The Scanner In this Issue: Tools of the Trade
Volume 2, Number 1
Page 2 Our Organization Page 3 President’s Message Page 4 Professionally Speaking Page 5 Providing Leadership as a Teacher Librarian Page 6 Top Ten Ways to Spread the Advocacy Message
What is SIGMS? SIGMS provides a support network to school library media specialists and others in leadership positions who are working to promote the use of instructional technologies to enhance student learning. It provides a forum where we can consider and explore ways in which we can best use existing and emerging technologies to improve and enhance teaching and instruction, student learning and management, helping students and teachers become competent, critical and ethical users of information.
Page 7 SIGMS Newsletter Guidelines Pages 8 and 9 Recap: Position Statement Page 10 2011 SIGMS Technology Innovation Award Page 11 What’s Your Opinion?
Second Life
Our Organization Executive Committee
Committee Chairs
Lisa Perez Chair Chicago Public Schools Dept of Libraries leperez1@cps.k12.il.us
Advocacy Kathy Sanders Taylor Prairie IMC Director kathy_sanders@mgschools. net
Maureen Sanders Brunner Chair-Elect Pike High School MSD Pike Township, Indiana mdsbrunner@gmail.com
International Librarianship Lesley Farmer California State University Long Beach lfarmer@csulb.edu
Shelee King George Vice Chair Peer-Ed skgeorge@peer-ed.com
Newsletter Carolyn Starkey Buckhorn High School admin@jojo-starkey.com
Laurie Conzemius Communications Chair Pine Meadow Elementary School conzemius@q.com
Webinar Jennifer Gossman Holy Redeemer jgossman@insightbb.com Andrea Christman Rosa Parks Middle School Andrea_L_christman@mcpsmd .org
Brenda Anderson Professional Development Chair Montgomery County Public Schools brendadanderson@gmail.com Joyce Valenza Member-at-Large Springfield Township High School Erdenheim, Pennsylvania joyce_valenza@sdst.org
Technology Innovation Award (open)
QR Code for SIGMS Wiki http://sigms.iste.wikispaces.net/
Lisa Perez A Message from the SIGMS Chair The 2010 – 2011 school year has started off with many great opportunities for SIGMS members. In September, we held our annual “Call for Volunteers”. I am pleased to report that dozens of SIGMS members indicated an interest in working with our organization. Our SIGMS Professional Development Chair, Brenda Anderson, and a host of committee members have very capably overseen many learning opportunities geared toward supporting the technology needs of school librarians. We were especially enthused to work with ISTE to bring you a special webinar in September called “Meet the ISTE Authors.” The SIGMS webinar committee has been hard at work bringing you monthly webinars on a variety of topics and, new this year, we have built a collaboration with SIGILT to deliver the “1 Tool at a Time” series. In addition, SIGMS member Lesley Farmer has continued our Tapped-In series of chats on international topics of interest to librarians. And, SIGMS concluded a successful 2 ½ year run of the Second Life virtual learning community meetings with programs hosted by Richard Byrne, David
Jakes, and David Loertscher. Our ISTE SIGMS Advocacy Statement continues to benefit our members as they work with administrators and other stakeholders to define their libraries’ roles in the school. You can see the statement at our wiki at http:// sigms.iste.wikispaces.net. From this work, we have now launched the new SIGMS Advocacy Committee, chaired by Kathy Sanders, to continue to provide advocacy tools for librarians. SIGMS has recently launched a call for nominations for the 4th annual Technology Innovation Award. Every year, this prestigious award highlights the work of two teams of collaborating teachers and librarians at the elementary and secondary level. This year’s nominations window closes on March 1, 2011. Find out more about the award at http:// www.iste.org/membership/awards -and-recognition/list-of-awards/ sig-media-specialist-technologyinnovation-award.aspx. The SIGMS Executive Committee has a number of events planned for the remainder of the school year. Watch for regular communications from our SIGMS Commu-
nications Chair, Laurie Conzemius, about upcoming professional development opportunities. In addition, soon you’ll hear about a SIGMS video contest, organized by Laurie and SIGMS Vice-Chair, Shelee King George, in upcoming weeks. SIGMS is already making plans for ISTE 2011. In the spring, you’ll hear more details about the SIGMS Forum and the SIGMS Breakfast. Also, expect a communication soon from our SIGMS Chair-Elect, Maureen Sanders Brunner, as she calls for volunteers to help plan our annual “21st Century Media Center Playground” at the conference. I very much enjoy working with SIGMS members and I often say that I benefit more than anyone from the privilege of working with such a dedicated and talented group of professionals. I think we are all stronger as we band together to support our professional needs. At a time when our profession is experiencing great challenges and seismic shifts of defining what we do, I am happy that SIGMS can help our members to sustain a continued growth of technology skills to meet our needs.
