https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9 In this end-of-semester reflection, please share your biggest takeaways. What have you learned that will continue to resonate? en-us 2017-08-04 22:16:38 UTC 2017-12-17 21:35:19 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.storage.googleapis.com/portrait/sticky.jpg https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215079026 For me, this class was my first real chance to see what a school library is about. Throughout the program the classes have been more technical/theoretical, but this was really about what it is like to have boots on the ground! I liked the readings and hearing about everyone's experiences in their various schools. I learned that every school is different with different strengths and challenges and that no two SLMS jobs are the same. 

I think this class (paired with the FE) has prepared me for "the real world" of school libraries more than anything else I have taken in the program. I have learned so much about managing a classroom, and what it is like day to day in a school.

My advice for incoming students is to not be overwhelmed! I have to admit, when I read the syllabus for this class (after a long day of kids and work) I burst into tears and told my husband it was too hard and I couldn't do it! But going step by step and doing one thing at a time, it can be done! New students to this class need to know they will make it through and succeed!]]> 2017-12-11 16:00:34 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215079026 sarahdebraski https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215389970 One thing that stands out is just how different every school is. I think since I'm in my first school job I kind of assumed every place was like this. And then I began comparing myself to "superstar" type school libraries, and then the next day I'd read about someone in a library that had me feeling sorry for the students. So I feel like as I immersed myself in participating more in online groups (OK, mostly just reading School Librarians Workshop and Future Ready Libraries) I really saw such a variety of services and programs being offered to students and a broad variety of learning. I also saw, to my dismay and surprise, quite a variety of professional integrity.

 As for my biggest take away that I think will impact my career-it's simply that there are so many different things I can do that I should feel free to try them, be a risk taker, push what we're used to doing, and that there are ample resources out there to inspire and guide me. (Though I will say that tied in to what I mentioned before, I am also feeling pretty good about the things I am doing!)

Dr. Valenza asked if we thought we'd have learned more in a face to face class and honestly I think the answer is no. We had a pretty good discussion group going and one of the things I liked about this class (compared to other online classes) was the "learning activities".  It made it a little different each week and was a good way to hear from other students. I thought this was a very rich learning environment!
-Sarah

]]> 2017-12-12 13:19:49 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215389970 computerscooter https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215485908 I think the thing that makes this class so much different from the others in the program is the fact that it has a co-requisite in the form of Field Experience. While all of my courses have given me valuable knowledge and instruction, it has often felt distant, abstract, and theoretical (especially when I gave in to the temptation to compare myself with my classmates who were already working in the field). In this course, I was able to take what we were discussing and draw the parallels with what I was seeing first-hand. I could evaluate what we were doing right and identify opportunities for improvement. By tying in with my real-world experiences as I experienced them, the class felt practical and the flow of information a bit less overwhelming.

If I were forced to answer the question regarding face to face vs. online, I would (and consistently do) choose face to face. While I don't feel as though I learned less, I have always felt that the immediacy and casual atmosphere of in-person discussion helps me to learn better. With that said, I really appreciated that we got to interact online in ways other than the standard discussion board format (this week's Padlet and Flipgrid being perfect examples). I think this goes a long way toward recreating the more casual atmosphere of an in-class conversation. 

