Vision Rationale

Throughout this course and the LIBE diploma program in general, I've learned how the roles of Teacher Librarians are changing. Rather than just curators of of books and curricular resources, we must now be leaders in digital literacies, proficient models of ICT incorporation and professional resources and assets to our colleagues.

As mentioned in previous blogs, one thing that has struck me through this course is the importance of establishing and nurturing a personal learning network. This is what lead me to the subject of my vision project, a digital professional resource for my colleagues at school, with the hopes of it becoming more widespread to other TL's in my district.

In the article "Personal Learning Networks for Educators: 10 Tips," Dr. Mark Wagner points out that,

"If you’ve made connections, offered contributions, and cultivated relationships over time… then when you make requests, they are more likely to fall on fertile soil. In circles of educators who connect online, making a request is acceptable and welcome. You’ll find that you’ll receive much higher quality answers and support by asking your network, than you will by simply searching online."

PLN's by nature are reciprocal, so this project is one way I can begin to share my own learning that I've received from others. It can also help highlight to my colleagues the importance of being mindful of their own PLN's and how they can improve and share their resources as well.

It will also meet my goal of incorporating more ICT into my own practice and the practice of our school as a whole. With Digital Literacy Standards very near on the horizon, it's time we stop treating "computers" as a stand alone subject and begin to incorporate meaningful technology into our regular practice. For my vision project, having posts on new tools and digital resources will motivate me to continually try new things and pass on successful experiences to my peers.

Lastly, I think this resource will also help facilitate my desire to become more connected to my colleagues and their personal goals as well as our school goals. We've had a very strong focus on inquiry learning this year and by creating a professional community space, I'll be able to find resources and activities that are inquiry based that will meet the needs of my colleagues as well as show the value of the Teacher-Librarian in 21st century learning.

My hopes for this vision project is to initially target my school and perhaps some former colleagues, but eventually if shared on our list serve it could serve as a resource for other TL's in the district, or even inspire them to create their own!

              photo courtesy of http://teachingclara.blogspot.ca/2012/11/plns-and-ples.html

References:

BC Ministry of Education Digital Literacy Standards

http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/06/simple-comprehensive-guide-on-use-of.html

http://gettingsmart.com/2012/01/personal-learning-networks-for-educators-10-tips/