Friday, March 25, 2011

March 23, 2011

Weekly Blogger Reflection (Reflect on the following questions.)
(Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?
I have learned a significant amount of information that I can apply to my current position by taking this class.  I found resources such as Powerspeak Languages that can have a positive impact with the parents I work with on a daily basis.

Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.
The screenomatic (sp?) option was discussed in the past but it was neat to see Dan and Jenny's direct application of the tool.  It definitely is a cool resource to use with the students.

Kari's use of the map of her library was very useful.  I think the students will get better use out of a library if they know where everything can be found. 

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

March 16, 2010

Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention during the Online Database presentations.  
  I thought the Culture Grams database was very interesting.  It was neat to see how much information was provided in one source.  I liked the fact that students are able to use pictures right from the website and one would know that the pictures are authentic and come directly from the country. 

I thought Brain Pop was a very interesting website as well.  I really liked a number of the features it has available.  The two additional options of Brain Pop Espanol and Brain Pop ESL would be beneficial for a number of students in my district. 
                                             

 (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.

I have emailed my principals, fellow school psychologists and special education coordinators about the Powerspeak Language databases offered by the Kenosha Public Library.  I also plan to contact a woman in the district that creates a parent newsletter that goes home to all (I think) parents.  I thought the PowerSpeak Language database should be shared with all parents of KUSD students. 

Learning about these databases will help me both professionally and personally.  I think it is beneficial to know about all of these resources for the parents and students I work with as well as my own children as the grow in their educational development. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Powerspeak Database Presentation

http://www.gale.cengage.com/pdf/facts/Powerspeak.pdf

March 9th, 2011

Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week.  Why were these significant for you?
It was interesting to hear all of the different takes on what the LMS role consists of in each of our districts.  My description was more bookish of course due to the fact that I am not currently within the library.  I did like many of the points all of you shared due to the different roles each of you have as the LMS in your schools.  

Another important point that has continually been brought up is the need to make sure your administrator knows what you do for the school as the LMS in his/her building.  It is understandable that you want to make sure they know your usefulness and how you can support the students and curriculum in the school building. 

   
What are your thoughts about the tools provided by DPI for library media programs?  Were you aware of these?  Which things do you see as most valuable to you?
 I was not aware of the resources provided by the DPI for library media programs.  I found some of the information to be useful. 

  What are your thoughts, concerns and questions about library program evaluations?
 I did not like the Denver database rubric at first glance; however, Stacy's comment on how the rubric could be used to her advantage was a good point.  I did like the New York evaluation rubric due to the information it concentrated on.
  

 Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?  What is your topic?
 I have chosen the online database of PowerSpeak Languages because of the usefulness it can provide to the clientele I work with on a daily basis.  I look forward to further investigating this database to present it to the class next week.  I initially was going to present on another database but there is an abundance of resources which would be too broad to present.  
Since I have spring break next week (yeah), I am going to work on my library lesson.  


  (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.
Prior to coming to class, I had to stop by the district office to drop off paperwork on a student.  I came upon a discussion between two secretaries and a coordinator of special education.  The coordinator just received an I Pad.  We starting talking about apps and I mentioned the Google Translate app.  She proceeded to show me a handout she had on good apps for students with special education needs.  I asked her if I could have a copy of the document.  I don't know if she will share or not but it looked very interesting.
As I mentioned in the discussion, it is important not to have a weak link in your LM department due to the negative impact it could have on the program as a whole.  The unfortunate party in the whole group are the students who are not getting the amount of services they deserve and not being taught to continue to use the resources at their current level.


Tuesday, March 8, 2011

March 2, 2011

Weekly Blogger Reflection (Reflect on the following questions.)

Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week. Why was it significant for you?
I thought one of the coolest sites that was noted was the one Jenny had given us in the area of planets.  I know she mentioned that her students really were interested in the information because of how it was presented in the site. 

Even though I am not in the library at this moment, I feel that I can share the information with my staff so that they can benefit from the resources now. 

What are your thoughts about the search engines we discussed?
I think that it is beneficial for students to given a variety of search engines due to the fact that they can understand that there is more than one way to get information and not rely on just Google to get what they want. 



How do you feel about Google Advanced Search techniques?
I think that the Google Advanced Search techniques are an extremely helpful tool.  I especially like the fact that you can choose to find specific types of documents.


