virtual learning commons

1. An article by David Loertscher and Carol Koechlin called "The Virtual Learning Commons and School Improvement: in the October 2012 issue of the Teacher Librarian journal describes the development of a "Virtual Learning Commons"
2. These four videos describe the concept
3. A VLC template is  available here
1. This article encourages the use of Google Sites as a tool for the development of a VLC
2. These five main portals are included:
1. The Information Center
• somewhat like a traditional library home page that links users to a wide range of useful tools
• used as a "hook" to draw the user to the entire site
2. The Literacy Center 
• whole school culture is emerging around reading, writing, speaking, listening, creating, consuming, enjoying, collaborating and celebrating all things connected to literacy
• all school members are posting and responding to posts about literacy
3. The Knowledge Building Center
• the learning community - all colleagues are collaborating to create learning experiences that range from single class to multiples to global
4. The Experimental Learning Center
• the heart of the experimentation on school improvement including action research, grant projects 
• all colleagues celebrate successes and allows all to take risks
5. School Culture
• living school yearbook - home of sports videos, club activities, trips, performances, contest winners 
• THE place to check everyday to see what's going on

November 30 2012 NID Plan

Secondary TLs will gather at CHSS to explore the district's online database resources and plan and develop some guidebooks that may streamline and explain the access to these resources
My specific questions related to this activity are detailed on the 21st Century Learning page of this blog

October 2012 NID Plan

growth plans for NID October 19 2012

1. A.M. - Meet with Humanities teachers to plan implementation strategies for  the effective searching of the library catalog & the Internet safety units
2.  P.M. - available to assist colleagues with their teacher website updates and development of a Professional Growth Plan blog

2012 growth plans

expand development of these 2012/13  priorities:

1.  preparation and implementation of a scope and sequence document to ensure that students at all levels are able to effectively and efficiently access the school library catalog
1. Discuss with departments an implementation strategy for Humanities classes
2. Incorporate an introduction to the Library of Congress Catalog for senior students who are moving to post-secondary
2. preparation and implementation of a scope and sequence document to introduce all the elements of referencing including footnoting and bibliography at all grade levels
1. Strategies to include: 
2. More and better integration of access to and use of online databases
1. Create guides to the tools 
3. Discussions with departments on expectations for documentation at each grade
1. More detailed handouts on styles/strategies  for each grade level
3. preparation and implementation of a scope and sequence document to introduce all the elements  Internet safety and appropriate use at all grade levels
1. Strategies to include: 
1. Evaluating websites CRAPP test
4.  from the June 2012 edition of teacher/librarian journal, the following websites warrant exploration:
1. Interesting Ways 
2. k12 Online Conference
3. ISTE 2011
1. Check out Leslie Fisher's Gadget Session for 2011
2. Ian Jukes session on literacy
3. Kathy Schrock's presentations
4. Building iPad lessons
5. QR Codes in Education
6. Media Literacy
7. Edutopia

book club

as part of a Professional Conversation time at the end of the day on Wednesday, we have implemented a book club. Seven senior students have expressed an interest. Two exchange students are joining. One of the exchange students recommended Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher for our first read.

• Book Club Discussion questions for Thirteen Reasons Why
• Online discussion forum 
• Second read: Fault in Our Stars by John Green 
• Book Club Discussion questions for Fault in Our Stars
• Online discussion forum 
• Third read: Divergent by Veronica Roth
• Online discussion forum
• Discussion questions 
• Fourth read: Insurgent by Veronica Roth 
•  Online discussion forum
• Discussion questions 
• Fifth read: Matched by Ally Condie
• Online discussion forum 
• The Matched quiz
• Discussion questions
• Sixth read: The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
• Discussion questions
• Hobbit Book Club
• Seventh read: Tilt by Ellen Hopkins
• Online discussion forum
• Discussion questions
• Eighth read: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
• Online discussion forum 
• Discussion questions 
• Ninth read: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
• Online discussion forum
• Discussion questions
• Tenth read: Looking for Alaska by John Green
• Online discussion forum
• Discussion questions
• Eleventh read: Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
• Online discussion forum
• Discussion questions

2012 year-end statistical comparisons

some comparisons of PGSS library  circulation statistics for the past three years and collection development for the past two years

