Sunday, January 27, 2013

Powerpoint: Funding and Grants for School Librarians

http://tatetechnology.wikispaces.com/file/view/CTate-Grants+for+School+Libraries%5B1%5D.ppt

Highly Qualified Summary

As an educator, I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. I have taught school for three and half years. However, I am substituted for the Montgomery Board Education. I have substituted for two years. I truly have grown as educator. However, I decided to go back to school to get a degree in Library Media. I have taken a number of Library Media classes. As a librarian, I want to inform how became successful in my career. One of my classes has prepared me for being a good resource for teachers. The class that has made this major influence in my life is Communication with Technology. I am able to share ideas with other teachers about using technology in the classroom. In addition, I am able to teach students about technology in the library. The communication with technology class taught me skills that I needed for being a successful librarian. I am at the bleeding edge level as a librarian. I am always eager to purchase the best software for the library and hardware. However, I take the time to make sure the software is not outdated or inefficient. I have a teacher assistant that double check the software to make sure none is outdated or inefficient. I want to make sure students have a great desire to read throughout life. Furthermore, the software I purchased is strictly for educational purposes.
     First of all, I learned how technology has changed the world in such a drastic way.  The way people communicate is by using mobile devices. Some mobile devices people use are the following: smartphones, ipads and iphones. However, I have change the way I communicate with other people. I communicate with my colleagues, parents and administrators by emailing. In addition, I use E-book readers in the library to teach my students how to download books and stories. I had to get permission from my principal to purchase E-books for the library. I showed students how to download books and stories to read.  The students enjoyed downloading books and stories to read in the library. The school purchased laptops for the library. I allow the students to watch educational videos on the laptops. They truly enjoyed watching these videos because the students think it is fun.   In addition, the laptops already had software programs for educational purposes. Students were able to work on programs geared toward helping them with their weaknesses in reading and language skills. Students that were gifted worked on programs that continue to enhance their reading and language skills.  In addition, I assist students in using the Internet by providing them with links that deals with literacy skills. For example, students were studying a topic on character education in their classroom. I assist students by showing them how to type a website on the Internet browser that dealt with character education. Students were able to view the information about character education. This allowed students to get a deeper understanding about character education. Moreover, upper grade students were able to do research on the Internet because I taught them some skills on how to use the Internet. They were able to write effective reports about any topic their teachers assigned them.  Furthermore, I allowed students to play reading games on the computer so they could have fun interest in reading books. I saw a great improvement in students reading in the library.
      As a librarian, I make reading fun for students so they would be eager to learn. Students are able to grasp information if teachers make it fun in learning the material. In addition, students dislike sitting in a classroom listening to lectures everyday of the school week.  One day, I brought in a Noble Nook for the students to see how it works. I did a quick library lesson because I was on time period. I showed students how to view magazines and books with photos on the Noble Nook. They were able to view reading articles and stories. Students were able to answer and ask questions about the Noble Nook. This was a great learning experience for the students. In addition, students were able to tell their classroom teachers how much fun they had with viewing magazines and books.
     All in all, I am librarian that is continuing to grow in technology. I take more classes in technology. I am growing in knowledge about how technology could be used in the library and classroom. I teach students about how to use technology in their everyday life. In addition, I share technology skills with teachers. Teachers use the skills that I share with them in teaching their lessons.  I use all kinds of technology in the library. Some technologies I used in the library are the following: E-books, laptops and Noble Nook. Furthermore, I share and exchange ideas with other librarians by posting blogs, wiki and google pages on the Internet.
   
    
    

Chapter 4 Technology Plan

Technology Plan

Purpose:  To effectively promote technology in the school library.
Mission: To ensure all educational stakeholders are support teaching and learning as
                the school moves toward new technology in the 21st century.

Vision:    To engage and incorporate technology in all phases of learning as possible, so
                 students can share and design information that is aligned with Standards for
                 Alabama and National School libraries.

Goals and Objectives:  

  1. Develop policies and procedures for technology usage (privacy and the Internet).

  1. Collaboration with public libraries even university libraries for allowing anytime access, and develop an electronic partnership.

  1. Continue to serve as an informational resource to guide, integrate, and use technology in supporting students’ learning while teachers received on-going technology professional development.

  1. Provide on-going professional library media unit lessons to teachers during planning period monthly (wiki spaces, digital camera, other tools) throughout the school year.

  1. Make available a list of all resources (books, videos, equipment, calculators, software, etc.) available in the school library.

  1. Organize a school library committee (principal, content area teacher, librarian).

  1. Develop plans, policies and procedures for after-school access to computers, and other technology and resources not available at home.

  1. On-line surveys to teachers to assist in moving forward with technology plan and making changes to better accommodate everyone

  1. All teachers have access to web-based programs, continue to share with teachers of new and innovative programs and hardware and provide training.

