional opportunities that otherwise would have been unavailable to me. I highly recommend getting involved in your local, state, and national associations. I play an active role in the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME), serving on the Executive Board as Secretary. I am on the Steering Committee of a newly formed SIG for Media Specialists in the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL).
I was asked to be on the State of Michigan School Library Advisory Team. Our charge for the past 2 years has been to revise the School Libraries 21, an evaluation tool for School Library Programs in Michigan. We presented this work, along with Nancy Robertson, Michigan State Librarian, to the Michigan Board of Education in November for endorsement.
FOCUS: Integrated Technology - the teachers and administrators view me as the “go to” person for integrating technology into the curriculum. I not only teach the students, I also offer classes to teachers and parents, both after school and in the summer. Our most “successful” projects revolve around the History classes. I initiated a partnership with the Western Michigan School of Business to bring the best of online collaborative learning to our students. Now in its 5th year, we have the expertise of the professors and graduate students to lead us in technologies that will be of value to our students as they enter the workforce and/or college. We focus on 4 major project-based learning activities, from socratic seminars on immigration (past and present) and the decision to deploy the atomic bomb to eScrapbooks (thank you Dr. Annette Lamb!) on the Muckrakers and United States Presidents in the decades of the 50’s. 60’s. 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. We were the first school in our district to roll out Google Apps for Education to every student. Another recent initiative that is exciting is “Books, Bodies, and Blogs.” We have one of the premier Forensic Science teachers in our school. She has written a textbook that is used in classrooms across the country and has her own consulting business, teaching other educators the intricacies of Forensic Science. She came to me with the idea that she would like her students to read a forensic science mystery - those written by experts in the field. I suggested they not only do that, but that we also incorporate blogging into the reading, based on the literature circle format. It has been an exciting and challenging endeavor. We were awarded a grant from the Michigan Science Teachers’ Association to purchase more books, including informational texts. Our semester long unit culminates in a distance learning live autopsy from COSI, The Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio. Last year we hoped to partner with another school who would be doing a similar blogging project, but we were unable to make that connection. We are hoping that we can find a class this year - any takers?? I would love to chat about what you think would encourage students to blog.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Walker,
DeleteWhat types of classes do you offer parents and teachers after school? Just technology based or broader? It is fantastic that you branch out to the community. Are there other programs you do with the community in mind?
I was a science teacher in the past, and your forensic lessons sound amazing!! What a way to bring learning alive. The students will love and be grossed out by the live autopsy;).
Do teachers regularly come to you with team teaching ideas, or do you go to them with inspirations?
Thank you so much for the information.
Evie
Evie,
DeleteI offer classes on our some of our databases - SIRS Researcher, eLibrary Curriculum Edition, Grolier and The Michigan Electronic Library. I also offer classes on Google Apps and Follett Destiny. I want the parents to know what to be able to access the resources we have so they can help their children. Plus, it is always good to have the community support for these resources in case there is ever discussion of cutting those resources in tight times.I also work with our public library in reading promotion activities. The public librarians and I have had discussions about cooperating but not infringing on each others’ territory. That may sound a bit harsh, but it has been our experience in Michigan that some school districts have eliminated the school libraries and formed “partnerships” with the public library to deliver services. We have worked hard to ensure that the public librarians communicate with the school librarians if and when a teacher contacts them so we can all work together.
You would love the Forensic Science projects! This will be my third year watching the live autopsy and I may just have the nerve to watch the entire presentation this year - ha! The teacher brings smelling salts and waste cans for those students who may feel faint or sick. We haven’t lost a student yet, but there have been some pretty green faces! I first learned of the COSI Live Autopsy when attending our state technology conference. I brought the idea back to our teacher and we have been partners ever since:). This year I want to work with her class on presenting data using Infographics - she is excited about that.
Most of the time I go to the teachers with team teaching ideas, although my history teachers and I have developed enough team teaching projects, that they will now come to me with new ideas. We are constantly tweaking projects, adding new technologies and resources. I will be starting our Muckraker eScrapbook with every freshmen history class in another week - I may need to clone myself - ha! I am double/tripled booked on some days. The teachers are great - they will stagger their start dates by one day so I can be with all of them for the crucial teaching times. I wanted to try LucidPress for the project this year, but that will probably have to wait for next year. We are currently using Google Presentation as a platform for the scrapbook (previously used Powerpoint) and the teachers want to stick with that one more year. Our district rolled out a new Student Information system/Gradebook this Fall and everyone is stressed about learning that.
