wcsdinfolit

Great book list to order from...

thank you for sharing this! Quite a list! Good timing also...we want to spend down our budgets before they get cut off!!!

I find this outlook very interesting as we try to be more up-to-date.  Knowing when to take a step back is just as important.

I think this is interesting.

A few weeks ago, I had two memorable back-to-back experiences. One day, I was with a group of administrators, many of whom had the same question: "We're getting one-to-one laptops - what does that mean for us?" This is a completely authentic question that comes up more often than one might think.

I agree that we need to ask bigger questions with technology. What is it we are trying to accomplish with any new technology?!?! What can it offer that we can't create a different way?!?!? I've been looking at this SAMR model of technology. Enhancement contains the following: Substitution, the tech acts as a direct tool substitute with no functional change; Augmentation, the tech acts as a direct tool substitute with functional improvement. TRANSFORMATION contains the following: Modification, tech allows for significant task redesign; and Redifinition, tech allows for the creation of new tasks previously inconceivable!!!

A student response system that you could use in a lab setting or with the iPads/Androids!!

We have a teacher using this and LOVES it! We are still trying to figure out what "the catch" is. ;-)

Great article about importance of fiction reading.

Learn to type-it is a skill.

Another great blog for us!

Interesting blog for Teacher-Librarians.

checks grammar, plagiarism, AND writing suggestions

Earlier this month, I wrote "10 Important Skills Students Need for the Future." After reading a few articles about specific tech skills, I thought I write what I think are the 10 Important Tech Skills Students Need. 1. Internet Search - students need to know how to do a proper internet search, using search terms and modifiers.

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of dense information out there about the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)? You're not alone. Here's Edutopia's guide to resources that will help you make sense of the initiative and join the conversation. Common Core State Standards Initiative First, go straight to the source.

From my recent Slideshare presentations, I have had a number of questions about what my thinking is about the role of teacher-librarians? Here is the slide that has generated some discussion on this and the one I use to explain how we, in West Vancouver, are trying to support digital literacy and move forward with inquiry-based learning: We don't have the 'middle layer'...

Article Summary: "I used to think that I needed to help teachers to use tools, but now I think I need to help teachers meet learning goals. I used to think that I needed to guide teachers through new technologies, but now I think I need to create safe spaces for them to play and explore." I love the attitude toward technology here - start with the learning goals first!

I completely agree, Corey! Excellent article. It is about including technology in the conversation as long as it's not the only topic.

Great PD idea

I agree! I saw this on pinterest and thought it would be a great tool to use with staff and students.

Yes...like this little gadget!

A new trend? Anyone scoopin' it yet?

I've not tried it...but looks cool. Maybe today!

Julie...this is a really cool resource. I can see us using this as an example/foundation to get our own projects by grade-level up-n-running! I like the possibility of us all doing the same general projects at about the same time...to help with collaboration!

I love it ideas for using QR codes in books for links to authors, fanfiction, etc. I've been trying to wrap my head around how I can utilize QR codes in the library without kids getting in trouble for having their devices out at school. Any ideas or experience?

Many schools are going to a BYOD model...embracing the amazing technology that walks through our doors everyday (that we didn't pay for as a district!!!!). The management side sounds crazy, but people are getting some great benefit from students using their own devices for research, etc. The good news is that the major overhaul that Matt has been doing to our wifi and bandwidth has initiatives like this in mind. Some schools that go to BYOD or 1 to 1 forget to upgrade their infrastructure and it's a nightmare because they can't handle all the devices on their network! We'll be in good shape for when we open up for either initiative (I'm sure it's coming...the question is when!!)

(Hi Doree!) Ron - I'm thrilled (and not at all surprised) that Matt is thinking ahead to BYOD. We were making progress with getting adults to allow students to use devices (mostly smart phones or iPods) at my school in Michigan, but it was slow going. Honestly, the big turn-around from Administration was when they realized that they wouldn't have to purchase ActivExpressions because students could use their own devices. It is certainly a paradigm shift. As far as the QR codes go - I agree with you Doree. We need to change the line of thinking that cell phones are all bad. Bunger's policy is the same - see a phone, take a phone. I know that a few classrooms will have tablets next year. I'm thinking that I'll post QR codes that link to the Bunger Media web site and the Bunger School web site to raise some awareness and to get the teachers and students with tablets using the codes. Then maybe I'll do some QR codes in our Popular Series section that will link to either Fantastic Fiction, the author's web site, or Good Reads, depending on what's out there and makes sense. I feel like it will be easier to convince the adults that cell phones can be a positive tool in our buildings if we can show them the value instead of tell them. I also think that those us interested in trying the QR codes should use a google doc and work together. We can create the codes and share them so we're not adding a ton of extra work to our plates...