Blog # 6 Why Are Schools Needed?

Blog # 6 Why are schools needed?

Inquiry learning happens constantly in the Media Center.  The library with its computer and information resources allows students to explore topics of interest which are relevant to them.  Individual students come to the library on hall passes and head to the computers to connect to information on the internet and on databases.  I observe technology savvy students designing their own comic pages or images with online tools while some students are just exploring topics of interest online.  They are learning at their own pace about interests relevant to them.  There a sense of excitement as they share their findings with their friends.  It’s an engaging, creative process widening their exposure and knowledge of the world outside of our school. When I was a young student, I came to the library to conduct similar information searches.  However, I was only able to inquire about the world from books, newspapers, microfiche, and magazine contained in the building.  Today, our students connect to the world’s resources online.  I see the library as the center of the inquiry learning process for the school and the professional librarian providing assistance to facilitate student inquiries and help with problems.  The librarian also leads class discussions about research in the Media Center and online.

Schools can help take students from their personal views developed in homes to broader views. Schools unlock information contained in the world.  As presented by David Perkins from Harvard School of Education, the inquiry-based approach allows learners “to create, design, imagine and develop new possibilities.”  By studying with others at school, learners can reach broader understandings and connections to the real world.  I believe inquiry learning explains a major purpose for the library’s existence.    The library is one of the few places in the school which allows students to search and explore information for their personal interests or their real-life problems. Schools provide digital connections that help eliminate the digital divide that exists for some students.  Liz Keren-Kolb discusses how “Technology tools at school enhance learning that could not have been accomplished without these tools.”  Schools provide a wealth of online resources and teachers are a valuable resource for students when they have questions or problems.    

I want to focus the mini-lessons on water issues from Science.  To make for authenticity in the lessons, I will ask for digital presentations in the format of their choice about real problems in the US or in the world with flooding or lack of water in areas which are experiencing droughts.  One lesson will focus on selecting resources for presentations and how to avoid plagiarism and properly cite resources.

Blog #5

I reviewed my goals for this class and noticed I put I wanted to become knowledgeable about blogging and using twitter.  I have learned a tremendous amount about both areas.  However, I want to modify my goal to be: I want to become experienced with blogging and tweeting so I can use these digital tools with students, parents, and teachers at school.  I needed this practical experience with blogging and tweeting to really understand the process of using these social media tools.  Real experience with blogging has given me the confidence to be able to respond to questions by students and I feel that I will be able to lead classes with teachers who want to learn about blogging and twitter for classroom use now.

Before this class, I had never used blogs or twitter.  I had no idea that there was a blog application in my google account or there was an online blog reader for ease in following other people’s blogs.  I am building my confidence with communicating my thoughts online and it is helpful for me to read other students’ blogs that they had little knowledge of the process either. I find I enjoy reading comments more than writing my own.  I’ve learned that having a theme with a series of questions to answer helps provide a focus.  If I just start responding, I find I begin to develop a view or “voice” about the issue or question.  I believe this practical experience will be helpful for me when I begin to blog on my library’s website.  I want to create a library website that uses social media to engage with students, parents, and teachers

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After going through this week’s assignments, I decided that I have a growth mindset.  Now I know it was my growth mindset that pushed me into an online master’s program at my age.  I am determined to learn the 21^st digital technology skills necessary to transform the library at my school.  It has not been easy for me coming from my support position as a Media Assistant, but I recognize that I can do it if I keep applying myself.  I have particularly benefited from other students’ posts and projects.  The online structure of the program is very helpful to learning 21^st digital tools. 

Carol Dweck described the growth mindset as “one who believes abilities can be developed through practice” and I believe I represent that way of thinking.  I also believe I will benefit from knowing her recommendation to “praise the process” in students to help create growth mindsets in students.

    

It is my fixed mindset that makes me worry about posting interesting blogs and tweets.  I focus on how my comments will be received by others!  I was pleased to gain a better understanding of the importance the growth mindset and the vital role it can play in classrooms as discussed by Edward Briceno in his discussion, “The Power of Belief.”  His advice to “listen for your fixed mindset voice” is guidance I can use with students to help motivate all students to grow and achieve.