Mrs. Walker,
DeleteI love how involved you are with families. I can really see why your high school has such high graduation and post secondary school rates, because you involve the parents. It breaks my heart to see teachers expecting students and parents to know how to research with little guidance. At our public library I hear all the time from parents getting library cards they don't know where to begin for their child. Thankfully we have great reference librarians and excellent databases to utilize.
Infographics are really hot right now, and they are such a fantastic tool to represent collected research. Do you find most students are familiar with new apps and technology, or are you introducing a great deal to them? Also, do you provide the staff training on new technology?
Thank you so much for the valuable information. I love everything you are doing!! I know what it is like to feel double and triple booked. My life in General is that:) I did loose a student once dissecting frogs. He ran out of my class so fast and got sick:)
Your school sounds amazing.
Evie
Evie,
DeleteI am still laughing about you losing a student to frog dissection - probably the smell that got him! My forensic science teacher and I decided that if we have “smellavision” during the autopsy we would lose many students - including me:).
My parents have been a huge support, some of the were with me when I was at the elementary level and now their children are in my high school.
Infographics are hot, hot, hot. I taught a class this summer to teachers at our Tech Camp. It was a packed class. There was not a person in the class who had ever heard of an Infographic. I am excited to try it with a class and trust that one of our science teachers will let me have their students! I might also try it with our Freshmen Focus Health students when they do their disease/research paper. It could be an interesting way to present their findings. You certainly need to know your data/research to be able to make an effective infographic. I used Easel.ly, Smore and Picktochart. Smore is definitely the easiest learning curve.
I find that my students do not know the apps/websites that I introduce. They are savy at social media (although they do not always make wise choices in their use of social media) but not in applications that we use for education.
Thank you for your kind words - we do have a wonderful school community!
Jeanna
Jeanna,
DeleteInfographic a would be super in a health classroom to present data. I made one this summer in my Materials for Youth class and loved them. I had never heard of them before. Does your school just use the free versions or pay for access to the whole infographic program? I am not surprised students are more into social apps than educational ones. It is great that they are introduced to these new technology tools especially with college right around the corner.
Thanks for getting back with me.
Evie
PNHS Library Learning Commons FOCUS: Our school has a focus on raising reading scores. Part of the School Improvement Plan includes allowing time for students to self-select their own reading materials and have a time for reading in English classes - commonly known as SSR. I am a voracious reader, priding myself on being able to recommend the right book to the right student at the right time. With the focus on technology integration into the curriculum, keeping my focus on the reading goal is paramount. I do not ever want to lose sight of that goal. This year SSR is now a “requirement” for the first 10 minutes of what is known as Seminar. Seminar is an elective class for credit (not a letter grade) in which students can get extra help on assignments and/or work on their own. I am seeing more students asking for assistance in choosing a book - I like making that connection and keeping up with the latest in YA lit is keeping me on my toes! I have a LibraryThing account in which I share what I am reading, both my YA reading and my reading for pleasure.
ReplyDeleteFOCUS: Last year we implemented Follett Destiny across our district. This was a big endeavor and last year was spent on the “basics.” I did do a pilot project with one of our ELA teachers in which students wrote book reviews for the online catalog. I did not have them posted automatically; I read each one for approval. I asked our Tech Director this year if all students could have that option. I honestly don’t think I will be overwhelmed with reading and approving book reviews. That would be a wonderful”problem”, but at the high school level I do not foresee too many students doing this on their own. Our students have been without a viable online catalog (we had InfoCentre which did not function to the fullest), so I am doing many more “roll out” classes to ingrain Destiny into the culture of reading and research.
Common Core into ELA and Essential Standards. I have led the K-12 Instructional Technology Department in integrating the ELA Common Core Standards into the Library Media Curriculum. We recently completed selecting our Essential Standards, based on those documents. Common Core - those 2 words can illicite many different opinions. Michigan has changed the language to “Michigan Standards” rather than the words Common Core. Comments?
