Divide with innovation

Shibrie Wilson

Z

Matthews, K. (2016, January 27). Are we creating an innovation divide? Retrieved from 21st Century Library Blog website: https://21stcenturylibrary.com/

Summary: When imagining the word "innovation" we typically have a colossal perspective at to what it consist of. Innovation in technology contains many distinct facets. Innovation is not based on a particular concept, being that individuals and organizations have different notions. Kimberly Matthews, reviews grants and noticed commonality of how organizations stat their contributions to expounding upon innovative technology in their communities. There is often a variety of candidates, unfortunately some libraries do not receive funding because their idea is perceived as not "innovative enough." There needs to be a balance in funding because libraries are at different stages of innovation in which adhere to their communities. In field of librarianship we are dedicated to providing equal services, Matthews states that persons approve grants should have that same approach to innovation grants. Assuring each community and library has opportunity to receive funding and support is vital so that there is not a subset of libraries in which lack. 

Review: Intriguing article to read and learn about division within technology. As librarians and perspective candidates of officials to decided if organizations receive grants we need to be thoughtful. We are suppose to provide support to all communities, but such is not occurring when we choose to compare libraries on different spectrums. Hopefully, Matthews vocalizing here opinion will reset current ramifications for grant approvals. 

Transformation of traditional libraries

Shibrie Wilson

ET, CO, IL, Z

Holland, B. (2015, February 14). 21st-Century Libraries: the learning commons. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/21st-century-libraries-learning-commons-beth-holland

Summary: Since 2600 BCE libraries have existed for purpose of archiving recorded knowledge. Due to technology and accessibility in many locations libraries are reinventing themselves sense materials are no longer confined to print. Institutions are creating environment in which text materials are obsolete and therefore encouraging libraries to revamp spaces creating and environment for "collaboration and knowledge con-construction." Due to digital technology students no longer need access to library to retrieve resources. Libraries are becoming learning commons in which encourages participatory learning and provides variety of sources. Within article are different accounts of school librarians successfully initiating transformation in school libraries.  A school located in Chicago has transformed library into a flexible space with moveable furniture, break out rooms, and additional resources created to encourage collaboration and sharing. Creating a space without barriers was the concept of a high school librarian in Austin, Texas deemed as "library hub." Opposed to stereotypical environment of silence and independent study this library discourages  such and encourages collaboration and active learning. Providing culminating activities create learning hubs, and transparent facilities are way in which libraries can supplant the traditional. Creating an environment in which students can create their own environment. Innovative transformation of libraries will inspire students. 

Review: Inspiring article for all librarians and specifically for those who recent library graduates and those in library studies for programs. This a great article in which exposes different aspects of how libraries are and will continue to be relevant in evolving world of technology. One contribution in which I noticed is that librarians in article were benefactors of change and were not afraid to disassociate themselves from the norm. 

School Libraries, Librarians, and Inquiry Based Learning

Gooding, Elyssa

LEVITOV, D. (2016). School Libraries, Librarians, and Inquiry Learning. Teacher Librarian, 43(3), 28-35.

Summary:

This article gives an overview of learning theories and compares old thinking to new thinking. The learning shift from constructivist instruction to inquiry based learning.gives librarians the opportunity to influence and participate in instruction. Librarians have a unique position in schools where they can show how inquiry based learning supports national standards.

Review:

Explaining the influence that teacher librarians can have on inquiry based curriculum and how it is supported by standards is good evidence to support the role of professional teacher librarians.

Why Edcamp?

Hoff, Jane

CO - Collaboration Strategies in Professional Development


Swanson, K. (2013, April 23). Why Edcamp?. Retrieved April 17, 2016, from Edcamps, http://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-edcamp-kristen-swanson


Summary:  First started in 2010, Edcamp has gained a tremendous amount of support from educators interested in professional development that accommodates their desire for collaborative learning environments designed by teachers, for teachers.  The author lists the primary reasons why Edcamp has been, and continues to be, so successful.  First, Edcamp is free, in more ways than one: 1) There is no cost to attend, 2) attendees are free to choose and move through sessions based on their interests, and 3) Edcamps are held on Saturdays, accommodating teachers' work schedules and not costing them a personal day to attend.  Second, Edcamp is structured as a participant driven professional development conference where everyone has authority and are free to participate as they wish.  Thus Edcamps promote productive conversation and effective collaboration as the platform for learning.  Edcamp sessions are scheduled on the day of the event, ensuring a more organic collaborative learning environment, rather than planned and canned presentations.  Similarly, Edcamps are hosted by individuals and organizations that are not affiliated with vendors or commercial entities, and as a result are not designed to sell anything or any way of thinking.  In essence, the success of Edcamps is owing to the collaborative platform is promotes.  Professional development through the sharing of ideas with other professionals in the field generates a +1 effect (two heads are greater than one) in learning and generating of ideas.