Do you think you’d use Scavenger Hunts with your students? Why or why not?
I am not in the library at the present time; however, I feel that a scavenger hunt would be useful tool to use to help students understand the different reference materials available to them.  It is also a fun activity which would spur their interest in the information.


Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson? What is database and what is your lesson topic?
I am going to focus on the Online Database of Learning Express Library.  It provides a specific resource that will be very useful with the students I work with on a daily basis.
I am still working on finding a lesson topic but will do so this weekend.

(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.

I know that evaluation is very helpful in any job.  If I take into account my current role, I feel that I am doing a good job and hopefully get "high" marks.  However, I know that with every job there is a need for improvement. 
Having students know what reference resources including those on the computer are very important.  Starting students early on what the library can provide them is essential. 

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Internet Log - Wisconsin 4th Grade Curriculum

Here is my log on sites for Wisconsin - 4th Grade Curriculum.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au2GLvplQirGdEdkUGpldkZLSHE3NWRNTkZhdTR5NFE&hl=en&pli=1#gid=0

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

February 23, 2011

Weekly Blogger Reflection (Reflect on the following questions.)
Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week.  Why was it significant for you?
                                   Yes, I understand the basics of the different reference materials found in the library.  For example, Chris' question at the beginning of the class on where you would send a person if they want find the rivers of Sauk County.  I feel though since I am not currently in a library I am not getting the hands on experience of knowing where to find information that a student would seek.  I think it will become easier with time as a person becomes more acclimated to his/her library.  

                                    I see the importance of linking the online databases with the curriculum covered in the classroom.  I think teachers and students would realize the usefulness of having these databases on many areas of their curriculum.  I understand that this could entail a significant number of areas which could be covered but I think it could start at a beginning level.  For example, at the elementary level it would be a good idea to sit down with each grade level and ask them about major projects they focus on during the year as well as what projects they go to the library to research the topic. 

 
What do you think about the Big 6?
                                    I can honestly say that the first time I  heard about the Big 6 was in this class.  After reading about Big 6, I then saw the Big 6 posted in the libraries in one of my elementary schools.  Taking a look over the 6 skills in the book, the process makes sense.  I know through the discussion within our class Kari mentioned its usefulness.  I think I need to learn more about it in order to get a better understanding of its actual application in the school environment. 


Are you pretty comfortable doing a Reference Interview?
                                   Since I am not currently in a library, I cannot comment on this specific question; however, taking into account what Stacy and Brian mentioned in regarding their chapters, I have worked in customer service.  Making sure to ask the right questions and direct the "customer" is important in a reference interview.  I also have to ask the "right" questions when I am in student intervention team meetings so I have some practice finding out more information.  Now I just need to have the opportunity to apply my skills to the library setting. 

  How is the Internet Log coming?  Questions/concerns?
                                   My internet log will be finished this weekend.  I don't have any questions or concerns at this moment.
  
   Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?  What is your topic?
                                   I have a online database in mind due to my library visit.  The database is not directly used in my schools; however, I think it will be an excellent resource for many of the parents I work with in the evaluations I complete.
   

  (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.
                                     With the current upheaval and how it will affect school districts' budgets, I am concerned about the outlook of LMS as a whole.  I wish I had a crystal ball to let me know that the LMS positions will not be whittled down to a minimal number.  I am jumping through a number of hoops to obtain my license and I hope that it will be worth it. 
                       
                                   I know it is not directly effecting my professional life but I thought that the examples of the different key word searches were interesting.  I know I have completed a huge number of key word search through high school, college and grad school.  To think that there was a more effective way to get exactly what I wanted is somewhat disappointing to learn at this point.  I can't recall anyone specifically telling me the intricacies of using the correct terminology to define your search better. 
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Monday, February 21, 2011

Weekly Blogger Reflection - February 16, 2011

Weekly Blogger Reflection (Reflect on the following questions.)

a.     Describe 2 ideas that were brought up in the Article #3 discussions.  How can you relate this information to your professional life?
I think Jenny and Megan's article could be applied to many different areas outside of just the library setting.  The worthiness of what is being taught in all areas is extremely important to consider. As the author of their article pointed out, it is important to understand the meaning behind answers as well as how an answer is derived.

Stacy's article on how to organize a library database to be more useful is important.  I liked how Stacy in her explanation applied the article to her own library and how the database can be improved so it is more user friendly for the students who use it. 

b.     Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week.  Why was it significant for you?
Taking into account I am making a huge switch to pursue a LMS certification, I am concerned about the outlook of librarians in public schools; however, taking into account Kari's article indicating that the need of the human element is essential in the library and is still critical, I feel better and agree that a LMS is essential to students' learning. 