Tricia,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a wonderful facility. We have what are called in our district “Technology Enhanced Classrooms.” Each one comes with a large (60 inch) TV for display, data projector on the ceiling, teacher computer workstation. I have 4 of those classrooms area in the Library Learning Commons. 3 of the spaces are for wireless devices (we provide those) and one is outfitted with desktop computers. The areas are used extensively. Part of that is due to training. We put the same technology in our LCC as the teachers have in their classrooms so they would be comfortable utilizing our LCC. We do have 2 small “conference rooms, once with a laptop and 48 inch TV. Those 2 rooms are not used nearly as much as the classroom areas. To be honest, we have the “stuff” in our LCC; the laptops, desktops, etc. and that is a draw in and of itself. We have an guest wireless network so students can bring their own devices, also. I do the team teaching with the content areas teachers and instruct their students and them on digital resources, research., etc. We do have a building technician (part-time) who troubleshoots all the hardware issues. I am very thankful that I do not have to take away from my teaching time to fix things. Is this how it works in your school?
Jeanna,
DeleteAlthough our school librarian is happy to field technology issues (in terms of things that need to be fixed) we do have a district help desk that people can turn to. I think some tend to turn to our librarian because she's "in-house" and a quick reference. I love the fact that the technology that is in your library is also housed in your classrooms. I think that would increase the amount of teachers willing to use what is in our mediaplex. Even I'm not entirely sure what I would use our simultaneous computing lab for and I think the reason for that is that we've never had formal training on it.
You mentioned that you have wireless devices available for students. What kind of devices do you offer and how do you regulate use of these items? Last year, we went to 1:1 chromebook distribution in our district and it was a bumpy road, but now that we're in year two with them, I'm finding them to be a great addition to the classroom.
I love that you team teach with your teachers. That's something that doesn't happen much in my school and I'm not sure why because our librarian was a science teacher for 16 years prior to becoming our librarian. It's never been something that has been brought up as a possibility. Was team teaching something you were encouraged to do by your district or was that initiative you took on your own? Our librarian is close to retirement, so I have the possibility of taking over the position in a year or two and I would love to still be in the classroom teaching with my fellow colleagues, but I'm wondering if it's something I will have to convince my administration to allow me to do since it certainly isn't the "norm" currently.
Tricia
Tricia,
DeleteCan you describe your simultaneous computing lab?
We have Dell laptops and Chromebooks for the students to use in the Library Learning Commons. We also have laptops available for the teachers to check out. We do not have a truly 1:1 model in which each student is given their own computer. I am not sure the district is going to pursue that option, at least at the secondary level. I do have a concern about if and when that happens and the impact it will have on our library media teaching program. I have heard other library media specialists in other districts talk about their difficulty in being involved in team teaching once the devices are in the classrooms. I can understand that. It was the “stuff” that brought the teachers to me; it was my collaboration with them and team teaching with them that keep them coming back. Yes, I could develop a model in which I go to them, but I am still trying to wrap my brain around how to maintain an active Library Learning Commons and not be in that “space.”
It may encourage you to learn that when I came to PNHS 9 years ago, the media center (name at that time) was a “dead zone.” I say encourage in that it is possible to turn around a stagnant program. Students did not visit and teachers did not bring their classes for any type of instruction. I knew I had to have a model in which I was valued as a teacher. I made a connection with one health teacher to create a team-taught research project. It blossomed to the rest of her department and from there other content areas. I would surmise one of your first goals would be to convince the administration that upon retirement, the teaching school librarian position needs to remain. Perhaps you go go with a plan in how you would incorporate digital/print literacy into the content areas and teach with the teachers?
In the simultaneous computing lab, each work station has a dual monitor display. Many teachers have thought of using it for research purposes (reading research on one screen and taking notes on the other), but I feel there is a lot more potential for what these could be used for that we simply have not been told about yet!
DeleteMrs. Walker,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing so much with us! I am actually at the elementary level. Our media center is under a structured rotation, and we do not have a separate technology rotation. I feel like we are "behind the times"!!! What are the most important programs or aspects of technology that you feel should be introduced to k-4 during our rotation time (45 minutes every 4 days, which includes checkout), knowing that time is limited with literature and research skills? (I noticed you led k-12 tech department with integrating standards).
