As I reflect back on my key learning from this phase of our course, I keep coming back to the idea that we as TLs are each others best resource for being life long learners. Collaboration is alive and well in our professional and I feel more inspired than ever to learn from my colleagues within this course, at my school, in my district and around the province. With some of the new technology we have learned about (Google hangout, Twitter, etc) it seems easier then ever to connect. I was able to collect a lot of relevant and practical tips and resources from reading classmates' blogs which has been beneficial. Teaching can be very isolating if you are not willing to put yourself out there or are scared to ask for help. Being a TL can also be isolating as we are often the only one doing our specific job at our workplaces. We must stay connected, learn from each other and share, share, share!
I have also learned to try and take a more positive attitude particularly when it comes to the implementation of digital technologies. Instead of focusing on what my school doesn't have, I'd like to try and focus on what we do have, take some risks and move out of my comfort zone. I may not have the time and support to undertake a massive collaborative inquiry project using web 2.0 tools, but perhaps I can do something simple and learn about and implementing a few educational apps with one of the classes at my school. Baby steps. A specific goal I have in mind is having students make a book trailer. I'd like to try using iMovie. Here is a video running through the program.
The one topic the resonated most with me, as it was the most relevant and realistic to my job, was fostering reading cultures in schools. Technology is wonderful, but for those of us working in a low tech/limited tech library, I think it is important to take a step back, unplug, and focus on good old fashion books. Yes, the definition of literacy has hugely changed, but I would like to think that reading for pleasure and enjoyment will always remain. Reading is so important. This excellent article describes in a much more eloquent way what I am trying to explain. I love talking to students about books! I love to see the excitement on a young persons face when they have found that "just right" book that has hooked them and opened up a whole new world.
As I move forward I would like to try and find a comfortable balance with all the many facets of my job- a challenge for us all. I think I will be most successful by remaining flexible, open minded and adaptable to change.
A great positive reflective post that highlights your key learnings and take aways so far in the course. You've discussed your personal growth and new insights in an accessible and positive way that will engage and inspire others to take a few baby steps of their own. You built a solid foundation for exploration, learning and crafting your personal learning network. A good blog post with links, tags and embedding!
ReplyDeleteI love Neil Gaiman's article! There are so many quotes that I want to share. "We have an obligation to support libraries...we have an obligation to read aloud to our children". Thank you so much for sharing. I am definitely posting that on Twitter right after I finish writing this comment. :-)
ReplyDeleteCollaborating with others is so important and that was also one of my 'big ideas' from Phase 2. Good luck with creating movie trailers. They are so much fun and the kids love making them.