RU 515: What have you learned? (Summer 2017) by Joyce Valenza https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017 In this end-of-semester reflection, please share your biggest takeaways. What have you learned that will continue to resonate? en-us 2017-05-27 15:36:20 UTC 2017-08-16 00:26:11 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.storage.googleapis.com/portrait/sticky.jpg Taylor's Semester Long Takeaways taylordomenick https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/180839568 This class has taught me so much about the meaning of the word literacy. It's so so so much more than the ability to read. As our digital world evolves, so do our literacy types. (In the future, maybe we'll be discussing AI literacy ;)). I've learned that it's my job as a librarian to not only promote traditional literacy, but all types of digital literacy as well. 

One other takeaway that stands out to me is the educational value of gaming. This is really something I had never thought about before and I'm excited to incorporate gaming into future programming. My library already has a Minecraft club!

Finally, I've learned that this knowledge of new literacies won't be something that just comes naturally. I'll have to continue to actively build my PLN to stay on top of what I need to know. As a school librarian, it seems unlikely that I'll have a direct supervisor telling me I need to learn this program and incorporate this app. I think more of the weight will be on my shoulders when it comes to finding out about what's new in edtech. ]]> 2017-08-13 18:31:12 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/180839568 Rebecca B's takeaways https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/180848035 I learned so much in this class this semester.  There were terms I had heard before such as "digital learner" or "digital citizenship" but I feel like I understand them so much more now.  

I was introduced to so many apps, tools, and resources.  Not only ones I can use in the library or classroom, but ones I can use myself.  I recognize how things like Twitter and Skype can be used in the classroom and how important they are.

I had only used Google hang a handful of times and it was only one on one. I never thought I would be doing one with a class from Australia. I've learned the importance of making connections and collaborating globally. I see how this can be used in the classroom as well. Finally, I was challenged this semester. I went out of my comfort zone, tried so many new things, and actually did well with some of them. I learned so much this semester and am thankful for the connections I have made :) ]]> 2017-08-13 22:48:03 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/180848035 Kristin's Take Aways https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/180879423 I learned quite a bit this semester. Some of the concepts and digital tools were familiar to me, but others were brand new, and there are a few I would definitely add to my instruction. There are a few resources that I use now, but I learned to see in a new light, as classroom tools.
I hadn’t really considered before this class the importance of helping students to become digitally literate, not just for educational purposes, but to assure they are ready to become members of the 21st century workforce. Obviously teachers have a role to play here, but I see how important it is for the school or youth librarian to also play a role.
I also definitely see the importance of money in all of this. It’s required for not only devices to be used in the classroom or distributed to the students, but most importantly for teacher/librarian training and professional development. The adults can’t assist the children unless they themselves possess a thorough understanding of the tools and how to use them. I definitely think it’s necessary to enlighten the administration and whoever else may control the pursestrings, so that funding is made available.

]]> 2017-08-14 05:34:24 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/180879423 Kate-Lynn's Takeaways https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/180948440 I learned so much this semester in terms of the librarian's responsibility for creating responsible digital citizens. Students look up to their librarians as gurus of knowledge, and that includes being up on the latest technology! Digital does not mean distracting, which is one of the reasons it's so important for us to show students, patrons, and parents what technology can do to advance and improve education.

I think the emphasis on collaboration in this course is great. Collaboration is so essential to global learning!! Working with Julie Lindsay's class allowed us to be that in practice, which was a great experience. The opportunity to connect with other librarians all the way in Australia was so valuable. Collaboration is at the heart of this profession, whether it's working with a teacher on a lesson or research, reaching out to other librarians, or setting up a video chat with an author.

This class allowed me to really push the boundaries and think out of the box about education. Let's make learning experiences fresh with makers spaces, gaming, and apps. Let's work on ways to help this generation be responsible while they're connected. Let's create an empathetic group of students who want to connect with others and collaborate through creative ideas and choice.]]> 2017-08-14 16:37:23 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/180948440 Beth's Takeaways braff https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/181000586
  • One takeaway is that I need to continue to grow my PLN to keep up with all that is going on in emerging literacies.  By following organizations that promote digital citizenship such as Common Sense Media, I can find material to share with my students, ideas for lesson plans, and evaluations of digital tools. In addition, following people such as Jennifer Casa-Todd, Frank W. Baker, and Richard Byrne on Twitter, I can read about the latest and greatest.
  • If you have a problem, there’s probably an extension, website or app that can fixt it.  For example, Shelly Sanchez Terrell in Voices of Literacy mentioned https://rewordify.com/ for translating text to simpler language for learners.  She also emphasized showing students tools that they can use across content area classes.  That is a great way to approach technology use.
  • In the Voices of Literacy with Frank Baker, Dr. V said that media literacy is “not just black and white; there is no such thing as neutral text.”  Clearly, this is a “big idea” that I will try to remind myself of when I read anything!!
  • I have a lot to learn about coding and gaming : )
  • Finally, I think this is also something that Dr. V has said - when people hire you they are also getting the benefit of your professional network. Thank you, my classmates and instructors, for providing the opportunity for me to learn and grow.

    • ]]>     2017-08-14 23:37:54 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/181000586     Amber's Takeaways https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/181004943 I learned a lot during this class about PLN's and how important it is to be a global citizen today. While I don't plan on teaching K12, I think I will be able to take a lot into my future professional (and personal) career. I will continue to look into new apps and try to learn how to use them. Especially ones that will be able to further my PLN. ]]> 2017-08-15 00:23:31 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/181004943 Danielle's Takeaways https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/181172573 I learned SO much this semester. I never realized that creating a PLN was so vital and HELPFUL to an educator. I learned about so many more apps and tools that I want to introduce into my library lessons. I have some amazing ideas for my Makerspace as well. Overall I am just even more motivated to this upcoming school year. I spent the entire summer in my library for renovations and I have enjoyed every single day that I walk through the doors. I know that I am never alone and that there are tons of amazing librarians and educators to collaborate with!]]> 2017-08-16 00:22:11 UTC https://padlet.com/joycevalenza/515TakeawaysSummer2017/wish/181172573