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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