Module 9: 


Summarizing and Discussing Phase 2 Topics and Interests

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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. 

 What am I going to take with me? From what I’ve found and what I’ve learned from others

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. 

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Other Key Takeaways:

• Promoting a positive reading culture and fostering a love of reading has been a primary goal and is an area of particular interest for me. I often try to find new and engaging ways to draw more students into the library to explore books, and I emphasize that reading can and should be fun. I thoroughly enjoyed researching and reading about all of the ways we can foster a love of reading. There are many great ideas that I can now add and incorporate into my existing practice. Additionally, I noted that many classmates added Dr. Stephen Krashen's ideas and videos about the importance of reading for pleasure and the role libraries play in this. I've bookmarked the video by Dr.Krashen that Lara Walters added, so that I can reference it later.  

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• 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. 

        

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• 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	Positive Contributions of Devices
Cyberbullying Student distraction Student struggles with disobedience due to misuse of devices Cheating Disconnection from face-face connections	Using educational learning apps  Incorporating digital platforms into lessons Supplementing lessons with digital materials Providing easy access to more information

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