Educational Leader

This past week was a busy week with a number of classes using the library and lessons to be taught to the 6th and 9th grades. On Wednesday, we had the ninth grade English classes beginning their research on countries. I was to teach them what sources would be helpful for their research. We also had two other classes scheduled to use our computers and our mobile lab, all at the same time. Our technology specialist was aware of the amount of technology happening in the library all at once so she invited our superintendent to stop in and see what we were doing. I had created some Power Point review slides so the students could use our CPS system (hand-held clickers). We wanted our superintendent to see those in action as well. Unfortunately, he could not come. Anyhow, the students were engaged and were able to begin their research. Also, unfortunately, when we focus on the English classes the other classes miss out on possible lessons, like web evaluation. There was a science class that was in the library during the time the English class was beginning their research. The science teacher made a point to tell me that she had talked to the students about credible websites. This was because I had been talking to her earlier about this being my soapbox this year. I was glad to hear that she at least brought up the subject of credible websites to her class. Many science and social studies classes don't hear this from their teachers I fear. My point is the more that you talk to others (teachers or students) about what you feel is important, the more they may believe it and pass it on to others. (AASL 1.1)
I also want to mention that I have been talking to our technology specialist a lot about how the library needs to stay abreast of technology, use it, understand it, and teach it. Yes, we have our technology teachers and they are doing a good job. But I stressed to our specialist that this is the library of the future. (AASL 3.3) She has been very proud that I am using the CPS the most in our school right now. This is why she invited the superintendent. She likes the idea that some teachers are seeing me use it and they are wanting to use it too. Our Dean of Students saw me using it this past week and he is so proud of himself for thinking to offer it to our Career Based Intervention teacher who takes students to the Knowledge Bowl. He thinks it would be a good tool for practice.

The Dean of Students and I have been talking a lot about technology, mainly in the form of what is going to replace books. He likes to tell me books are going to be obsolete some day. Anyhow, it makes for good conversation about the future of the library. We talk about Nooks and how we need to find a grant to fund the purchase of some. He has been taking classes in administration and had to do a paper on cutting-edge technology. I was able to direct him to a professional journal that helped him decide on his topic. (AASL 3.3) I was also able to talk to the high school principal this week about Nooks. It is not often that I can stick my head in his office and just have an informal chat. We were also able to discuss the future of the library and how it may be focused a lot more on e-books. During this discussion the Dean of Students stuck his head in the office and mentioned what we had going on in the library with technology this week. The principal said I was on the right track.

I may be on the right track but definitely not satisfied. I am glad I can give a glimpse of how the library can continue to be important. I am trying to show that right now by creating lessons that support teacher's standards and classroom lessons. Money is tight and I don't know how we can improve technology right now but that doesn't mean I am not going to try. We are not on the cutting edge, but I have a vision of the library being a place filled almost continually with classes working on projects of some kind. It is nice to have 20 computers for them to use. When the mobile lab is not elsewhere, we have 30 more. I have been able to have students on those laptops in front of my projector screen working with me. There is much more to do.........student book trailers, technology grants, the list goes on.