Thing 2 - Part 1

As I read the blogs, I found much thought-provoking content. There is the point that "blogging creates enthusiasm for writing and communication." How true! It parallels the way many of us treat e-mail, i.e., we feel obligated to read it and often, to reply to it. The same is true of blogs. As a media specialist, I don't see nearly as many technologically illiterate teachers as I did 5 years ago. The comment that "if a teacher today is technologically illiterate and is unwilling to learn more, it is equivalent to one 30 years ago who did not know how to read and write. Wow! That really brings it home. There is no excuse for technological illiteracy on the part of teachers.

I was intrugued by the blog Questions for One of Our Favorite Authors: Grace Lin. It demonstrates ongoing conversations between an author and 3rd graders. This is a real life example of blogging creating enthusiasm for communication.

I am impressed with the serious, yet casual nature of blogs. Everyone seems to be so "invested" in the subject matter and there is no "playing around." Most questions posed are answered so learning is facilitated.

Thing 1-B

Using online video clips to celebrate Black History Month with children has been a very positive experience. Surely, I could TELL the students about Hattie McDaniel or Sidney Poitier, but how much more meaningful it is for me to be able to introduce these individuals to students by actually showing a major highlight of their lives in the form of a video clip in which they are receiving their Oscars. I can see the engagement in the eyes and posture of the students as they witness this. I want to engage students so that they will consider media center time as a "special moment" in their day.

I am considering giving students an outlet for expressing their comments/feeelings about books they have read. These shared expressions will guide students into analytical thought and critical reflection. These are areas that are in my opinion, deficits in our children.

Thing 1-A

Hi! I am the media specialist at the BEST elementary school in the county - SES. I have been in elementary and high school media centers since 1997. The media center can be a really fun place to work. I like to be able to use my creative mind and love to impart information to the students. And children's literature is great! If you want a good read, you simply can't go wrong when you select a Newbery winning or honor book.

This web 2.0 course will help me implement the creativity I think is so important in working with children. I hope to get new ideas that are practical and do-able.