Brenda D. Anderson Professional Development Chair Professionally Speaking SIGMS brings you two exciting webinar series this year: ISTE SIGMS webinars and 1 Tool at a Time webinars. With the wealth of education webinars to attend, why choose to participate in these particular webinars? Time spent attending a SIGMS professional development event, is time well spent. Our webinars offer: Practical content to apply to teaching practice Great presenters who are educators leading the way in technology integration Professional networking Free professional development from the comfort of your home Free resources
ISTE SIGMS Webinar Series http://sigms.iste.wikispaces.net/Webinars
Upcoming Event
February 10th , 2011 8 PM Eastern 7 PM Central 6PM Mountain 5 PM Pacific Topic: ISTE Affiliate Status for Your State Organization Presenter: Kathy Sanders
Archived Events
From January 3, 2011:
Many of the topics focus on the professional needs of media specialists, however the content is applicable to any educator wanting to learn about the latest tools, news, and issues in the educational technology world.
Creating a Community of Technology Learners in Your School or District
SIGMS wants to support your professional development on an on-going basis, so check out the resources found on our webinar wiki pages. Here you will find links to archived webinars and associated presenter resources.
From September 28, 2010:
From December 1, 2010: Digital Text, AT & Everything UDL
Meet the ISTE Authors 2009-2010 Webinars are available on the SIGMS wiki at http://sigms.iste.wikispaces.net/ Webinars.
The 1 Tool At a Time: Build Your Toolbelt webinar series is brought to you monthly by ISTE's SIGMS and SIGILT. Each webinar lasts for 30 minutes and focuses on a particular tool. Classroom integration strategies are highlighted and there is time for discussion. Previews of the upcoming 1 Tool at a Time events as well as archives of previous events can be accessed at http://1toolatatime.wikispaces.com
ISTE SIGMS Events Calendar To stay in the know about all the useful, professional development that SIGMS provides, just bookmark the SIGMS Events calendar: http://sigms.iste.wikispaces.net/
Laurie Conzemius Communications Chair Providing Leadership as a Teacher Librarian As 2010 comes to a close, numerous top ten lists appear, on everything from entertainers to athletes to Web 2.0 tools. Rather than create a top ten list, I thought I would take a moment to share just a few of my favorite resources for providing leadership as a teacher librarian in my school. I encourage you to check them out and add them to your toolkit!
SIGIVC to turn to. There is a sig for every interest – and as media specialists we have many reasons to stay connected to more than one. The number of monthly discussions, webinars, events and activities being produced by the sigs is large: it is well worth your while to take a look at many of them. As an ISTE member you can join as many sigs as you wish and as often as you need to, which allows you to be an incredible resource for your staff.
ISTE SIGs http://www.iste.org/connect/ special-interest-groups/sigdirectory.aspx ISTE, and in particular, SIGMS: Yes, as Communications Chair, you knew I would say this, but let me tell you why I mention it here. We are allowed to share resources with everyone, regardless of affiliation with ISTE. Consequently, when SIGAdmin (for school administrators) discusses their current shared book you can include your administrator in the conversation. If mobile learning or video conferencing happen to be hot topics in your district you have SIGML or
TL Ning http:// teacherlibrarian.ning.com/ TL Ning: I am continually amazed by the wealth of resources available at Teacher Librarian Ning. Who else but Joyce Valenza could create for us a community ning with the depth of TL? I encourage every teacher librarian to join and contribute to this growing community. Whether you’re looking for ideas when working with elementary students, pathfinders, more information about a hot topic such as QR codes or animation, or
need support for your position, you will find it here!
