This summer has been incredibly busy with my two classes, School Library Media Programs and Instructional Design K-12 and I have learned so much about:
- learning commons
- makerspaces
- databases
- dispositions
- budgets
- the power of the physical design of a learning commons
- the importance of understanding your demographic when crafting a mission statement
- personal learning environments
- knowledge based centers
- virtual learning communities
- think models
I have had the opportunity to work with some fabulous collaborators too. Working with my emerging trends group was a highlight! Kelly, Andrea, and Kathlyn made middle school makerspaces really come alive for me; it was so great to work with you. Jessica and I created a KBC around a unit on Identity that we are both really proud of and plan to use. Working on my vision project really helped clarify my role and mission for the next five years and I am really grateful to Andrea for her feedback.
When I look back on my blogs I see a learner who was initially overwhelmed and scared gradually gain knowledge, confidence and maybe a little bit of expertise. Thank you so much Professor Buchanan for inviting me reflect so much on the profession, my practice, my school. It's impossible to learn how to be a teacher librarian by taking two summer courses, but I feel like I know what the questions are where to go for answers now. Your office hours, recorded messages and feedback were so positive and gave me the feeling that I could do this!
Thank you Professor Loertcher for making me think deeply about how students can maximize their learning through collaboration. I really enjoyed the workshops and the opportunity to lean about the KBCs.
So goodbye for now! There are only fifteen days before school starts, I just handed in my final project and that beach isn't going to sit on itself!