When taking into consideration the reading for this week, one focus involved the importance of asking the right questions in order to lead the student/teacher in the right direction so he/she gets the information they need.  I think that this strategy can be applied outside of the library as well.  The goal is getting to the root of topic and then following up with direct questions that will lead you to the right answers. 

c.      How is the Internet Log coming?  Questions/concerns?
I have all of my websites.  I need to still look up a few for the descriptions.

d.     Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?
I think I have my database picked out.  I may need to narrow the focus though within the database.
I am still in the beginning stages of the database.

e.     (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.
I take part in student intervention team meetings that involve describing a concern and then trying to find solutions to the "problem."  Taking the information from the book into consideration, I think I may want to refine the way I ask questions.  I sometimes beat around the bush because I do not want to be overbearing; however, we also only have 20-30 minutes to come up with solutions.  I think I want to review my line of questioning to increase the productivity and positive outcomes at the meetings.

I use some of the apps that I discussed in my article.  As I mentioned in class, I have used the translation app while in a meeting with a parent if the group cannot think of the Spanish equivalent.  It's a neat tool so that a barrier does not exist between the presenters and the parents at a meeting.  I like the apps that I can read books; however, there is no policing of the sites so young adults could read information that is way out of what would be deemed appropriate for their age level. 

Article regarding apps:
Valenza, J. (2010, August 10). Essential research apps? creating a library [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/neverendingsearch/2010/08/16/essential-research-apps-what-would-you-download/

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

February 9, 2011 - Blog Response

Describe 2 ideas that were brought up in the Article #2 discussions.  How can you relate this information to your professional life?

Jenny's article regarding Internet safety and literacy hit home today.  I was part of a discussion this morning (February 9, 2011) regarding the fact that there is a new program that is being used at one of our middle schools that screens for certain keywords.  Two or three kids have been pinpointed that were discussing suicide.  The guidance department followed up on these students to provide them support.

In the discussion that occurred in response to my article, it was noted that it was a good idea to use the same common research strategy for the whole district at the various levels.  I feel that this could be beneficial because students would be able to learn a system and then apply it easily.  However, I also feel like sometimes something that is designed for everyone does not work for all the students.  Everyone learns differently so that one approach may not be the best. 


 Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings for this week.  Why was it significant for you?

I thought it was interesting how the book pointed out that students have the tendency to go to the same websites (google & wikipedia) for information.  It is important to make sure students realize although information is readily available it may not be what is the best out there.

I found the detailed information provided about the seven different types of reference interesting.  I have been exposed to many of the reference materials when I was younger.  However, I did not know all of them. 

 How is the Internet Log coming?  Questions/concerns? 
I have found a number of sites now.  I was initially concerned about the lack of sites, but now have found more than what is required.

  Library Visit Questions?   
I don't have any specific questions.  Since this is my first presentation, I am waiting to see some of my classmates presentations to get an idea of what is expected and what can be done.  I have an idea and will see if I will go that route.

 Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson?
At the public library, the reference librarian pointed out a specific database that I thought sounded very interesting.  I am going to look into it and decide soon if I want to use that site verses a database offered  at one of my schools.
I am in the very early stages regarding a library lesson.

 (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.

I have have had a direct impact on not be able to access websites because they are blocked by the filters in our schools.  You are able to send an email to the tech department asking them to unblock a website; however, on one instance I remember that my request was denied and a similar website was offered.  

I mentioned this earlier in my blog but I am happy that my district has the technology to screen for specific keywords.  Yes, there is a level of privacy that needs to be adhered to for everyone; however, when a student is contemplating a suicide, all bets are off.  If the district can help a family from suffering a huge loss, I am all for it. 

Saturday, January 29, 2011

January 26, 2011 Post 2

     Describe 2 ideas that were brought up in the Article #1 discussions.  How can you relate this  information to your professional life?
When Elisa (sp?) presented her article regarding the ITouch/IPad, I thought that it was a very interesting concept.  I know one of the middle schools in my district have computers for all of their students.  I don't know very much about how much the computers are involved in the students' individual classes but from what I have observed they carry the laptops from class to class.  In regards to the ITouch/IPads, I wonder about the costs involved.  With all of the budget cuts in my district, I don't know what the feasibility of the district considering investing in the ITouch/IPad products for a large number of students.  I do know that there has been some interest with the devices and students with special needs.  