WebTools4u2use http:// webtools4u2use.wikispaces.co m/Webtools4U2Use WebTools4u2use: This website was created to provide a place for school librarians to learn about web 2.0 tools and how to use them in their media centers and schools. Each type of tool is listed (Audio & Podcasting, Blogs, Calendars, etc.) and a page about each type explains how they can be used in media centers, the top 5 from that category and then a long listing of many, many additional options. I have found this page to be an excellent and thorough listing! These are three of the resources I find myself utilizing continually. In the coming months I’d like to hear about the ones you’re using in your schools and media centers. It is through sharing our knowledge and tools that we all become stronger and more valuable to our districts.
Kathy Sanders Advocacy Committee Chair Top Ten Ways to Spread the Advocacy Message SIGMS has launched its newest committee with the creation of the SIGMS Advocacy Committee. Now more than ever we need to make our voices heard, tell our stories and build the case for the importance of 21st century school library programs. So as a brand new year begins, here are the top ten ways you can spread the advocacy message:
1. Build Relationships Start with people you know and make connections to key stakeholders by building those relationships. Trust is key to having your message heard and acted upon.
2. Tell Your Stories There are so many amazing learning opportunities happening in the schools. Share what you do and how your program is central to student learning and innovative schools.
3. Invite Key Stakeholders to visit your library and school. Successful school libraries in the 21st century are dynamic learning environments and are very different from libraries of the past.
4. Document What You Do Using data to document student learning, professional development, and quality collections is critical. It builds the case for the importance of professionally staffed school libraries for school success.
5. Make Effective Use of Time Take advantage of brief opportunities to update key stakeholders. Use those opportunities in the hall, ele-
vator, or office to give a quick update or deliver a key message. Five minutes can go a long way if your message is well planned.
6. Be Knowledgeable Make sure you have researched the issue before you build your case or ask your question. Be brief, and provide the stakeholder or leader with the essential information that they need to know to make an informed decision.
7. Make Regular Contacts. While the initial contact with a key leader or staff member is important, follow-up contacts are also essential.
8. Know the Needs of the Stakeholder To effectively build your case; it is important to try to understand the issue from a variety of points of view and personal objectives. If outcomes can benefit both parties, they are much more likely to be successful.
9. Know the Key Person to Contact. Often contacting a staff member or assistant may be the best way to build your case with the leader or policy maker. Work Together It is true that there is strength in numbers. Build support among a many colleagues and constituents to support your message. Many voices go a long way and policy makers and district stakeholders listen to numbers. Remember to build support in the community as well especially among parents.
Even though our committee is relatively new we have many opportunities planned. On Thursday, February 10 at 7:00 PM CST we will be hosting a SIGMS webinar Making Connections- the Benefits of ISTE Affiliates for You and Your Organization. Stay tuned for more information through the SIGMS listserv and communication channels. Speaking of communication channels be sure to check out the wiki for more advocacy information. http:// sigms.iste.wikispaces.net/ advocacyportal. In coming weeks we will be posting more details and information. We are always looking for good volunteers, so if you have ideas or would like to help with the advocacy committee-we need you! The upcoming months are going to be critical times for school libraries at the state and federal level. What you do can make a difference in our future and the future of schools. If you would like to get involved please contact me at Kathy_sanders@mgschools.net. We are also looking to develop an information network at the state level to disseminate legislative updates and action alerts related to school libraries and technology. If you would like to help spread the word about the legislative news or know of someone who would, please contact me. Thank you for all you do! Each day you make a difference and together we can build a strong future for innovative school libraries and student success.
Carolyn Starkey Newsletter Committee Chair SIGMS Newsletter Guidelines The SIGMS Scanner is the newsletter of ISTE's special interest group for library media specialists and related school leaders working to promote the use of instructional technologies to enhance student learning. This newsletter will feature SIGMS business items, SIGMS professional development alerts, member article submissions, personal success stories, and links to great resources. We will be publishing 3 newsletters this year.
