webinar post

Webinar Review

attended: Keeping Libraries Relevant sponsored by Rourke Educational Media

http://www.slj.com/2014/10/webcasts/keeping-libraries-relevant-using-technology-%E2%80%A2-understanding-informational-text-%E2%80%A2-improving-literacy/

This webinar was really a sales tool to promote Rourke Educational Media's eRead & Report learning system: http://rourkeeducationalmedia.com/programs/elearning/eread-and-report

That being said, there was still lots of relevant and interesting general information presented such as the importance of covers in choosing texts and how to incorporate ebooks into your library. The webinar started with a discussion of the shifts in education with librarians becoming a disposable and non-essential resource. Their advise is to be PART of the school initiatives not just a support to them. Help shape them and make sure that the library is seen as critical to reaching those goals. Critical to choosing text is the images available. It was commented that we tend to "pin" things based on the visual image that attracts our interest before reading the text. Examples include recipes where we are engaged by the picture before we read the recipe itself or video games where the picture on the front attracts you to investigate the information about the game on the back. It works the same for books because the covers catch the reader's eye and becomes the face of the book providing instantaneous information. These cover clues about genre, subject, and tone may be lost on ebooks if the best sources are not utilized.

When talking about the format of a book, it was advised that visuals, heading, and sidebars should expand not just reiterate what is already in the text. The importance of photographs was made clear when describing a class in Florida and a discussion on snow. Because they had no personal experience, seeing real pictures helped them to internalize the information. When we talk about what books to bring in to libraries, it is important to crash team meetings to find out what the curriculum focuses are and to evaluate how we as librarians can help students with the classroom learning. We should look at major projects and practice research skills both in print and Internet resources.

Some of the advantages of ebooks include addressing struggling, reluctant and English language learner needs, as well as, helping students with special needs. When we make ebooks available, it is important to look at how we are advertising them and how students and teachers can access them. It would also be wise to create a video presentation of some sort that shows what ebooks in the classroom would look like. They provided 5 simple rules for technology success for Library Media Specialists which include: avoiding apps which must be updated regularly, knowing your IT person for professional advice, taking advantage of direct linking through your library automation system, avoiding annual or renewal licenses in case funding dries up, and having access to usage statistics to provide data on the successful engagement of students with the resources.

This was an interesting topic for me because we do not typically purchase access to any electronic resources which means our teachers need to work harder to vet sources and compile hotlists for student use. While our 5th and 6th graders all have ipads and there is a netbook cart available to other grades, I don't believe there is much of a selection of ebooks available to them through the schools. I would really like to add more electronic resources but with the current automation system we have, we would not be able to have direct links for easy access, but that might be another talking point for investing in a more technologically savvy system. I will definitely be watching for how the whole picture books and portable technology connection goes and what devices are developed or suggested.

Here are some more resources on this topic: http://www.slj.com/category/books-media/ebooks/, http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/article/ebooks-and-school-libraries, http://www.sldirectory.com/libsf/resf/computers.html, and http://conference.ifla.org/past-wlic/2011/143-doiron-en.pdf.

I have been attending webinars for several years now and especially enjoy those that are recorded to be played back later. That versatility allows me to fit more into my schedule. I do not make many comments during live webinars so losing that ability during a replay is not an issue for me. I think the plethora of free, relevant webinars are great professional development opportunities that do not require creating sub plans and traveling and save people and schools lots of money while providing up-to-date learning opportunities. I chose this webinar from those offered by School Library Journal because I am interested in how to include more technology in my school library. This webinar pertained to course objectives 2, 3, 6, and 7.

• 2. Promote and demonstrate effective use of digital tools and resources - This webinar provided advice and examples of how to use/choose ebooks for schools
• 3. Become familiar with current technology issues, trends and technology use - Discussion of what to keep in mind when looking for ebooks for schools.
• 6. Use knowledge of digital tools and technology application to facilitate experiences that advance learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments - I do have some experience with ebooks on a personal level so the information provided enhanced my understanding and provided relevant information for moving forward with the topic.
• 7. Evaluate, adapt, and reflect on emerging tools and trends by participating in local and global learning communities and by reviewing current research and professional literature - Four presenters that were not in the same physical location as myself or each other came together through technology to present different viewpoints and experiences in one place at one time to help me better understand how ebooks can be utilized in a school library.
  

I hope that this information has started a discussion strand in my professional learning that will provide better learning opportunities for the students I serve.