Media specialists are required to be more and savvier when it comes to technology. Their responsibilities encompass everything from repairing overhead projectors to administrating an entire library's automated system. Of course, these responsibilities are in addition to working with students on research and information literacy, making book selections, and collaborating with classroom teachers on curriculum. Now more than ever tools such as wikis are of interest to media specialists for many reasons.
Wikis, in particular, encourage group social interaction and collaboration, but what exactly does that mean? I believe this refers to students being given an environment filled with opportunities to not only create content in new ways but also to share information, communicate differently, collaborate easily with the rest of the world, and self-publish. Media specialists can use this platform to assist teachers with implementing student projects and with the use of the wiki; the projects have the potential to be cross-curricular. Wikis can also be used by the SLMS to share information with students, staff, and parents about new acquisitions and upcoming programs and activities. Finally, the wiki can be used for book discussions. Podcasts of recent book talks can be posted on the wikispace for students to see and for teachers use in their classroom instruction.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
Jeanne, you brought up an excellent point of combining the two tecnologies that we have been learning about. I hadn't thought of including a podcast on my wiki, but that is really a neat idea. It's amazing how all these things can come together and how beneficial these technologies are to both teachers and students. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...the possibilities are endless. You are right, with the right frame of mind and proper collaboration many projects do have the potential to be cross curricular. Wow, wouldn't it be great to see all of the teachers working together for the good of the students?
Yes, wikis can be used for group projects and podcast through the use of collaboration. Teachers need to be familiarized with the use of wikis in order to instruct students how to use it proficiently. But, however, this is where the media specialist comes into play. Her duty must intell implementing workshops to train students, teachers, and administrators the pros and cons of wikis. Once this is shared with the student body,faculty, and staff then the use of wikis would be used appropriately and effectively. Technology is an important part of the world; therefore, no one must be omitted.
I like your comment about writing book talks on a wiki. That is a very good idea. Since you can add to and edit wikis, this is great for discussing books read. It would be neat to make a book club for a school or classes and let the students choose a book to review and discuss on the wiki. Wikis would be a great collaboration tool as well. I like your approach to wikis.
I agree with the points you have brought up about how wiki is good cross curriculum tool to use with both the teachers and students. A wiki having endless possiblities increases opportunities for the students.
Cross-curricular! How insightful! It is important to show our students how their courses relate and the similarities they all share. A lot of time is spent on reading across the curriculum and the wiki can help all teachers and students in accomplishing this goal. I share your thoughts of also using the wiki as a media center web page where announcements, new books, events, etc. can be posted. One question as far as the size limitations on wikis: How much material can you post? I stared a wiki a while ago that was free and you could purchase more space. Will the media specialist have to pay for additional space or are there totally free, unlimited space wikis out there?
You have some wonderful ideas about how to use Wiki's in the school!! Have you used Wiki's in a classroom setting before? It is very important as media specialists that we remain current with new technology. However, I find this all a bit intimidating and overwhelming. While I would love to implement one of your ideas, I wonder how I would ever begin.
Now I must truly take my hat off to you! You have made me think of wikis in a whole new way. I have been a bit ambivalent about using wikis until I read your blog. I like the idea of students self-publishing within the classroom environment under instructor supervision.
Additionally, the implementation of of student projects for cross-curricular endeavors intrigues me. I must remember both very relevant points raised when I become a media specialist.
Thanks for sharing!
So we have this problem at our large school of signing up for the computer lab which is half a mile away (I am only slightly exaggerating). Your busy, you get all worked up that you need a computer lab or to get into the media center on their computers and you hike across the campus through the walls of screaming kids holding your drink out in front of you so they don't dump it on you. You get to the sign in and its too late someone else has signed up for two of the five periods you needed. But hey, if this were in wiki format there would be no trudging across campus to have your hopes dashed.If someone cancelled it would be easy for other to see and jump right in. I think I am going to politely suggest this to my media specialist.
It is very difficult to be up on everything in the media center. (I'm not sure how the SLMS got the technology assignment!) I used to work in a school that had a wonderful technology person--and that was in an elementary school. It's particularly difficult if we do not perceive ourselves as having a strength in technology. As long as we have aptitude and a helpful spirit we should be able to work it out together. I feel sure that the teachers in our schools will be patient as we learn together. Chances are there is bound to be another person in the school who has expertise as well. I know there is such a person in my school. I have gone to her with my questions and she was terrific.
Jeanne, I read other people's blogs and I again feel so behind the times. I wish I was able to put myself more out there and think out of the box on how to use this new technology, but I usually just end up feeling behind as usual. I like your ideas, and hope that they work out for you!
Post a Comment