Needs Assessment
Proposed Actions
How Assessed?
Time Frame
Technology Software







1 Implement teacher surveys
2. Review school data, and purchase
    appropriate software that meets
    students’ needs
3. Provide a list of all library hardware
    and software available to all
    teachers
4. Make technology available to all
    students and teachers

1.  Feedback from
     teachers surveys
2. Minutes from technology committee meetings
3. Electronic library media databases.
4. Documentation of sign in sheet
On-going
Technology Hardware
          and
       Furniture






1.Seek funding of technology (digital
    resources, hardware, software)
    through applying for state/city
    grants for rich lessons 
2. Provide a list of all library hardware
    and software available to all
    teachers
3. Have in place technology support
    technical assistance for teachers’
    and students’ guidelines
4.  Keep a checklist inventory of all
     software, hardware, and furniture
5.  Maintain library equipment
     contracts, assistance for licensing
     of certain technological products
     and software managing systems

1.Review yearly
   proposes and grants
2.Electronic library
   media databases
3.Beginning of school
   year technology
   policies, procedures
    and guidelines
    handouts
4.Technology
   contracts’
    record keep school
    accountant

On-going
Teacher Collaboration
   and Technology





1. Collaboration with public libraries
    even university libraries for
    allowing anytime access, and
    develop an electronic partnership;
    even community centers
2. Have teachers bring students to the
    library to examine and learn the
    different types of software/hardware
    available in the library and show
    students how to use of technology
    (mini technology classes)
1. Teachers’
     evaluations by
     Administrators

2.  Library Class
     Schedule
On-going
Technology Professional Development







1. Plan monthly professional development
    during teachers planning period. to share
    and inform new technology; and how to
    use this technology
2.  Participate in knowledge-based videos
     and programs; and make available all
     web-based programs

1.Technology sign in
    sheets
2.Powerpoint
   presentation of
   profession
   developments
On-going

Action Plan

Budget Plan:


Software
   40%
Hardware ( Furniture, equipment)
   40%
Professional Development
   10%
Miscellaneous
   10%



Evaluations: Talk to others and take surveys to find out about how is the service of the technology.

Use the plan and keep it current.




References

Scheeren, W.  (2010).  Technology for School Librarians, Theory and Practice. Santa
     Barbara, CA:  ABC-CLIO, LLC.

         85279EB95A34/13485/TechPlanFinalfromPrinter73007.pdf .  Retrieved on January
         26, 2013.

         January 26, 2013.

         Retrieved on  January 26, 2013.


Chapter 4 Examining a Technology Plan Question 2

Question 2, Chapter 4   
In this chapter there were some lists of good things and bad things about technology plans. Either from the school that you currently work in or at a school nearby, obtain their technology plan and analyze against the guidelines given in this chapter. Prepare a report for the class detailing your findings.
  Response

      From examining a tri-county school librarian’s plan, I noticed that the school system district serves as an umbrella for each school in that system.  For example, one school system school district technology plan included a mission statement, vision and a set of goals. These goals included that all faculty, administrators and students are exposed to a wide range of emerging and current technological resources; and are able to use them effectively in teaching and learning(http://www.elmoreco.com/?DivisionID=528&ToggleSideNav=). 

      It appears that the School district’s technology department served as an umbrella of guidelines for the local school’s librarian plan.  This particular school, I examined technology plan was embedded in their school continuous improvement plan. The following was included in the school’s improvement plan:  twice a month tech Tuesdays would be designated for professional development training to show teachers how to use the Internet resources (Microsoft Office, STI products, and other presentation tools); and knowledgeable instructional integration of technology(http://www.elmoreco.com/Download.asp?L=1&LMID=92160&PN=DocumentUploads&DivisionID=2445&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=&Act=Download&T=1&I=239281). 

      Each school has a library committee in place that determines how allocation librarian funds should be spent and use for the benefit of the school.

Analyzing the guidelines of the book.

My findings were similar to guidelines of the book. The book specified that a technology plan should have mission, vision and purpose. In the book, it stated that the technology should have budget in place but was not available online for this particular school. However, “Technology for School Librarians” stated that the teachers should provide with ongoing technology development; and the school library plan I examined did provide in this same statement and its school librarian plan. To continue, the library committee should collaborate and create a technology plan (Scheeren, 2010).













References

Scheeren, W.  (2010).  Technology for School Librarians, Theory and Practice. Santa
     Barbara, CA:  ABC-CLIO, LLC.




        26, 2013.


Chapter 4 Glossary Terms

Chapter 4 “Planning for Technology in School Library”

Glossary Terms


  1. Procurement-the action of obtaining or procuring something.
  2. Corollary-a proposition that follows from one already proved.
  3. Acquisition-an asset or object brought or obtained, typically by a library or museum.
  4. Counterintuitive-contrary to intuition or to common sense expectation.
  5. Osmosis-1.the tendency of molecules of a solvent. 2. The process of gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas, knowledge, etc.
  6. Refinement-the improvement or clarification of something by the making of small changes.
  7. Paradigm-a typical example or pattern or something a model.
  8. Exemplary-serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.
  9. Seminal-strongly influencing later developments.
  10. Anecdote-a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

Chapter 3 Glossary Terms

Chapter 3 “ Networks, Hardware and Software for School Libraries”

Glossary Terms

  1. Network- is a group of connected computers that can exchange information with each other.
  2. Network Topology- refers to the physical arrangement of computers, cabling and other network components.
  3. NetwoCrk Architecture- refers to how a network is designed, how networks are controlled and distance between network nodes.
  4. Computer Hardware- computer itself, what is inside the computer box, peripherals such as storage devices, monitors, mice, sound devices, printers, and scanners.
  5. Bus Topology- all computers and peripherals are connected in a sequence.