Also, I read that you let administrators know what you are doing, which is awesome! Are you required to submit an annual report? Do you collect data to show support of your program? If so, what data do you collect?
Thanks.
Tonja Clary
Hi Tonja,
DeleteI have been at the elementary level before I moved to the high school At that time, elementary school librarians were full-time in each building - the ideal situation! Currently, the elementary school librarians each cover 2 buildings. They are part of the “plan time” specials rotation, meaning they now must see the students without the teacher present. Presently that would be seeing each 1st - 5th grade class 50 minutes per week. We all know that is not the best practice, but our administration indicated it is what continues to “save their jobs” in times of budget cuts. Our elementary media centers now have Chromebooks dedicated to that space. The school librarians get priority with those devices when they are in the building. We do have a K-12 Library Media Curriculum and we have worked to pull out the Essential Standards that must be covered. That way there is a good mix of literature, research skills, and digital/print literacy. Is there enough time - never!
Yes, I do let the administration know the awesome teaching and learning that occurs in the Library Learning Commons. I am convinced that is what has saved our program.
I am not required to do an annual report. I am however, evaluated as a teacher. Michigan requires teacher evaluations to be tied to student achievement and data, a difficult scenario for school librarians. I do collect data that meets this criteria, most of it being formative, not summative, as I do not give grades (the teacher does). I use Google Forms to do quick pre/post assessments for our big projects. This is interesting - a couple of years ago I was giving more in-depth assessments, but the teachers were becoming frustrated that this took time away from our teaching time together and the students learning. I agreed:)
With the time crunch of 45 minutes per week per class and needing to teach literature, research, and technology... do you have advice on the most important technology programs and tools for k-4? If you were responsible for introducing technology (due to no other technology class/rotation), which programs and/or tools would you teach to k-4? Sorry for all of the "elementary" questions!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Tonja Clary
Tonja,
DeleteI answered your question in a post below:)
Jeanna
Mrs. Walker,
ReplyDeleteYour program sounds really outstanding and I love that you don't want to loose sight of the importance of the library in promoting reading. What have you found are some of the best ways to get students interested in self-selected reading through the school library?
Also, what professional communities do you find best for really inspiring ideas and discussion about school libraries?
Thanks,
Kjersten Hild
Hi Tonja,
ReplyDeleteI love elementary questions! Our elementary school librarians are focusing on Google Apps, particularly Google Docs. Even though we have the Microsoft products. We are a Google Apps for Education school district and that makes it a lot easier to be sure the children are safe and secure as they learn how to collaborate online. We also teach CyberSafety and beginning research skills at the elementary level, plus the nuts and bolts of how to care for the computer. We are not responsible to teach keyboarding - that is under the teachers' curriculum. What do you think is important to teach?
Mrs. Walker
DeleteDo you find keyboarding skills are in fact being taught, or is this something the teachers don't end up getting to? If cyber safety is being taught, does your school allow social media access at school, or are those sites blocked?
Evie
Evie,
DeleteKeyboarding used to be an integral part of the 3rd grade curriculum. That is no longer the case, although there is talk of bringing it back into the 2nd grade curriculum. It really is a must - students need those building block skills.
Social Media is blocked for our students - Facebook, Instagram, Tumbler, Twitter, etc. Teachers may have access. Our community expects us to monitor their students behavior while at school. It would be very difficult to do that is these applications were open. It is a double-edged sword. Yes, we do teach CyberSafety - we are having an all school assembly next week for each grade level on CyberSafety, bringing in the State Police, etc. Many of our disciplinary issues arise from students’ use of these social media sites on their personal devices, so that does give us an idea of what they are using it for - not school work;) I teacher cybersafety through the use of Google Apps collaborative tools, Gmail associated with our Google Apps for Education accounts (each student has their own email but they can only email people in the district - not outside or receive any emails from the outside). Parents like this safety net and if an issue arises concerning cyberbullying using those accounts, we have access to their accounts.
