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?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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! :)
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! :)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Podcasting
The rise of podcasting in schools has been a grassroots occurence. Depending on what school you look at, podcasting -- if present at all -- may be introduced by teachers, administrators, students, media specialists, or technology specialists. At Willowdale Elementary in Omaha, Nebraska, the technology specialist Tony Vincent introduced podcasting and has taken upon himself much of the work of spreading the innovation and guiding the quality of the podcasts produced. At Beverly Elementary School in Birmingham, MI, the media specialist Kristin Fontichiaro podcasts (herself) and hosts a Podcasting Club for 4th graders. The podcast is disseminated through a blog. At other schools, no one is podcasting.
So, imagine a teacher approaches you and asks you if you can help him to start up a podcast for his class (something like Radio WilloWeb). In truth, you may know little about podcasting. So, how do you respond to the teacher? Do you tell him farewell and good luck? Do you tell him you don't know much, but you're willing to find out? What is your role? What are the reasons behind how you choose to respond to this teacher?
If I were approached with podcasting for a class, I would get excited. I may not know alot about the subject but I would be thrilled that a teacher in my building wants to use some of the equiptment already available to us. I would explain that we have digital video recorders, a MAC computer with iMovie, and microphones if needed. I would make my role be the person who can teach the teacher how to use the equiptment and be a resource to the teacher and students as they start the process. I wouldn't want to do all the work because as my mentor once said "If you do it for one, you have to have time and ability to do it for all." I would choose to help the teacher because our administration is excited to see technology used in the classroom and enjoys knowing that teachers and specialists are collaborating. I can see the fifth grade teachers at my school using podcasting with the students. It would be a project where they could create book talks for younger kids. We could podcast them or just start by uploading them to the web for parents and students.
So, imagine a teacher approaches you and asks you if you can help him to start up a podcast for his class (something like Radio WilloWeb). In truth, you may know little about podcasting. So, how do you respond to the teacher? Do you tell him farewell and good luck? Do you tell him you don't know much, but you're willing to find out? What is your role? What are the reasons behind how you choose to respond to this teacher?
If I were approached with podcasting for a class, I would get excited. I may not know alot about the subject but I would be thrilled that a teacher in my building wants to use some of the equiptment already available to us. I would explain that we have digital video recorders, a MAC computer with iMovie, and microphones if needed. I would make my role be the person who can teach the teacher how to use the equiptment and be a resource to the teacher and students as they start the process. I wouldn't want to do all the work because as my mentor once said "If you do it for one, you have to have time and ability to do it for all." I would choose to help the teacher because our administration is excited to see technology used in the classroom and enjoys knowing that teachers and specialists are collaborating. I can see the fifth grade teachers at my school using podcasting with the students. It would be a project where they could create book talks for younger kids. We could podcast them or just start by uploading them to the web for parents and students.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Trickiwikis Get Wiki With It!
Patti, Mike, and Susan--having rejected the moniker "PMS"--have formed the soon-to-be famous group called, "The Trickiwikis." As you enjoy this blog, prepare to be amazed, astounded, and perhaps shocked at the display of technological prowess and intellectual superiority which you will behold.
This blog provides a forum for the Trickiwikis (don't you just love saying that??) to reflect on topics of discussion for the class, "Technology for Media Services," as part of our graduate studies through the University of West Georgia.
Thanks for visiting! Y'all come back now, ya hear? :)
This blog provides a forum for the Trickiwikis (don't you just love saying that??) to reflect on topics of discussion for the class, "Technology for Media Services," as part of our graduate studies through the University of West Georgia.
Thanks for visiting! Y'all come back now, ya hear? :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)