Review:  This article was written by an Edcamp "veteran," and is clearly designed to inform educators of the collaborative method and resource for professional development.  Swanson does an excellent job of describing the Edcamp method, despite obvious areas that cannot be defined due to its largely organic platform.  This article inspired the idea that collaboration between education professionals might not be so bleak as observed on campuses - perhaps the key is giving educators a feeling of authority, self-determination, freedom, and voice in their professional development.  For more information on Edcamp and Edcamps that might be scheduled in your area check out their website, edcamp.org.

Rethinking the Measurement of Intelligence

Duffy, Leah

ET

Schwartz, K. (2016, April 11). Rethinking intelligence: How does imagination measure up? Retrieved April 13, 2016, from http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/04/11/rethinking-intelligence-how-does-imagination-measure-up/?utm_source=feedburner

Summary:
The article starts out by discussing Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman and his struggles in early education. Due to a processing disorder he was placed in special needs courses until a high school teacher realized he probably could take regular courses. He overcame his background of special education classes and went on to university to study psychology and become a professor. Schwartz goes on to discuss Dr. Kaufman's research on an "imagination quotient." He believes that IQ alone is not a good way of measuring intelligence. Some creative people, who can be successful when passionate about a subject, don't have minds that work in ways traditionally measured by the school system and this can be detrimental. There are different neural networks, the default node network and the attention network, which function at different times. There is research being conducted on the connection between these networks and how creative people have enhanced connections between the networks. Dr. Kaufman suggests that teachers need to enhance the time that children use the default node network and not just the attention network. 

Review:
This is a great, brief article that shows that not all minds work the same. Traditional IQ tests can be helpful but they shouldn't be the sole measure of academic potential.  School systems need to embrace different types of intelligence because not all minds work in the same way. Dr. Kaufman's background shows that different ways of thinking don't have to be detrimental to success. Educators that are willing to be flexible with their students can help non-traditional thinkers become prosperous students. 

7 Things You Should Know About a Flipped Classroom

Boyer, Allison

ET

7 things you should know about a flipped classroom. (2012). Educause. Retrieved from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eli7081.pdf

Summary: This is more of a brochure set-up, but it still offers a lot of information in a short space.  Educause released this to detail 7 important facts about a flipped classroom, which is when the instruction and the the homework is reversed.  With this method of instruction, the teacher (and/or teacher librarian) prepares video lectures (either original or compiled from other sources) for students to view on their own.  This way, classroom time is devoted to hand-on, practical, active learning activities.  With this, students are responsible for their own learning.

 

Review: While this isn’t exactly an article, this brochure gives an excellent and quick debriefing on flipped classrooms.  The seven points are clearly defined and explained.  The layout makes it easy and quick to read.  The scenario they use as an example is also beneficial to understanding the idea of a flipped classroom.  It gives a “real life” example of how to use this method of instruction. The 7 facts contain both the positives and downsides to flipped classroom, which gives a fair representation.

New Technologies and 21st Century Skills

Boyer, Allison

IL

New technologies and21st century skills. (2016). Retreived from http://newtech.coe.uh.edu/

Summary: This website is part of an ongoing project by the Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Education.  This site provides an explanation of what it means to be literate in the 21st Century, what skills are considered 21st Century, as well as an ongoing lists of resources to help teachers understand 21st Century skills and ways to incorporate these skills in the classroom for student development.

Review: I found this website to be quite helpful in understanding 21st Century skills.  Not only does it provide an in-depth explanation of these skills, especially in relation to the education field, but the list of resources is extensive and ever-growing. It’s this aspect that I found most interesting.  This website is part of a project organized and maintained by LITE, and the list of resources will only continue to grow.  Resource include links to outside website, videos, Google Docs, etc.  This website is definitely one to remember.