Jeanna
Love the district email for students. Some other schools we talked with do not have district-wide emails and were frustrated that students couldn't email assignmentS to teachers and vice versa. I can see how useful that can be. Do you have more issues with cyber bullying as new technology has been introduced at your school?
DeleteEvie
That is another of the reasons our district went to Google Apps for Education. Google provide an email domain for each person in the district - students and staff. We have the option of activating it or not. It is not activated at the elementary level. Even though it is a GMail account, we can use our school domain as the address. For example: jwalker@portageps.org
DeleteWe have not had issues with cyberbullying with the Google Apps collaborative tools. It is the outside apps that cause the problem - those available to students on their phones and at home, such as Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Tumblr. Those cyberbullying/social problems tend to rise up at school when the students see each other face to face.
Jeanna
I'm going to be working with teenagers, hopefully, at the middle or high school level. I was hoping you might share a few of the tools or tips that you have found most valuable in working with young adults?
ReplyDeleteBest,
Kixie
Hi Kixie,
DeleteWhew - that is a big question - ha! My style involves being friendly but holding the students to certain behavior expectations. We have 4,000 - 5,000 students visiting the LCC every week, so we must maintain some sense of “control.” Without those expectations and my follow-through we would have likely have a chaotic environment that would not be conducive to learning. That being said - I might be the loudest one in the room;) But I do make my learning expectations clear - the Library Learning Commons is a space for everyone to learn and all of us must be respectful of the space and not impede anyone else’s learning. My secretary and I do a good deal of monitoring behaviors (don’t even ask me about today - ha). Most of the behavior issues arise from the students who are coming from a Seminar class (rather like a study hall) and a teacher is not accompanying them. I do use a Google Form for Seminar students to sign in so the teacher can track when they arrived in the LCC. As I spend most of my day in the LCC team teaching, it does rest on my secretary to monitor the atmosphere - she is amazingly good at it and not afraid to address issues.
Making connections with students through their reading selections is a great way to make an impact. They also seem to love when I introduce them to a new technology app. But honestly, it is the engagement with the students on a personal level that makes a huge difference. The students want to come to our Library Learning Commons because of the “nice ladies.” You really do need to set the tone of our library - it makes all the difference! You will love working with teenagers.
Jeanna
Jeanna-
DeleteThat's tremendously encouraging, actually. I may sometimes doubt my intelligence (especially when surrounded by academic peers! they're all so brainy!!) but I have always been able to rely on my charisma.
It's been mentioned in several of our readings that classroom teachers can sometimes be dismissive or hostile to a teacher librarian. Is this something you've personally witnessed or experienced, and if so, would you have any advice on facilitating strong connections between the classroom and the library media center?
Best,
Kixie
Kixie,
DeleteI can tell you are going to do great - you have a wonderful sense of humor - a must when working with teenagers and classroom teachers:) Charisma is a great thing - it will get the students and teachers into the library and you can work your charm. I usually act like I know what I am talking about (sometimes I do!) and then quickly investigate and learn so I can get up to speed - ha!
It is a good thing I have not read those articles about classroom teachers being hostile to teacher librarians - wow! I have not found that to be the case. Most are more than open to work with me - or come to my office for chocolate (another key element in my success;). That is not to say that there are not teachers who prefer to do “everything” themselves. It does dismay me at times; they are doing their students a disservice by not exposing them to the culture of the library. One of the keys to the success of our programs has been getting one or two teachers on board with a project. Often times, either through their “peer pressure” the other teachers get on board. Don’t expect to be able to “conquer” an entire department at a time. It can happen, but often times you have to work your magic with a few people at first. Another tactic I use is, “Let me help you, Who wouldn't want two teachers in the classroom?” approach. Does that help you?
Jeanna
So much. It really helps settle my nerves--and I know those are honestly my largest obstacle to success, my anxieties. I really just need to get out of my own head and just be my charming, knowledgable self, and be prepared to face new things head-on, and I'll eventually develop the confidence to be the educator I've always wanted to become. I can be a bit of a fatalist, it really does help so much to have your experience to look to. Once I learn to get out of my own way, I'll adapt quickly enough. Thank you for sharing with us--and especially with me.
