VDS & GPB--No, they are not communicable diseases...

My school, Marietta Center for Advanced Academics (MCAA), uses closed circuit video distribution to broadcast our daily morning news show into the classrooms.  This news show is produced in the media center by a crew of 8 fifth-grade students, directed by the media specialist.  Before the news show, a titlemaker scroll runs across the screen with the day and date, lunch menu, and character traits of the month and week.   When the news show is not on, the display shows a digital clock screen saver on the news room computer.   This way each classroom in the school runs by the same time.  Occasionally, the broadcast system is used to show recorded programs, such as President Obama’s address to U.S. students, and videos, such as end-of-the-year videos shown at awards programs, book fair promotions, or the principal’s skydiving video from last year!  Teachers do not typically have input into what is broadcast.  This is generally determined by the principal and the media specialist.

I am not aware of much use by our school or district of the Georgia Public Broadcasting resources.  I have been learning more about these resources, however.  We have used Discovery/United Streaming some in the past, but our school primarily uses the SAFARI Montage video collection from Library Video Company.  This is available through a site-based server, with a subscription purchased with media funds.  Through exploring the GPB website, I discovered their Digital Library and the “Georgia Stories” feature.  I viewed a video about the civil rights movement in Georgia.  It was interesting and I learned some new information about this subject.  I was intrigued by this since I am currently reading the book, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, on my Kindle.  The setting for this story is Mississippi in 1962, when the ideas of desegregation were beginning to grow.  Viewing the episode of “Georgia Stories” also gave me some ideas for the Digital Storytelling project we will be doing for this course and for the Pathfinders we learned about in the References course.

In addition, I was reminded about the “Teachers’ Domain” educational video resources available for teachers.  I have explored this some in the past but forgot that it was provided by public broadcasting.

I looked around but was unable to find access to Discovery/United Streaming through the GPB website, but I went to the Discovery Education website, http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/, and accessed the resource.

Social Networking

Social networking in schools....that is a huge discussion and debate in many schools. We just had a discussion as a staff about this topic when school started. There is a feature on the new Destiny Quest that allows students to have "friends" and suggest books to each other. The problem with the idea is the "cyberbullying" and inapproprate use of words that has started because of it. Schools were then given the option to get rid of the option on Destiny and not allow "friends". In our school, we chose to keep the option for the moment and do more teaching of what is right and wrong when using a feature like this in the school setting. We figure if we monitor it and deny use to students who are misusing it, we can really get students interested in books. Right now, I am "friends" with all the students in my third grade class. They suggest books to me and I suggest books to them. We read books together and rate them. They write me reviews and post them to Destiny. It has opened the door for learning about books in my classroom. It has also has gotten them interested in the use of the library again.
I do believe that students need to be taught how to use social networking sites appropriately. There can be a role for them in the classroom if they are being used for educational purposes. Our district does not allow social networking sites other than Destiny Quest. The students are unable to "chat" using this site. The district does have a firewall or filter that does not allow social networking sites to even open up on a school computer. The thing I see is that students now a days have it all loaded on their cell phones anyway and some would say it would be better to teach them how to use is appropriately. Then you have others that say we are already "parenting" these children, why do we have to teach them how to use a cell phone or internet. I can see both sides of the arguement. I can see it being used well and I can see it being used poorly. It all depends on the plan and the ground rules that are laid down.
As a media specialist, I can see social networking being used to promote the media center. It could be used to promote a workshop for teachers or a study group for students. It could also be used to promote new materials that are in circulation. It is a different way to get stakeholders involved in the media center. It makes the students feel like they are a part of the media center and they want to take part in more events in the media center. It can also be used to relay information to students, teachers, and administrators. The only problem I see with it is making sure it is updated regularly. I have seen many blogs that get a great start and then fizzle down to nothing because the teacher or media specialist jumps on some other bandwagon. It would be interesting to see which of these "fads" or ideas will sustain and still be around when I retire. :)

Media Websites - Powerhouses of Service and Communication

The media center’s web page should be easy to find, and linked to from the school’s home page, as well as from as many faculty pages as possible (all, if possible). Some school sites do not prominently display a link to the media center page, requiring users to hunt for it. That is counter-productive and discouraging. Everyone uses and benefits from the school’s media center, so the media specialist should make sure that the media center home page is prominently featured on a school’s home page. Making sure the page is easily searchable, through Google and other search engines, is also good due diligence on the part of the media specialist.

Once a user gets to the media center home page, several items should be easy to find.

