Roberta Harris Teacher Librarian

 I have learned so much about digital technology and the benefits of integrating it's use into our everyday practice.  There are so many options and services available to us and we are able to communicate in endless ways worldwide!  It is like a magical journey! Although I thought of myself as pretty "technically savvy" I had no idea how many resources and applications existed.  Through our personal learning network I learned of even more fabulous ways to engage learners in my classroom and provide a well balanced learning and teaching experience.   With such a wide range of resources it was difficult to come to a decision about what my final vision project would be. As we read the book "Why School" (which ironically I had difficulty reading due to it being an e-book and I could not get a print copy) I realized I need to take the plunge and dedicate myself to become more of a 21st-century educator.   Richardson reminds us that "our kids and even w...

My vision is to change my practice to reflect a 21st-Century learning environment while at the same time learning how to communicate our learning to parents and the community.  With the restrictions of Covid-19 and during the current pandemic, parents have not been permitted to come into our school.   Having to turn parents away at the door and tell them they can't come in has been one of the most devastating duties I have ever had to perform.  Not being able to "physically" communicate to parents how students are doing has been a detriment to parent/teacher relationships and the ability to effectively communicate between home and school.  :(  As our class transforms into a 21st-century learning environment, we would like to share our learning.  While learning about digital resources I came across a digital portfolio resource called "freshgrade"   https://freshgrade.com/   which will be a perfect communication tool between parents, teach...

 As teacher librarians we have the world at our fingertips!  I have learned it is our duty to be with the times and current in order to effectively share the world with others.  Libraries are not only about books and research, libraries are a link to the outside world literally!  We can travel across the world with technology especially lately since we have been reduced to communicating digitally due to Covid-19.  My interest lies in becoming a 21st-Century educator.  This is not an easy feat.  There are many barriers like remoteness, lack of technology, skills, equipment and access to training and professional development.   Many of the barriers can be overcome with the use of technology, willingness and the desire to learn.  I have learned so much over the last term. Explore:  Areas I have explored include how to be a 21st-Century teacher, integrating STEM/STEAM into the classroom and the benefits of using digital technology to en...