DeleteBest,
Kixie
You will do great! If you can find one teacher who will work with you as a team teacher, you are on your way! that will build your confidence and others will notice and want to work with you. I find the most challenging aspects of being at the secondary level is that I do not have a “built-in” audience. The teachers are not required to bring their classes to the Library Learning Commons. It is a constant effort and reinvention of myself to be sure our teaching library program stays viable.
DeleteJeanna
Mrs. Walker,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that more schools seem to be using Google Docs more than the Microsoft products. Do you know what the reason is for this? We have the Microsoft programs. I think it is important for me to introduce at least Microsoft Word and Powerpoint; knowing that my teachers use these programs. Do you think that Google Docs should be used instead or is either fine?
Do you know if there is a specific CyberSafety program that the elementary teachers use and like?
Thanks.
Tonja
Hi Tonja,
DeleteYou are chatting with a Google Convert - ha! It all began in 2008 when I worked with 2 business professors at Western Michigan University. They told me this is what our students needed to be using to prepare them for the world. I piloted it at our high school and 3 years again the entire district got on board. Why is Google so popular? First of all, Google offered the Google Apps for Education suite for free when Microsoft was still charging a per computer license. That was a deciding factor for many school districts and universities. But for me, it was the collaborative features of Google Docs that convinced me this is the way we need to learn. I do not teach any of the Microsoft products, even though we have them available. I could do it if a teacher asked, but we are all onboard with Google Apps. The Business teachers use the Microsoft products in their classes, but that is the extent of their use. I believe that if your students use the Google Docs they are similar enough to Word and Powerpoint (although not as glitzy) that any transition between the 2 would be easy. We collaborate so much that Google Apps just makes sense. I recently began using Google Classroom with one of the teachers - have you seen it? Pretty amazing way to manage the students’ work and have them share it with you.
I do know of some of the elementary school librarians who use iSafe www.isafe.org, but I just sent my elementary colleagues an email to ask if they all use it - I will let you know when they answer back.
Jeanna
Is the Google Apps for Education Suite still free now or was that offered in the past? How hard it is to switch over? What would I need to do?
DeleteI did ask my High School son if he used Google Apps/Docs or Word and PP... and he said Microsoft products. So, in your opinion, if our MS and HS are using Microsoft products, do you think it is better to stay consistent or consider changing (if I feel Google is the better way to go)?
Thanks
Tonja
Tonja,
DeleteGoogle Apps for Education is still free. I recommend it be rolled out at the district level. Do you have a technology/network person who would do this for you? When I first starting using Google Apps with our students, we were not a Google Apps for Education school. I was doing my own “pilot” and the district was not ready to move forward with a district roll out. The students had to make their own Gmail accounts - problematic on many levels - and we had no “rights” to their content if a problem should arise. Google Apps for Education is the only way to go, in my opinion.
I personally would make the transition to Google Apps. Many colleges and universities have become Google Apps for Education schools.
http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/education/customers.html
The students and teachers can work anywhere, anytime on their Google Docs. No more saving to the hard drive, saving to the flash drive, having a different version of Microsoft at home and at schools, etc. They can share their work with their teachers and school librarians and with each other if they are collaborating on a project. There are many more apps avaiable through the Chrome Store such as LucidChart (mind mapping ) and LucidPress (publisher-like app). I love it and have never looked back:)
Jeanna
Do you know if any of the elementary schools have Makerspaces? If so, do you know of any great items or tips with starting an area like this?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Tonja
Hi Tonja,
DeleteI wish I did. Our elementary school librarians teach back to back classes (providing plan time for teachers) with any time to incorporate Maker Spaces into their programs. I experimented a bit with it last year - hands-on creation of digital and print content (the students choice) and also with students creating art work. Do you have any experience with this?
Jeanna
Mrs. Walker,
DeleteI do not have experience with a Makerspace. I have just been hearing a lot about it. It sounds as though with the older students it can be more of a digital creativity space; whereas with elementary, more like building with Legos, duct tape, etc. I just wondered if you had an opinion about it after trying it out or any ideas about it for what you think it should look like in an elementary school. If you had a list of things to start the space off with... in an elementary school, what would those be? This would give me an idea of the direction you think this may go. My schedule is fixed as well, but in one media center that tried it, 4 students were allowed to go there when finished with lesson and book checkout.
