Keeping up with computers

     Well, the title really should read keeping up with technology, digital literacy, networking tools, apps, software, personalized learning etc., but who doesn't love a good alliteration. As Teacher Librarian positions become fewer and fewer, the importance of digital literacy is becoming increasingly more significant, leading to an obvious niche that TL's can fill and use to promote and advocate the importance of their role in schools today. We have always been literacy specialists, we just now need to broaden our definition of literate! But in a world where the development of technology is so exponential as to be outdated or replaced shortly after creation, professional development takes on a whole new meaning.
     In most districts there are some fabulous workshops available. From use of ipads and smartboards, to open sandbox type meetings where any topic can be discussed, I always try to ensure I use my professional days to learn something new or hear someone speak I haven't heard before. Some great resources for finding these workshops are your local district's website, the BC Teacher Librarian's Association (http://www.bctf.ca/bctla/info/pro-dev.html) or the BCTF's Professional Development website (https://www.bctf.ca/ProfessionalDevelopment.aspx).
Here in Vancouver, we always have several update sessions and Winter Tonics, which are hosted by TL's within the district with workshops from colleagues, local bookstores, speakers or language specialists. It's a great time to connect with one another and learn something at the same time. It's often difficult to schedule these kinds of events in, but in order to stay current and relevant I believe it's critical.
      We all, as teachers, take time on our professional days to seek out the latest workshop, collaborate with colleagues and attend speakers to improve on our skill and qualifications. But are 5 days a year enough to maintain our professional skills? I would argue, particularly for TL's not. One of my goals this year is to better connect with professional journals, networks and prominent figures in the field via social networking and blogs. For example during research recently I just discovered "The Digital Shift," sponsored by the Library Journal and School Library Journal. Subscribing to one of their blogs such as "Cool Tools by Richard Byrne", or following them on twitter (https://twitter.com/ShiftTheDigital) would be an easy way to have great ideas or news stories land in your lap, without the hassle of scheduling, researching or setting aside large chunks of time for reading professional books.
     Lastly I don't think we can emphasize enough the importance of colleagues in our development as teachers and technology specialists. Will Richardson touches on this in his first of six points on unlearning/relearning ideas (coincidence, or actually THAT important? ;). He states,  "we can raise the teaching profession by sharing what works, by taking the best of what we do and hanging it on the virtual wall." I've been lucky enough to have 2 great Teacher-Librarian mentors who have guided me through not 1 but 5 different library jobs. With their help, I've not only learned what successful libraries look like (by visiting theirs and vice versa) but have discovered some amazing programs, apps and how best to incorporate technology into my school programs. After three years, I'm noticing the relationship becoming a bit more reciprocal, as I learn I pass ideas along to them and we've created a growing network of learning and teaching.
The KEY to being educated is to keep educating yourself!

  Photo courtesy of http://algetler.com/ways-to-be-a-lifelong-learner/

References

Richardson, W. (2012). Why school how education must change when learning and information are everywhere / Will Richardson. New York, NY: TED Conferences.