Module 9:
Summarizing and Discussing Phase 2 Topics and Interests
Summarizing and Discussing Phase 2 Topics and Interests
This week’s post is a reflection of the key learnings and
thoughts from the inquiry phase of our course, LIBE 477, which focused on developing and promoting reading cultures, professional development, personal learning networks, and how libraries in developing nations are supported by various organizations and technologies. While each week's inquiry was centred around a different and distinct topic for research and reflection, common themes appeared while new learning and ideas emerged. Reading blogs from classmates was an excellent source of information and new learnings. It's fascinating to see how ideas around the same inquiry topic can yield such different research avenues, resources and perspectives. I found this process very valuable.
It’s amazing how one week of inquiry can
change my perspectives and add to my learning. Our last topic was not initially what
I thought I’d focus on as a major takeaway, but it really opened up my eyes to how critical
libraries are in terms of people around the world being able to access
information. I’d previously realized the importance that libraries play in
developing literacy for students, and in education in general, but I had not
really given thought to how it bridges social and economic gaps, and that
limited access to libraries can mean a
social disadvantage for a segment of the
population. I guess in general terms, I was looking at it through a very personal and narrow lens, and have now been able to expand my thinking. Specific quotes such as how libraries "can be
the difference between users simply accessing information or being able to use
it" have resonated with me. (Heath, 2019) Another quote from classmate Kristi Nichol's post, a “lack of internet
has come to mean lack of opportunity" has also stuck with me throughout the week. There were many good blog posts about the importance of libraries and mobile devices that really show the importance that both play in society-across many social, economic and educational classes. The close link that exists between
libraries and literacy around the world is important and one that I hadn’t
considered as much before last week's research.
Other Key Takeaways:
- While I feel that I've always been fairly dedicated to professional development, and have tried to vary my learning opportunities, I was grateful that the inquiry focus on professional development prompted me to dig even deeper. As a result I've now established connections with amazing teachers throughout the province who are eager and willing to mentor and share learning around ADST, which is a topic that I need more exposure to and experience with. One of the key points for me is the importance of finding and maintaining a passion to explore a new topic through hands on learning experiences. Another was balance. I want to continue learning about new, engaging technologies and lessons but after this learning phase, I've realized the value of learning one thing well as opposed to taking on too much at once.
- Establishing better Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) was good for me to investigate further. I knew this was important, but I'd admittedly sometimes put it on the back-burner. After researching and reading blogs from classmates, I know I need to make sure I continue to prioritize this. Stepping out of my comfort zones and engaging more through social media is a personal goal, as well as speaking more and sharing with district learning groups. As Kelli McLeod suggested a “digital teaching friend” is a great place to start. Maintaining my commitment to my PLN will be a focus and this means not putting off a meeting, and recognizing the value it can have for my teaching practice and working relationships. Sharing personally with other TLs and mentors is one of my best motivators, and it helps me stay grounded and focus my learning. I've learned to value this even more.
- I borrowed the Teacher Librarian: Your Inquiry Superhero from Jennifer Losell, as it's an amazing reminder. #InquiryMindset is a hashtag that I am exploring on a deeper level with a colleague, and I printed this as a visual motivator. I connect it with #GrowthMindset, which this course is teaching me a lot about.
- Developing reading skills on e-readers versus traditional print is another topic I've been thinking about since last week. Our classmate, Christopher Lister, brought this question to my attention and it has led me to do some further research on the topic. I am thinking of it in terms of my role as a TL around digital literacies, as well as my role as a reading teacher. I now feel compelled to explore more and am excited to explore this topic further.
A Little Bit More Sharing...
Even though the debate about using mobile devices was not a direct
inquiry assignment, I came across research surrounding this topic and
found it quite relevant. It's a hot topic right now as debates
are swirling and mobile device bans are happening.
A study (2017) from Edutopia that intrigued me, outlines the negative impact of
mobile devices in classrooms, primarily citing that the mere presence of such
devices is a powerful distraction. Reasoning from this study states that devices are occupying
students' mental space and triggering a neuro-system called "automatic
attention," which unconsciously monitors the environment for signs of critical
importance. It suggests that this is happening even when devices are not
physically in the hands of students. This is an interesting idea, and certainly
an argument worth investigating for those interested in the debate. The video
below explains this idea further.
Additionally, articles "Banning Mobile Phones
in Schools: Beneficial or Risky? Here's What the Evidence Says," and "Cell Phones in the
Classroom: Learning Tool or Distraction," explain why a state in Australia and the
Ontario Ministry of Education have effectively banned mobile devices in
classrooms.
Both articles list plausible reasons for and against the use of devices. They also indicate that more countries and states may be following suit. In both articles devices were permitted according to school discretion, if for example they were used for "educational purposes, medical reasons, or as a support for a student with special needs."
Furthermore, both show that with proper management devices can be excellent tools for learning. A curious debate that I will continue to follow, especially as I encourage the use of more digital technologies.
Concerns With Devices
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Positive Contributions of Devices
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Labels: Digital Literacy, Inquiry, Literacy, Love of Reading, Mobile Devices, PLNs, ProD, Reading Cultures, Reflection, Technology