Issue Themes Winter (January 2011) Tools of the Trade Spring (March 2011) Teaching and Learning Pre-Conference (June 2011) Professional Development Policy Issues
Deadlines Deadlines associated with The Scanner may be found on the SIGMS wiki at http:// sigms.iste.wikispaces.net/ SIGMS+Scanner+Newsletter+Gui delines.
Article Proposals
Proposals for feature and short articles should be 100 words or less and submitted through this Googledoc form: https:// spreadsheets.google.com/ viewform? hl=en&formkey=dFppbmwtT1 9EM3pIcm1SYmxBVk9iVUE6M Q#gid=0
Article Lengths
a) Feature articles and personal success stories should be between 500 and 1,000 words. A maximum of 2 photos and/or graphics may be submitted with the article. b) Short articles of less than 500 words are welcome. These articles may be accompanied by 1 photo or graphic. c) A new feature will be a "What's Your Opinion?" column where SIGMS members will be asked to express their views on a hot topic in 50 words or less.
Final Submissions
After notification of acceptance, final versions of articles and other submissions should be submitted to sigms.newsletter@gmail.com.
Information Additional information regarding SIGMS Scanner submissions should addressed to sigms.newsletter@gmail.com.
The Role of School Librarians
Recap: Position Statement
in Promoting the Use of Educational Technologies
School librarians perform an integral role in promoting the effective use of educational technologies in their schools. About School Librarians School librarians are professionals who hold teaching degrees, as well as librarian certification. School librarians may also be referred to as teacher-librarians or library media specialists. School librarians are in unique positions within their schools because they:
collaborate with all teachers in the building across grade levels and subject disciplines.
work with all students throughout the students’ academic careers.
are instructional leaders in their schools who serve on curriculum, school improvement, and planning committees.
frequently provide professional development to their colleagues in areas related to instructional and technology resources.
teach a wide range of local,
cameras, as well as a variety of specialized educational software and online applications.
state, and national curriculum, information literacy, and technology standards, including all ISTE NETS standards.
often serve as primary technology integration specialists in their buildings.
equitable access to technology for students of all income levels.
flexible, broadly available access points for technology whether the school uses computer labs, portable devices, or a hybrid model.
a location that encourages individual study, group collaboration, and large group presentations.
About School Libraries Libraries support the curriculum, promote literacy development, and foster lifelong reading habits among children through the development of carefully selected print collections and the infusion of educational technology. Libraries provide:
a wealth of educational resources for students in the form of online databases; eBooks; audiobooks; online catalogs; creativity and research tools; and professionally vetted websites that are available at school and home. ready access to technology hardware, including computers, printers, assistive technologies for special needs students, presentation equipment, digital readers, and
About School Librarians & Educational Technology School librarians play a critical role in the infusion of educational technology in their schools. In particular, they:
support the use of technology throughout the school by working closely with the school's technology coordinator or fill the role of the technology coordinator when a separate position does not exist.
“School librarians perform an integral
role in promoting the effective use of educational technologies in their schools.”
serve as information literacy and educational technology specialists in their schools.
address educational technology and information literacy skills instruction embedded in the curriculum.
provide technology training for teachers, administrators, and parents.
work with teachers, counselors, and administrators to prepare students to succeed in higher education, the work place, and in society.
help students develop important digital citizenry attributes to demonstrate responsible use of information and technology.
provide leadership in the development of local information and technology literacy standards.
