When I started learning about the new technology tools available to students, I could not think positive thoughts because I was terrified. T-E-C-H-N-O-L-O-G-Y!
I do hate failing, and I felt that my brain was not going to be able to learn anything that dealt with technology. I seriously thought I was going to do terrible. But, I decided to continue. What was the worst thing that could happen? (I can seriously think of millions of things that could have happened!)
Luckily, I hung in there and learned a lot! I learned to create podcasts, comics, Q.R. codes, infographics, and even learned to create trainings for my students using Screencast-o-matic!
The school district I work for assigned the Gifted and Talented group to all librarians. Therefore, I see different groups every day, and I have to guide them on how to go about completing a project required by the state. It was so difficult for me to repeat myself over and over again. When I learned about screencasts, I immediately realized they were going to greatly impact the way I teach my G.T. students. I did my recording once, every one saw the screencasts, and we were all on the same page. I wouldn't be lost wondering where I had left off with a particular group. Podcasts are another one of my favorite tools. The students ran with it, and had a lot of fun. We created from read alouds to interviews. We also had fun creating comic and cartoons. Of course, the easiest website to use for with my little ones was MakeBeliefsComix.com. It did not require registration, so it was perfect for them to start using their imagination without having to worry about having access to an e-mail account. I believe those three are the most beneficial to the children I serve, elementary students.
Unfortunately, my school district is currently not giving permission for teachers and librarians to use Twitter or Instagram. We are not quite there yet! Therefore, it breaks my heart to know that there are such wonderful tools such as Vine, but my students do not have access to. In my opinion, Vines are too short, but I am sure my students can do amazing things with it if we simply gave them a chance.
To be honest, I never imagined being a librarian. But after serving one whole year and reading J. Hatmaker's article, For the love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards, I learned that it is the perfect career for me! Why? Well, I strongly believe that we are sent to Earth with a purpose. My purpose is to serve! As a librarian you serve everyone. You do not discriminate and it doesn't matter whether they have rich or poor. Your goal is to help every patron, serve them, and protect their right to access information. One thing Hatmaker helped me realize was to listen to the needs of those I serve because I may sin of thinking that I have so much to share. But, I should first be a good listener. I need to understand what they are having trouble with and come up with a plan to meet their needs.
Hatmaker, J. (2015). For the love: Fighting for grace in a world of impossible standards. Nashville, TN: Nelson Books