Thanks.
Tonja
Hi Tonja,
DeleteMaybe I have had an “official” makerspace - I bought 2 books on Duck Tape fun and some rolls of tape and let the students have at it - ha! For me, I think it will be more of an elementary/middle school space. Our students at the high school level are booked solid with classes, either on or off-campus. I am happy to offer a conference room space for any activities; I have offered this to all students, but so far - no takers. In an elementary school I would start off with things that do not need a lot of instruction - things like you suggested. Legos, crafts, origami, literature flip books - hands-on activities. Once you start going digital or electrical, supervision would be a must, I would think. I did see some interesting ideas on Pinterest.
http://www.pinterest.com/savapanda/elementary-library-makerspaces/
http://www.pinterest.com/cari_young/library-makerspaces/
Jeanna
Mrs. Walker,
ReplyDeleteSorry for posting this question twice, I'm worried it got lost in the other posts. I was wondering if you had any advice for inspiring students, high school or any level, to do self-selected reading? What are some of the best ways to help them with that?
Thanks,
Kjersten
Hi Kjersten,
DeleteI’m glad you did post again - your question did get lost in my replies to other questions:)
First of all, I will speak personally on my experience after trying many things. I found that waiting for the students to come did not work. By far the most successful approach is to get the students’ teachers to bring them to the library for book talks and book selection time. I do this on a very regular basis - every 2 weeks. I don’t always do a book talk, but building that habit of reading is paramount to engaging the students at the high school level. I also go to the classrooms to do book talks and the students can check out the books on the spot. I The students see me as the go-to person to suggest a book that would appeal to them. Our circulation numbers were very low before I tried this more structured approach. The availability of our Follett Destiny Quest online catalog, including apps for IOS and Android phones has also helped. It is very visual - gives the students cover views of the books, summaries, has a “virtual shelf” in which they can browse the entire library, and they can manage their own accounts, from renewing to making personal book lists to writing reviews and recommending books to their friends (social media-ish). I display books on every surface available, including a display case at the entrance of our library. I share my LibraryThing account with the students and staff so they can see what I am reading. I believe that as a school, we must develop a “culture of reading.”
Jeanna
I'm curious if you had any resistance from teachers on using class time for book talks and library visits. I know there's so much we are expected to teach in a limited amount of time! I love the social media-style part of your online catalog, I think that would be very helpful, since speaking from my own experience, I get at least 50% of my book recommendations from Goodreads.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with us!
Kjersten
Hi Kjersten,
ReplyDeleteI primarily work with the English teachers on the book selection and book talk times - most seem thrilled I am willing to do a book talk. Is there 100% participation - no. Some of this is “historical”; a few are very traditional in their teaching style and seem reluctant to change. You are so right - the curriculum is jam packed. It does help that our school is focusing on reading - that gives me a bit more persuasive power. I do find that I can’t “let up” on the teacher accompanying the students. If the teacher just sends the students who think they “need” books, the book selection engagement piece fizzles out. It really needs to be a whole school effort, with buy-in from the administrators - to change the culture of literacy.
Jeanna
Jeanna,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the encouragement and excellent discussions. It is always wonderful to hear from someone so passionate about there job. I love how you balance technology instruction as well as reading advisory. It would be amazing to shadow you. My parents live in Michigan; if only we came up for more than just weekends:)
Thank you so much.
Evie
*their* sorry auto correct.
DeleteEvie
Evie,
DeleteYou are so welcome - it has been my pleasure! It would be wonderful if you could by Portage Northern High School while you are visiting your parents - you are more than welcome to join me. We would have a fabulous time!
Jeanna
Mrs. Walker,
ReplyDeleteI don't know where my "thank you" post ran off to!!! Anyway, if you look back at this, again. Thank you, again, for all of your time. You were so helpful!
Have a great rest of the school year!
Tonja Clary
It has been wonderful blogging with all of you! You have challenged me to think and inspired me:) Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future!
ReplyDeletejwalker@portageps.org
Jeanna Walker
Portage Northern High School
Portage, Michigan