Educational Technology Issues Faced by School Librarians Today In today's difficult economic times, many school districts have chosen to cut non-classroom teaching positions. These cuts run counter to a large body of
research that indicates that a strong library program, staffed by certified school librarians, correlates with significantly greater student achievement. Short-term savings are obliterated by long-term consequences of denying students equitable access to educational resources and instruction provided by the school's information literacy specialists and technologists school librarians. As schools close their libraries or staff them with non-certificated personnel, students lose access to professionally managed print and electronic resources. At an unprecedented time in history when students require development of complex information literacy and technology skills to succeed, a robust school library program is a prerequisite to success. School librarian needs include:
adequate funding for technology, including sufficient connectivity, electrical access, hardware, software, subscription databases, and online tools to equitably support research and inquirybased learning.
access to relevant professional development that supports them in maintaining currency in their knowledge of educational technology and its applications.
funding and incentives to assist school districts in committing to staffing all school libraries with certified school library professionals and appropriate support staff.
language in legislation that specifically highlights the inclusion of school librarians to ensure that these critical professional positions are not eliminated due to ambiguity and misinformed prioritization.
Prepared by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Media Specialists SIG (SIGMS) Executive Advocacy Committee. SIGMS (Media Specialists) is a special interest group at ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). Contact Lisa Perez, SIGMS Chair, at leperez333@gmail.com with comments and questions.
2011 SIGMS Technology Innovation Award
This annual award will be presented to two teams of a school librarian and a collaborating teacher from one primary school, or its equivalent, and one secondary school, or its equivalent at ISTE's annual conference and exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 26-June 29, 2010. The deadline for submitting this award is March 1, 2011. Awardees will: Be notified in April Be honored at ISTE's annual conference and exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 26June 29, 2011. Receive a one-year membership to ISTE (2 per team) Be featured in an article by Learning & Leading with Technology magazine Receive a $1,000 cash award payable to the school media center (1 per team) Recieve a $300 professional library from ISTE (one per team) Receive a $1,000 travel stipend, (if attending the conference), for ISTE's annual conference for each team
Receive a free annual conference registration for each team member, if attending the conference Receive an inscribed award plaque (one per team) Receive promotional opportunities
All nominations must provide the following nomination materials: Describe the collaborative technology innovation project. Focus on these areas: What was the objective? What standards did it meet? How many students were involved? What was the outcome? How was the project funded? (500 word limit) How did the administration (local school, district, or other) support the objectives
of this project? (150 word limit) How could the project be expanded or improved for future students? Staff? Community members? (350 word limit) What data was collected on the impact of this project? Provide evidence using assessments, statistical measures, anecdotal information, or other measures. (500 word limit) A resume for each nominee A one-page letter of recommendation from a principal or assistant principal stating how their leadership supported the project Project artifacts (website URL's, presentations, etc.) Winners will be scored on a rubric that is assessed by a team of education professionals.
Click Here to Start Your Nomination
Column
This issue Newsletter Committee member Tom Stream asked , “What’s your favorite Web 2.0 tool?”
What’s Your Opinion? Dropbox.com Contributed by: Kathy Swanger, Librarian Macomb ISD, Michigan Tom says, “This was recommended by a fellow librarian, and since I'm in two buildings, I have found this tool invaluable! I'm constantly forgetting my USB device or I'm emailing documents to myself so I can access from home. Dropbox is a great tool to sync your files from various computers (home or work), phones or whatever other electronic device. Dropbox will save all kinds of file formats, and yes, even Mac & PC, pdf, word, photos and video. According to the ad, it is backed up every night and you won't have to use a USB device or email your stuff to yourself again!”
Reviews Video Tour Download Dropbox Mobile Dropbox
Animoto.com Contributed by: Margaret Baker K-12 Librarian Coopersville Public Schools, Michigan Tom says, “A fun easy and fast way for students to create a video, with or without text, set to music. It's very helpful for students to have an e-mail account. Animoto offers an educator account for a teacher to provide 50 students with an all -access account.”
Reviews Sample Video Showcase Get Started
Wallwisher.com Contributed by: Karen Lemmons, High School Librarian Detroit Public Schools, Michigan Tom says, “A collaborative webbased tool useful to post notes; etc. I have used it for brainstorming.”
FAQs Demo Wall Build Your Own Wall
In our next newsletter, our question will focus on the librarian’s role in promoting transliteracy. Watch for our question posting via Twitter and email on February 16th.
ISTE SIGMS The Scanner Volume 2 Number 1