Module 2 - Discussion form - A Teacher-Librarian's Professional Journey

Module 2 - Discussion form

1/14/2015

The LLC - knowledge building, Creativity and innovation

Question: Based on any/all of the readings/resources:How does the school Library Learning Commons design for knowledge building, creativity and innovation? These are all-encompassing entities that are not easily defined. Can you comment either with examples or strategies?

The Library Learning Commons (LLC) supports a school-wide culture of inquiry. Thus, learning is primarily a student-centred process. The LLC’s physical and virtual space allows for students to gather, evaluate, record and share information. It is an extension of the classroom that provides opportunities for students to access print resources, technology, and an open space for collaboration. Equally important, scheduling classes should no longer be based on a fixed schedule; rather, the LLC must be open in order to promote collaborative projects. With its virtual space, the LLC is available 24/7 - students are able to access the library’s OPAC, and digital subscriptions. Not only will students be able to collaborate with each other, teachers can follow the same path. Collectively, teachers and students are able to achieve better results when working/discussing together. The LLC must have an adequate supply of ‘tech’ tools (computers, tablets, apps, Chromebooks, wifi, subscriptions, etc.) for students to achieve their best creative results.

The teacher-librarian takes the lead to work with teachers and students to create innovative assignments. T-Ls teaches students to become ‘information-literate’ and ‘media-literate’ learners. No longer are students creating the traditional book reports, they are able to demonstrate and share their knowledge through the use of a variety of Web 2.0 Tools. Recently, I have used Animoto, Weebly, Glogster, and Prezi to name a few.

The LLC must be a welcoming and safe location for students to freely share their ideas and make meaningful conclusions.

6 Comments

Danielle link

1/15/2015 02:26:59 pm

Hi Michael: I agree with the idea of a LLC as accessible 24/7. Do you envision any of your schools (I believe you work at two) as having a more dynamic and continual online presence in the near future? I think that the students I encounter, particularly those in Grades 5+, are much more digitally savvy than most of our teaching staff. How can we best tap into their skill set and still provide instruction on best practices of digital literacy? That, I believe, is the "million dollar question." If we knew the answer to that, then we might be able to make serious progress.

M Cap

1/16/2015 10:22:59 am

Hi Danielle,

My new school has been equipped with wifi. We are still in the initial planning phase. So far, we have 3 ipads and 6 Chromebooks for small group collaboration.
I rarely have to give full instruction regarding computers and navigating. The students in intermediate are well equipped.
Regarding digital literacy, I only wish my district would grant full-time status to elementary teacher-librarians. Think of the endless possibilities. A 0.4 FTE just doesn't cut it

Devon

1/16/2015 11:24:05 am

Hi Michael and Danielle,

I agree a 0.4 FTE doesn’t cut it! As a secondary teacher I was shocked when I learned elementary teachers don’t have full time librarians any more. Danielle, I agree a lot of the kids are more tech savvy than the adults. I agree that digital literacy is the area to focus on (digital citizenship, critical literacy, etc.). I designed and taught a Digital Literacy 12 class and what I found worked ( at the age level at least) was bringing in whatever was ‘trending’ in their lives and unpacking it together the classroom. Fascinating and fun!

Danielle Neer

1/16/2015 01:01:09 pm

When will all of the cuts to librarian positions be rectified? We are at a point where librarians may need a name change (much as Libraries have undergone to "Learning Commons").

What about "Inquiry Coordinator" instead of Librarian!

Nicole link

1/16/2015 02:01:39 pm

Yes, I imagine it is hard to accomplish everything you want/need to get done with ).4 FTE. I guess this is where collaboration and team work truly come into play as you would need to rely on the classroom teachers to fill in a lot of the blanks regarding digital and media literacy. These are important skills that need to be taught at all levels and if the TL does not have sufficient time to facilitate this then someone else needs to. Perhaps all it would take it making this known to the staff and helping them understand that explicit teaching of topics such as digital citizenship are necessary elements of a successful LLC that you need help accomplishing.

Mike

1/16/2015 01:13:52 pm

Some are insisting to be called "Media Specialist." I like "Inquiry Coordinator" though.

Module 2 - Discussion form

The LLC - knowledge building, Creativity and innovation

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