Chapter 3 Questions and Responses

Chapter 3 Questions and Response


 2. Microsoft Office is the standard for productivity software used in both businesses and   
     schools, but Open Office is seen by some as viable alternative. Research both 
     package and prepare that you would give your Technology Coordinator supporting the 
     purchase of one or another. Remember that you may inject your opinion, but it must
     be supported by facts and research.
  
     Microsoft Office is best software to use than the Open Office Space. Microsoft Office
     has a familiar and intuitive user interface with numerous features and functionality. It
     provides the best experience across phones, browsers and PC’s so people can work in
     type that fits them. In addition, Microsoft Office upgrade Office 2010 has boost
     collaboration with new features. Some other features that this office provide are the
     following: flexibility of office web applications, integration with Microsoft unified
     communications and co-authoring. Microsoft works from anywhere and it gives
     organizations the freedom to integrate additional solutions in the future.
     On the otherhand, Open Office lacks a new and intuitive user experience. The user
     Interface is unattractive and inefficient. In addition, the Open Office doesn’t
     provide features like collaboration and access of this program anywhere. This means
     it limits the amount work people could get done. Furthermore, Open Office does not
     meet standards for needs of many organizations. Therefore, a company could risk
     higher cost of additional IT complexity that minimizes any license savings.

References:
   
  1. Why Microsoft Professional. (2013). Learn about Microsoft strategic and technical            
       differentiation.
            Retrieved January 24, 2013, from

  2. Microsoft Office Professional. (2013).
            Retrieved January 24, 2103, from
            professional-vs.Open.O.





 3. Your superintendent has asked you to consider the use of thin client technology in
     your school library as a way to contain costs. Your report to him should compare and
     contrast thin and fat client technology, bringing out the strong and weak points of each
     Arrive at a conclusion concerning the use of thin client technology that is in the best
     Interests of your school library your school library.

      The thin technology is the best use because it relies on another computer that is used
      as server to perform computer functions. In addition, when the other computers have
      problems the sever takes on the problems for corrections. This enables the server to
      isolate the computers and reboot to obtain service. Therefore, all the other computers
      are able to continue to function efficiently. Furthermore, the server does the
      processing and validating of data. The other computers does little processing and
      validating of data.

References:

1.      Thin client. (2013). The Free Encyclopedia.
           Retrieved January 24,2013, from http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_client

2.      Fat Client. (2013). The Free Encyclopedia.
           Retrieved January 24, 2013, from http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_client
























5. Several network topologies were discussed in the chapter. Analyze each of these topologies and compare and contrast them. Determine which would be the best fit for your school and your school library.

The ring topology would be the best network for a school and library. Ring topology is when computers and devices are connected to a cable to form a shut loop. Data is traveled in only one direction clockwise or counterclockwise by a token that is from node to node. In addition, the data travels in one direction until it reaches the main computer. Data is able to go from computer to computer and a faster pace because the travel of information is going around in circle. However, the ring topology problems can be hard to find or diagnosis. It is easy to troubleshoot problems if any occurs in the network. All the other network topologies are suited for homes and businesses. The star topology has a central connection point that is called a “hub node” that could be a router, switch or network hub. So this topology is best for the home. The bus topology connection is usually from peer to peer. This allows communication with every other computer. This topology network is good for businesses.


References:

1.      Wireless/Networking. (2013). Network Topologies.
           Retrieved January 24,2013, from

2.      Compare three type of network topology? (2013).
           Retrieved January 24, 2013, from





Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Powerpoint: Old News About School Librarians

[slideshare id=16127350&doc=oldnewsaboutschoollibraries-130122203233-phpapp02]

Discussion Questions Part 2: Librarian Skills and Competencies

[slideshare id=16128322&doc=c-tateassignment2part1technologyskillsfortheschoollibrarian-130122215234-phpapp01&type=d]

Discussons Questions Part 1 Assignment 2

[slideshare id=16128417&doc=c-tateassignment2questions236part1-130122220016-phpapp01&type=d]

Friday, January 11, 2013

How Teachers can use technology in classroom with help of the librarian

Librarians are powerful technology partners with teachers. The librarian and teacher could work together and implement technology with a curriculum topic. The following technologies that could be use integrating with topic are following: online videos, livebinders, slideshare, blogs and googles. For example, if a librarian teams up with seventh-grade English teacher to have his or her students to do a character sketch of story of using technology. The librarian could provide instruction on image resources and audio usage on using a microphone for the teacher. Then teacher could have her students speak about characters by creating an avatar. Students could search for pictures on the internet showing how their character should be dressed. The students could put their pictures in livebinders for others to view. Furthermore, students would learn to take charge of their own learning by evaluating and using information to help them teach academic concepts in school that will them.