Jenny's article focusing on the acronym of "MUSTY" was very enlightening.  I currently am not in a library position; however, the use of the MUSTY system makes sense.  Making sure the items in the reference section are useful to the students is important.  From what I gathered from our conversations, it may be difficult to decide what should be kept and what should go.  I know specifically to my field I need to make sure that I use tests and rating scales (IQ, academic, behavioral)  that are the most current due to a variety of reasons.  Applying the MUSTY system I would have to say that the results of an old test would be "M"isleading because it would be based on old norms.  Furthermore, the new test "S"upersedes the older test.  An old test isn't something that we would like to keep around. 
 

      Reflect on “Digital Footprints”.  How is this being addressed in your school and who is presenting this?

      In regards specifically to students, I do not know how this is being addressed.  This will be something I need to follow up on with my colleagues.  Within the past year I have heard and read information regarding the fact that we (staff) should take into consideration what we post on the internet because it could fall into anyone's hands.  I know I also read that one should not become "friends" with students on facebook or other similar like sites. 


      How are you doing on your Internet Log?  Questions?
      I currently have around 6-7 sites for my specific area.  I am looking for sites regarding Wisconsin within the realm of the 4th grade curriculum.  I started last week and it didn't turn out to be as easy as I thought it was going to be to complete.   I don't have any questions at the present time but may have some in the future.

          Have you selected a library to visit yet?  Have you visited?
      I plan to visit my local public library tomorrow.  I called today to see if the children's reference section is worth focusing on or if I should just do the general reference section.  Based upon the information I received in the phone call, it appears that I will be focusing on the general section. I will have to take a look tomorrow to see the number of reference materials just in the children's section and make my decision from there. 

      (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.    

      When I was reading the assigned chapters, I was surprised about how many reference materials out there that I didn't know exist.  I remember when I was younger thinking how cool the encyclopedias were when I looked through them.  I never thought of the Guinness Book of World Records as something of a reference material but I guess it makes sense.  

      Chris showed me the Google docs option for submitting our classwork.  I found this to be a worthwhile application that I can use in my current job.  The ability to be able to work on the same document with a number of my colleagues would save an extreme amount of time.  I don't know how many times I was in charge of making changes on a document and then trying to figure out which file was the correct one to use.  I really liked the idea how it could apply to students working together on a project.   We do have a special education paperwork database that allows all of us to work on the document at once.  One feature that I would like it to have though is the ability to go back and comment on something.  This feature would save a lot of trees in the case where you have the responsibility to review a document and the other person has to make the changes. 

Saturday, January 22, 2011

CEDU 571 - Jan 19th, 2011

What is your understanding of reference materials in the library media center?

My understanding of reference materials in the LMC is limited to prior knowledge of what existed in my libraries at the colleges I attended as well as the local public library I used when in high school (talk about a long stretch.)  Speaking specifically regarding my local public library, I realize that there have been many updates to the reference section which I haven't really used due the lack of need.  I look forward to visiting my local public library to see what updates have been made. 


(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.

One point that was addressed in class was making sure there a resources for students with special needs as well as English Language Learners.  Recently I was part of a special education evaluation involving a student at the high school level who was delineated as a ELL based upon the student's ACCESS level.  Part of the student's learning difficulties involved the area of reading.  The student's auditory processing skills were within the high average range.  I suggested to the team that books on tape should strongly be encouraged for this student.  Yes, our goal for educator is for all students to read at a proficient level; however, we also need to accommodate a student's strengths and provide them ways to increase his/her understanding within his/her areas of study in the mean time.
 
When thinking about the Internet log assignment, I thought of an observation I completed in a fifth grade classroom.  The students were presenting information in small groups on different Native American tribes.  I followed up with the teacher and asked her how the students gathered information for the presentations.  She noted they used books in the school's library.  I told her my assignment and asked her if she thought it would be useful for her student's to obtain the information on computer via designated websites within a specific folder.  She thought the idea was great.  She suggested that I approach another grade level about their class assignment so that my Internet log list could be used this school year. 
Reference materials in a LMC provide students the ability to further research a specific area of interest.  Reference materials would be available in a variety of sources including books, magazines as well as online resources. 

Any questions or other comments you have?