Learning Log

Well, it feels like two steps forward, one step back. I think I know what I want to create, but the ideas in my head aren't transferring very well onto my keyboard. A big thank you to Matt, a colleague, who has a classroom blog, and walked me through the possibilities. He helped me to enable the comment moderation to screen unwanted responses (such as advertising). I lost some of the valuable information Matt gave me somewhere between coming home, cooking supper, doing piano and homework with my boys, taking out the garbage, and reading to my daughter. I know that the page elements are where I put in the links, and I'm starting to collect websites I believe would be helpful in a library setting. I would like a coverpage that highlights some of the exciting events in the library and a second page with links for students, teachers, and parents. I tried to add pictures tonight , but I wasn't allowed to "paste". So I have more questions than answers at this point... stay tuned!

February 2008

Well, here it is- my first official entry into my blog. Just think, a month ago I didn't even know what a blog was! For those who want to know, (and if you don't, just skip this part), a blog (short for weblog) is an online journal or diary of an individual's (like me) opinions and latest news that is updated regularly, in chronological order. Many blogs allow visitors to make comments, or "postings" in response to the blogger (me again), or ask questions. (Definition supplied by www.
nowearetalking.com.au/Home/Page.aspx).
My purpose for creating this blog is twofold: first, it is part of my assignment, and secondly, I tried to create a website but found it much too hard (and no one would help me), so instead decided to make a blog. More seriously, my purpose for creating this blog was inspired by my belief that the role of the teacher-librarian is changing from "keeper of the books" to "information specialist". In recognizing this, I need to become much more knowledgeable in the area of digital technology. With innovations in digital technologies come new kinds of resources, and in order to do my job well, I must be familiar with the new technologies. This includes knowing how to access the information, process it, then educate students how to become information managers. So, the best way for me to learn about the "new" technology is to use it. I'll be the first to admit that I am "digital technology challenged", so these past few months have been huge steps for me. I have learned how to copy and paste, send attachments, bookmark favorites, discovered some amazing websites, and now a blog! My blog entries will document my learning journey as I look at specific elements, genres, format and challenges. When I look at other blogs, I think"there's no way I can do that!", but slowly and surely, I'm recognizing that perhaps, I can.