1. Circulation Statistics 2010, 2011 & 2012
2. Collection Development numbers 2011 & 2012

An analysis:
Circulation
The circulation stats are encouraging with fiction loans continuing to improve. The strategy to promote reading in the junior grades in 2012/13 will hopefully see these numbers grow more.
We can expect textbook circulation to continue to decline until 2014 when  enrollment numbers are expected to level out. As students and teachers continue to access the Internet for research materials, the non-fiction is in less demand. A major weeding of this collection is in the works for 2012 in order to accommodate the new "Learning Commons" environment.
Collection Development
Again, development of the fiction collection has been a major priority as we attempt to find more and more titles that appeal to our clientele. As teachers of senior students are making the reading of independent novels a priority, the interest in popular novel titles has increased. We will promote similar strategies with the teachers of junior classes in 2012 so that will necessitate a focus on the purchase of titles to meet that need. Boys in the junior grades are often interested in reading non-fiction so we will attempt to purchase titles that accommodate that need. The reference section will need another thorough assessment to ensure that we are not duplicating titles that can be found in the online databases.

priorities for implementation in 2012/13

the main goals for the library program for 2012/13 will be:

1. conversion of the library to embrace a "learning commons"  environment
1. Strategies to include: 
1.  Completely revamp the PGSS library web presence - model it after PRHS Library  
1. Revisit the issue of a PGSS library Twitter & Facebook presence
2. preparation and implementation of a scope and sequence document to introduce all the elements of referencing including footnoting and bibliography at all grade levels
1. Strategies to include: 
1. More and better integration of access to and use of online databases
1. Create guides to the tools 
2. Discussions with departments on expectations for documentation at each grade
1. More detailed handouts on styles/strategies  for each grade level
3. preparation and implementation of a scope and sequence document to introduce all the elements  Internet safety and appropriate use at all grade levels
1. Strategies to include: 
1. Evaluating websites CRAPP test
4. To encourage reading in the junior grades 
1. Strategies to include:
1. Booktalking to the grade 8 & 9 English & classes using Rob Reid's "Reid's Read-Alouds" resources
2. A "display table of Ms Hunter's & Mrs. Kilbey's Favourites" featuring titles for juniors

graphic novel update

manga collections continue to enjoy popularity at PGSS.This list identifies the series that have the greatest circulation. The top four are:

1. Full Metal Alchemist by Arakawa
2. Chibi Vampire by Kagesaki
3. Naruto by Kishimoto
4. High School Debut by Kawahara

effective literacy strategy

we have been pleasantly surprised at how effective a book display that highlights "Mrs. Kilbey's & Ms Hunter's Favourite Reads" has been. Students are keen to sign out the titles that we put on the table. To track the loans, we have an "extraordinary patron" called "Library Display". The titles are signed out this patron and we print a list of loans. Periodically, we reprint the list and cross-check for signed-out titles. Here is the list of titles that have had multiple circulations. This report of titles that have circulated ten or more times confirmed our selections and suggested a few others that will be added to the table.

pgss learning commons

it is time to consider a move to create a learning commons environment in this library

1. items to consider:

1. mounted smartboards - west wall
2. ceiling projectors
3. move the magazine storage from the south wall to ?
4. move the 700s - 900s non-fiction onto single-sided shelving along the south wall?
5. remove the desktop machines to be replaced with  mobile ipad carts
6. charging docks for ipads and other hand-held devices

april 27 nid

 in the a.m. - followup to the February session with TLs on websites and learning commons
in the p.m. -  coordinating a presentation on preparing a personal professional growth plan for teachers in my school.
Links to resources for this presentation:

1. BCEd Plan Overview
2. BCEd Plan - Personalized Learning
3. Ministry of Education IRPs
4. 7 Steps to Becoming a 21st Century Learning District 
5. Sample - Principal 
6. Sample - Principal
7. Sample - Librarian - more like an electronic resume  
8. David Truss - Pro-D Flip

twitter for teacher-librarians

special thanks to Kathy Rice for taking the time to prepare and deliver an excellent overview of twitter for teacher-librarians at our recent PGDLTA meeting. I'll continue to explore ways to maximize this tool.

safely, efficiently and respectfully navigating the information highway

it's now time to think about a comprehensive unit plan that explores all the elements of safety, fluency and efficiency in dealing with learners in  the information age.The next step will be to explore where and how  this learning needs to be embedded into the curriculum. Currently, we're pretty hit or miss with ensuring that students get exposure to these issues - Internet safety is included as part of  PE 8 - some other assignments contain a section on evaluating website information. I'll be exploring both a comprehensive plan and a well-tooled implementation strategy.

creative commons

at a recent workshop presentation, one of my colleagues shamed me into admitting that I wasn't on top of the whole issue of Internet image copyright. As often happens, I then encountered a great post by Bill Ferriter on the concept of  "Creative Commons". I was reminded how this fits into our need to teach our students about the ethical use of Internet resources. I have prepared this resource page on our school website.