1. Some kind of welcoming statement, communicating to users that the media staff want people to come into the media center and use the materials found within.
2. The media center’s hours of operation, and the names of the media specialist(s) and support staff.
3. A link to the media specialist’s email address and/or to media specialist blog(s) to facilitate easy communication with the media specialist.
4. What are the most basic rules to follow (such as no food or drink…or how many books may be checked out and for how long)? These should be on the home page, and the user should be able to link to a more comprehensive set of rules, so as to make this information available without cluttering up the home page.
5. Link to the OPAC and some direction that this is where users may browse the collection or make targeted searches for specific items/types of items. A link can be provided, here, to instructions for using the OPAC – a pdf, or perhaps a PowerPoint, or a podcast explaining the basics of this invaluable tool.
6. Link to GALILEO, also including some basic indication of what GALILEO can do for the user, also including a link to a page with instructions, similar to that found for the OPAC.
7. Link to wiki(s) that address content-specific areas, information literacy/research, reading initiatives, media center/PTSO/community initiatives for maximizing collaborative efforts across the curriculum.
8. An FAQ page, linked to from the home page, answering as many of the frequently asked questions as possible.
9. Link to the local public library and its resources.
10. Prominently features current happenings in the media center, highlighting student work to the greatest extent possible.

Keeping the page up to date with accurate, current information is essential. Also, proofing for correct spelling and use of grammar is a must. The home page should be updated often enough that there is new content for users to look at and consider. The less static users see the resource, the more they will come to use it.

What do you have to add, disagree with, or to expand on, from these points?

You Can Wiki if You Want To

Really, it's just that easy!  Creating a wiki is easy. Editing a wiki is easy.  Sharing a wiki is easy.  Viewing a wiki is easy.  So, why isn't everyone using them??  Good question.

Well, the best answer I can come up with is that many of us in education are "digital immigrants."  We didn't grow up using online tools.  And, while most of us have embraced the convenience and instant gratification of email and the internet, we aren't quite sure what to think of wikis, blogs, and other offerings of Web 2.0.  We're quite comfortable with good ol' Web 1.0, thank you very much.

Unfortunately, that's just not good enough.  Surprisingly, it's actually not about what WE are comfortable with--it's those students; you know, the whole reason we are in education!  They are growing up in this digital age, texting before they can even spell properly; using computer keyboards without learning proper hand placement on the keyboard like we learned in high school typing class--the horror!  And if we want to reach them, engage them, and guide them, then we must embrace the prickly porcupine known as Web 2.0, including Wikis.

Can wikis be used in the Media Center?  Absolutely!  The ability to have many students contribute can give them ownership of the media program.  Involvement in projects related to the media program, books, and technology can inspire them and engage them.  This can instill in them the value of the media program as an integral part of the school.

In addition, using wikis to collaborate with teachers can open up for them new possibilities for instruction.  The flat textbook gives way to the living, breathing instructional tool that is the wiki.  For example, using a wiki to create pathfinders for teachers and students to use can provide links to resources that might normally be overlooked.  I think it's pretty fair to say that if a media specialist does anything to make a teacher's job easier and increase effectiveness, then he or she becomes an instructional partner and a valued and necessary part of a school community.  In these days of budget cuts, we as media professionals need to be seen doing more, not less.  The school needs to believe what we already know to be true: that they CANNOT function without us!

Perhaps a drawback to wikis may be that they do take some time to create and maintain.  The wiki user should take this into consideration when planning and preparing for instruction.  That being said, however, the time spent is typically well worth it when the results are presented and utilized.

The wikis examined in the readings gave some great examples for use.  Posting pictures of interesting things happening in the media center is a great way to build interest and enthusiasm.  Providing helpful links all in one place is a great time-saver which can make it easier for students to complete assignments.  The media wiki becomes an invaluable tool for students and teachers.

One thing I have noticed which happens frequently is that wiki editors insert links but don't select for the links to open in a new window or tab.  Then, when a user clicks on the links, they leave the wiki and may have difficulty getting back to it.  I have actually experienced this on our MEDT class wiki.

I see the point about wikis becoming "storage cabinets."  The best way to prevent this is regularly visit and update the wiki.  It has to become a regular part of planning, with scheduled time (or snatched time) to work on it.

So...what are you waiting for?  It's time to get your wiki on!  Don't be afraid!  Okay, you can be afraid, but don't let that stop you.  Take your cue from the students you teach.  Technology isn't going away.  It's here to stay.  Get on the train, or get left behind.  Catch the wave, or drown.  I've bought my ticket.  I've grabbed my board.  Jump in...the water's fine! :)