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...

 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...

There are many different directions I could take in recommending or responding to our school's needs regarding information and communication technology (ICT).  Without speaking or collaborating with the staff(since it's Spring Break)  regarding this issue I will focus on what I think based on observation and past practice.   Our school has slowly become more and more technology savvy.  Almost all of the classrooms have Smartboards, computers in the classroom, access to laptops, Chromebooks and I-Pads.  Some of the classrooms use a program called Kurzweill to assist with reading and writing, intermediate students know how to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint to share their learning and children from kindergarten to grade 7 know how to access websites, games and computer programs.   Myself and some of the special education assistants are aware of and use a service called ARC BC where you can access training and the ability to download books and reso...