bced plan

Alvaro Gongalez-Alorda identified these elements in his challenge for university reform entitled "The End of Teaching":

6 Key Drivers of Educational Technology to Watch

1. People expect to be able to work, learn and study whenever and wherever they want to.
2. Cloud Computing – we will want our information to be accessible in any device
3. The world is increasingly collaborative, driving changes in the way student projects are structured.
4. Since information is everywhere, the quality of mentoring will make the difference
5. Embracing hybrid learning models [face to face & online], can leverage the online skills students have already developed independent of academia
6. Shifting from teacher-centered to student-centered education & engaging them by connecting the curriculum with real life issues

bit.ly/agalorda
Link to the plan

march 9 non-instructional day

I will host two workshop sessions on Friday March 9 2012.
The workshop will feature activities for using graphic novels in  upper elementary or junior secondary English or Language Arts classrooms. These workshops are part of the larger Spring Fling - North Central Zone Conference.
The workshop files are posted here.

a colleague's challenge around professional growth

Stephen Chase, one of the teachers in my district posted these Professional Standards for teachers:

• Educators value and care for all students and act in their best interests. 
• Educators are role models who act ethically and honestly. 
• Educators understand and apply knowledge of student growth and development. 
• Educators value the involvement and support of parents, guardians, families and communities in schools. 
• Educators implement effective practices in areas of planning, instruction, assessment, evaluation and reporting. 
• Educators have a broad knowledge base and understand the subject areas they teach. 
• Educators engage in career-long learning. 
• Educators contribute to the profession. 

Stephen challenges us to consider a model developed by the nurses as a way for teachers  to maintain our autonomy while increasing accountability. He references these questions from the  Registered Nurses annual Personal Practice Review:

1. In the past year, did you complete a self-assessment of your practice using the Standards of Practice?

2. In the past year, did you obtain peer feedback about your practice?
 Bill Ferriter posted this peer feedback tool on his blog

3. In the past year, did you develop and implement a learning plan based on your self-assessment and peer feedback?

4. In the past year, did you evaluate the impact of the previous year’s learning on your practice? 

Lots to think about - thanks Stephen Twitter: @MrChaseKRSS

post-secondary transition website

I have prepared a website that is designed to assist students with the transition to post-secondary research. The link is posted here:  PGSS Transition to Post-secondary Research.

1. The next challenge will be to advertise this resource:
1. Site has been linked from "Scholarships" and "Grad" on the school student website 
2. A newsletter notice will go home to parents.
3. A News notice has been posted on the school website.
4. Grade 12 classes doing the scholarly resources unit, will also be directed to explore this site.

william ferriter

I am interested in the observations of this teacher, particularly his rather controversial views on the use of Smartboards. His post on "What I'd Buy Instead of a Smartboard" is interesting reading.
He maintains a blog entitled Tempered Radical 
Twitter

nid - friday february 17 2012

A group of secondary teacher-librarians will meet on this day at one of the secondary schools.

Our topics for consideration will be library websites and "The Library as a Learning Commons".

We will consider the following information about the development of  websites.

Using Word to Create Webpages 

Using Google Sites

e-books

On the January 27 non-instructional day a group of teachers gathered to discuss e-books.
The following questions were generated by the group:

1. What devices would best suit our needs?
1. Consider:
1. What are the dynamics of the various models?
2. What are reviewers saying?
3. Is there an audio component?
4. Is there access to a dictionary or thesaurus?
2. What does research say about e-book popularity with students?
3. Resources:
1. Consider:
1. What titles are available to buy? How much?
2. What titles are available for free?
4. How will these units circulate?
1. Kids buy?
2. School buy?
3. Kids make a deposit like calculators?
5. What are the options around online textbooks?

ERAC just published this  white paper on e-books.
A very informative overview that answers some of our questions.

professional growth - a reflection

Professional growth has always played an important role in my teaching career. I am a curious, interested learner and I try to stay committed to exploring ways to improve my professional practice. Over the course of my career I have tried to take a leadership position in working to provide training and knowledge to my colleagues.
However, I have grown weary of trying to match workshops to my professional growth needs. I am hoping that this blog will provide me with an oppportunity to explore topics that have an impact on my daily practice and to reflect on my growth.
I have organized my growth plan around the five topics listed at the top of this page.
For each topic I have posted some critical questions that I hope will shape my inquiry.