Posts

Future Vision Project and Reflection

There have been many learnings from this course, but the most prominent one is a revisit of the constructivist theory of learning, where the learner learns by creating or constructing knowledge from their experiences.  This theory of learning made me reconsider my own philosophy of teaching, especially at this point in time with the new changes to the curriculum. As I progressed through this course, and I actively practiced the constructivist approach, by learning how to create a blog and trying to figure out the technological aspect associated with my future vision project; it made sense to me that this style of teaching aligns well with the current changes in the curriculum. Choosing the e-portfolio as my future vision project seem timely as many teachers in my school are engaging their students in inquiry-based learning.  I think e-portfolios would support inquiry-based learning well.  I intend to use this e-portfolio outline with my grade 8 students next semester, so what I have
1 comment
Read more

Future Vision Blog #3: Technological Consideration

Image
Although I have decided to use Google Sites for my final project because of its convenience for students to retrieve their work from other classes through Google Docs, Google Drive, Slides etc.; there are other possible free platforms to consider if students don’t like the option offered to them.  These include WIX , Weebly ,  WordPress , and other platforms.  Perhaps some, more technologically inclined, students can choose one of these or any other sites they want to use to create their e-portfolio.  However, my school has embraced GAFE, and most if not all teachers, are currently using this platform so it makes perfect sense to align with this. The reflection piece is the one item that is most important as it demonstrates students’ thinking and experience of the learning process.  In the reflection portion of the e-portfolio, I am still debating whether they should create a blog and link it to their portfolio or just type directly on that page or use the Google announcement pag
2 comments
Read more

Future Vision Blog #2:Learner Consideration

Image
The process of creating an E-portfolio template for my class is off to a slow start. As mentioned in my previous blog post, I have chosen to use Google Sites for this task since all the students at my current school are already set up to use GAFE. This project is created mainly for my students because I had wanted to have something whereby my students could collect, showcase, and reflect on their learning and explore multiple literacy formats. (Retrieved from google Images) It will also give me insight into how they are learning and how they perceive themselves as learners, thus giving me a fuller and richer picture of who students are as learners.  From my research and readings about E-Portfolios, it helps improve and support learning and self- assessment. It also helps foster reflection, and self- motivation.  For those reasons, I would like to try to implement it in my own classes. I have created the basic frame or layout.  I am being very mindful of how to word each se
5 comments
Read more

Future Vision Blog Post #1: Design Considerations

Image
I have decided to create ePortfolios with my students using Google Sites.  Using Google site is the most logical choice as all of my students have access to GAFE.  I will try this out with one of my grade 8 blocks in semester two. In my research on e-portfolio, I came across a few different types of ePortfolio and what purpose it will be used for. Eportfolios can be created specifically for a course , to promote one’s job or career , and for learning and reflecting .   The following diagram from Helen Barret's paper on ePortfolio, provided me with further understanding of the different parts of an ePortfolio.  It helped me to focus on what and how I will use the ePortfolio in my class. In the first stage if this project, I will be focusing on the left side of this diagram, which is the documentation of learning (process).   I will also try to weave in the Core Competencies at the Immediate Reflection and Reflective Journal stage. I plan to have students maintain and update their
3 comments
Read more

Summarizing Topic Inquiries and Personal Reflections

Image
During phase two, all the topics researched and shared on the blog posts were very interesting and added to my learning and understanding of Librarianship at home and internationally. I was particularly attached to the last topic, Developing World Libraries and Mobile Devices.   This highlighted for me the many issues surrounding libraries and literacy levels in the various developing nations.  One issue being the lack of resources and infrastructure in many developing nations is appalling.  But, the most glaring issue is inequality among males and females as it pertains to access to technology, thereby contributing to fewer opportunities to learning and developing literacy skills in this manner. As an educator in a developed country, I felt a sense of guilt since we have so much here and a sense of hopelessness because the issue seems so big. I also felt hopeful too, as I learned about the groups and people out there that are helping these developing nations and tackling this issue.
2 comments
Read more

Developing World Libraries/Mobile Devices

Image
Anyone with a personal device and internet access has tremendous potential to gain access to information quickly, easily, anywhere, anytime and at their convenience.  This is a good thing for libraries as it allows for more people to access, develop and maintain their literacy skills.  With advances in technology, and with many people owning personal mobile devices, libraries in developed and developing nations are forced to keep up in meeting the technological needs of the users in their community. In developed nations, most of our libraries are equipped with a fair amount of print material, infrastructure to support technology and equipment, and it is an open, active, and inviting environment. (Retrieved from Google Image) However, the picture is very different in libraries of developing nations, if there is even a library at all depending on the locale.  Most libraries in places such as Africa exist as a small room with a limited number of old books, which may have been dona
2 comments
Read more

Supporting Teachers’ ICT Curriculum and Pedagogy: On-going Professional Development

Image
Supporting Teachers’ ICT Curriculum and Pedagogy: On-going Professional Development On-going professional development is important for teachers, both old and new, to participate in.  This  adds to our own learning and development as well as the students we teach.  The school's Teacher-Librarian (TL) is one member of a learning community that can play a big part in supporting teacher's curriculum and pedagogy.  Meeting the needs of new teachers and experienced teachers alike is important for the TL as it serves to maintain and foster collaboration with their colleagues.  It is also an opportunity for TLs to take on a leadership role  by presenting professional development workshops  to other teachers and staff. (Retrieved from Google Image) For new teachers and staff, having a library orientation session would be most helpful for them to become familiar with what is available to them in terms of equipment, teaching resources, procedures, and protocols.  In my d
4 comments
Read more