-Ed]]> 2017-12-12 16:15:57 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215485908 ouchees https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215659646 Well I guess I am still learning! The Eye Opening post was from me and I didn't sign my name... and I can't figure out how to edit it!
~ 
Erica]]> 2017-12-13 02:29:14 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215659646 mwilliams https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215947235 Like Erica, I was initially overwhelmed by the syllabus for the course and worried periodically throughout that I could not possibly do all that was required (or certainly not well).  But you know, even with lots of feeling overwhelmed, this is probably my favorite of all of my Rutgers courses!  And a lot of it comes down to energy.  It starts with Dr. Valenza's energy, which I find infectious.  As we all know by now, she is a dynamo, and I do sometimes wonder whether she ever sleeps, but boy is she inspiring!  Energetic people energize us.  Her energy made me find the energy within myself to push and to try new things and to learn at a rate faster than I would have thought possible.  And my own exertion of energy, somehow, caused me to feel MORE energetic, not less, because I was invigorated by the new tools I was trying, the new resources I was learning about, and the positive mindsets discussed in the course.  With every new thing I tried: Flipgrid, Popplet, Adobe Spark, Pearltrees, etc., my zeal for my work increased significantly. I don't think I've ever felt so jazzed to be doing what I do than I have this semester or than I do right now.  And if Dr. V did that for me (and for us), then we can be that for our communities: that energetic go-to person who can encourage students, faculty, and administrators, to accomplish more than they thought possible, to think outside of the box (is there even a box?), and to propel themselves fearlessly into the new terrains of the 21st century.  It sounds terrifying, but it's actually exhilarating, or at least, I found/find it to be so. 

 I do not think this class would have been more effective face-to-face.  The recorded lectures, the discussions, the Flipgrid responses and voice threads, all made us feel connected.  In a class setting, it's easier to check out or to hide.  Online classes, in my opinion, actually make it harder to disengage, and that was the case with this one.  ~ Melissa]]> 2017-12-13 19:10:50 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/215947235 rachael_guerdon https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/216377592 In addition to all the valuable resources this course has prepared me with, I think one of the most valuable things I learned this semester was the practicality of working inside the school library. This class really allowed me to move away from the theoretical and into the practical- I was able to test out my ideas, thoughts, and lessons in an actual library as well as hold major discussions with the librarian as to what she has found that works and why she does things the way she does. One of the best discussions with my FE was discussing the first year- we are taught ways to build and enhance our libraries and teaching techniques, but sometimes making that jump, finding out where to start, is a tough one. It was great to have a discussion about the realities of coming into a new environment and how to advocate and connect with colleagues in order to create a better library system. Of all the courses in the MLIS program, this course paired with the FE I feel has really prepared me to take that next step- to move from the theoretical to reality.

There were quite a few surprises for me. Like most of us, I was surprised at how different each school library is- even comparing all our FEs was difficult! It was a real eye opener knowing that any one of our scenarios might be my future career, but I believe our time here has helped me come up with strategies for a variety of situations. Another eye opener was how different the school library is from the public library- plus the fact that my FE is by herself and therefore her job encompasses jobs that require multiple people in the public sector.

-Rachael]]> 2017-12-15 03:54:43 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/216377592 lauryn314 https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/216650188 I was happy to see so many schools with thriving libraries. While that is not the case in my city it gives us something to advocate for. 
This class provided me with many resources to refer to in my day to day work. 
In terms of distance learning I feel like face to face classrooms offer a better understanding of how lessons should go and provide a bit more context. I don't have a traditional schedule and I like to observe people in class talk about things that are important. I am a much more engaged person in the classroom. Different platforms and login's seem very noisy to me, while I can easily function in a loud room full of peolpe who are asking all different questions. It's funny how I can do a scratch program with 60 kids screaming all different questions.
 But I can't explain that in this online forum, I explain education goals to supervisors, teachers and parents.
I have lots to learn in terms of profession, but I am in the field and learning, so I will catch up. on my academic  follow through and reporting. So while I would prefer a traditional classroom, that's just my preferance.
-Lauren]]> 2017-12-16 02:01:48 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/216650188 https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/216811064 I've learned the importance of PLCs. I've always been a bit of a loaner, but the amount of information friends and colleagues are willing to share is heartwarming. Librarians really are the coolest people on the planet.

I abhor in-class lectures. Distance learning is the way to go! I LOVED the fact that I could listen to the lectures on the commute to work. Dr. V. you were my companion on many lonely drives to work! 

As someone with over 54 credit hours in library and information science, I can easily say that this class was hands-down the most informative and useful class I have ever taken...by far. 
Anna :) ]]> 2017-12-17 21:25:09 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/8cqa0eq94oa9/wish/216811064