Blog Post

Lopez, Mirtha

Educational Theory and Practice & Curriculum Assessment 

Stoddart, Rick, & Godfrey, Bruce. (2020). Gathering Evidence of Learning in Library Curriculum Center Spaces with Web GIS. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 15(3), 21–35. 

https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip29721

Summary:

This study focused on patron usage of library spaces.  The researchers identified different activities library patrons used the library for.  The study then identified areas in the library where these activities would most likely occur. Finally, the activities were linked to the University’s learning outcomes.  The study showed that collaboration was occurring in areas not specifically designed for collaboration and very little in the areas that were set up for student collaboration.  The study results support the need for flexibility in library seating.  Library spaces should allow for both individual and collaborative work.

Evaluation:

I found the article quite insightful.  Often I am surprised by the creative uses of different supplies in the library.  I never considered evaluating the various uses of each library space.  I look forward to being a silent observer in my library next year when all our students return.

The Virtual Library Learning Commons

Khattab Williams, Samia

INFO 250, Spring 2021

Main Topic: ET

Brooks Kirkland, A. (2020). The virtual library learning commons: Leveraging the pandemic tipping point for lasting change. Canadian School Libraries Journal, 4(2). Retrieved from https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/the-virtual-library-learning-commons-leveraging-the-pandemic-tipping-point-for-lasting-change/

Summary

The post-pandemic school library will likely look different due to social distancing guidelines and the redefining of shared spaces which is why the virtual library learning commons is more relevant now than ever. We are at a “tipping point” where school librarians must reimagine how to serve the needs of students and teachers in the absence of the physical space that has long defined libraries. School librarians have quickly adapted to the change by being creative with their virtual curations, engaging students in inquiry and critical thinking using collaborative tech tools, and creating opportunities for developing multiple literacies. The school library’s website serves as the main hub for engaging with the school community through access to resources–including catalogs, databases, and makerspaces–and building a culture of participation and collaboration. The article concludes by offering tips on how to build a site that best fosters the “third space” aspect of the library learning commons in the virtual world, as well as ways to overcome barriers.

Evaluation

Many school librarians have stepped up to the plate to provide high quality virtual services to students and teachers during the pandemic but the redefining of this as a virtual library learning commons has not become part of our common language. There is great potential to use the school library’s website as a space for creating, tinkering, and collaborating beyond the pandemic and in ways that could serve even more students. Our physical spaces aren’t going to disappear but we have an opportunity to increase our relevance as school librarians by building a stronger, and more intentional, virtual library. This article offered many recommendations and ideas for those that are new to this concept, as well as to those that already have an established online presence.

How Co-Teaching Helped Our New Teachers Support Students, In-Person and Online

Name: Ward, Aimee

Topic: CO (Co-Teaching)

Citation: Whisinnand, T. (2021, March 11). How co-teaching helped our new teachers support students, In-person and online. Retrieved from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-03-11-how-co-teaching-helped-our-new-teachers-support-students-in-person-and-online

Summary: In this article, Whisinnand discusses how the old model of student teaching worked “back in the day” and how preservice teachers are now working as co-teachers in their work today. This is a process that research shows works whenever we put two heads together, so even though the article is speaking to co-teaching as a student and master teacher, Whisinnand’s strategies for collaboration are situations that can work regardless of what kind of teachers are co-teaching. Whisinnand gives an overview of his seven co-teaching strategies followed by anecdotes of the strategy being used in his experience.

Evaluation: This article has value for new individuals that want to try co-teaching in the pandemic. He gives very specific examples of the strategies he discusses and how different strategies are perfect for certain situations. There are many terrific strategies on how to support classroom instruction, foster engagement, and provide feedback to each other (as co-teachers) and your students. The take away from this article was that there are many ways that we can support each other and our students and now it is more important than ever.

Teacher Librarians as Allies

Stailey, Teresa INFO 250 Spring 2021

Main Topic: CO

Mackenzie, T. (2019, April 21). How Your Teacher-Librarian Can Be An Ally When Teaching With Inquiry. Retrieved from: https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53417/how-your-teacher-librarian-can-be-an-ally-when-teaching-with-inquiry

Summary: 

This article is in support of teacher librarians. It talks about how stressful it can be as a teacher 

when you are in it alone and not seeking out collaboration opportunities. Teacher librarians are 

also a great resource to students and can help them navigate databases and teach digital literacy. 

At the opening of the article is a great visual that highlights how a teacher librarian can be an 

inquiry hero. They are there to provide support and collaboration opportunities in all aspects. 

Evaluation:

This article is a good reminder to teachers that there is value in collaboration with the teacher 

librarian. The article discusses how much stress, overload and burden that teachers face; this is 

something that I definitely experience, as a classroom teacher. It is important to reach out to the 

teacher librarian. The teacher librarian can be an ally and a great resource in collaboration and 

co-teaching. For schools that are fortunate enough to have a teacher librarian, utilize them as 

much as possible. This article was not necessarily informational as much as it was a good 

reminder to collaborate with and utilize resources that the teacher librarian has to offer.