Libraries reinvented: No.1 of the top 10 list

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Last week a headline in eSchool News caught my eye – Top 10 of 2014, No 1: Libraries reinvented.  I tend to ignore social media notifications citing the Top 5, 10, 20 or 120 of the best tips, tools and everything you can imagine, but this one was a pleasant surprise worth investigating as it said:

Each year, the eSchool News editors compile 10 of the most influential ed-tech developments and examine how those topics dominated K–12 ed-tech conversations.  No. 1 on our list for 2014 is the new role of school libraries.

School libraries have evolved from quiet places to read books into bustling centers [sic] of collaboration, learning, and research. School librarians are emerging as leaders as they help teachers learn valuable technology integration skills. They also teach students how to research and evaluate information.

Many of us associated with school libraries have been focussing on the evolving role of school library personnel, and the function of the library within the school community for some time.  It’s interesting to note that eSchool News has made this selection because the ‘new role of school libraries’ has dominated K–12 ed-tech conversations during 2014.  This is good news. Mentioned in the post are two articles:

Here in Australia, potential and actual change in school libraries has been documented in School Library Assoc of Victoria (SLAV) publications, and those of other relevant organisations. Examples of articles in SLAV’s Synergy journal  (all but most recent edition is open source) which support the new model of school library and have guided the work of many of us in school libraries are:

I have to agree with Doug Johnson in his commentary of the eSchool news article however when he says, ‘Be warned – this phoenix will not be the same-old, same-old bird of the past, but a new creation, technology-infused, best practices-drive, with a new kind of librarian in the lead.’

School libraries are a vital resource in the life of a student – if they’ve moved into the 21st century.  They are exciting places of instruction, support and learning that students can call their own.   They are both physical and digital environments which are part of the life of the school through a range of learning and recreational activities.   Most importantly, they are lead by progressive, open minded individuals with a collaborative attitude and the courage to change.

What’s happening in your school library? Be a library leader today!  It may sound cliche but this truly is a time for school libraries to show a new face on the future but be warned…. it’s not the ‘same-old bird’.

Mobile computing is education’s future

A recent article in eSchool News outlines the need for schools to acknowledge and use students’ mobile phones for good rather than evil. Summit: Mobile computing is education’s future explains that currently there are one billion people connected to a 3G network, rising to three billion in 2014.

As the 2010 Horizon report stated, mobile computing is set to become mainstream within the next six months. The eSchool News article gives an example of the success of mobile phone use for learning:

At-risk ninth graders taking part in the project have access to specially created mobile applications that help explain algebraic principles, and they also can watch videos of other students explaining these principles. In addition, they can text or IM their peers for advice when they get stuck.

According to early studies of the program’s efficacy, students taking part in this Qualcomm-funded project outscored their peers who did not have access to the mobile phones and content by an average of 30 percent in algebra proficiency.

“Kids are excited—[they’re saying,] ‘Wow, we get to use cell phones in class?’” Johnson said. “It lets them learn in a way they’re learning outside of school.”

I recently learned that students’ internet use at home far outweighs that at school. This is due to a number of issues including school access. However the proliferation of mobile phones within students’ pockets could help change that. Are we ready to start using this type of technology regularly in schools?

School Laptop Management

Helen Boelens passed on information on this webinar regarding school laptop management:

View this email onlinehttp://www.eschoolnews.com/e/webinars/Laptop_Management4.htm

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2009 Free Webinar Series
2010 Free
Webinar Series

Worry-free Strategies for School Laptop Management

Free 2010 Webinar Series

Date: Wednesday, Feb 03, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
Duration: One hour (15 mins for Q&A)

Laptops are becoming an essential part of education, but the difficulty of managing them has serious consequences for students and staff. Many districts have found that loss or theft can be costly, damaging student morale and hurting limited budgets. However, implementing secure, cost-effective 1:1 programs has proved difficult, requiring a great deal of administrative effort.

Join us on February 3 for a discussion with a district IT leader that has found an easy, cost-effective way to manage a 1:1 program. Joe Fives, Director of Technology and Information Services for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, will share his experience securing his students’ technology resources in an area with a high crime rate.

Register at:
http://absolutewebinar-blast3.eventbrite.com/

Sponsored by:
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Elluminate

Register Now… Space is limited!!

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Learn how a proactive school district:

  • Tracks over 6,000 MacBook® computers, even when they leave school networks
  • Drives down theft rates, bringing peace of mind to students and teachers
  • Recovered several missing laptops and even one runaway student!
  • Got school board and grant approvals for technology objectives
  • Applies tracking for IT administrative tasks
Webinar Speakers:
Joe Fives
Director of Technology and Information Services
Kansas City, Kansas Public School District
Joe Fives
Geoff Glave
Product Manager
Absolute Software
Geoff Glave
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Although US based, there could be some relevant information for any schools that run a laptop program. This webinar begins at 6am AEDT on Thursday 4th February. Thank you to Helen for the information.

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Although US oriented, there are plenty of interesting articles such as the recent article entitled School libraries key in teaching information skills: Annual AASL conference explores the changing role of school libraries in the 21st century.

Thanks to Helen Boelens for the heads up on eSchool News.