Mobile technology is something we all will have to embrace in the modern school library. I would be interested in discussing what we may need regarding technical support.
Libraries are hybrid spaces which should allow library users to engage in academic, cultural and social activities permissible within the perimeters of the educational environments. We should not be limiting users by our inabilities. Whether we like it or not the 21st century eccentricities are upon us!
Librarian's have a duty to increase their awareness in as many areas as possible, so that they can stimulate the thought processes of visitors to their library. They should also be humble enough to be open-minded in such a way that they can learn from others - including their pupils.
That is one of the reasons why I found Jason's talk so excellent. He made us aware of how precarious the position of MOTHER EARTH is, how her very survival - and therefore ours - is seriously threatened. Though the picture he presented was very bleak indeed, he also showed how there are natural solutions that we can use to change the scary situation we find ourselves living in.
One extra-ordinary thing he taught us was about the value of FLIES in solving many of our problems. Yes! The common FLY has an important place in the scheme of things. It lays its eggs and the larvae which hatch secrete an antibiotic which can be utilised. Jason referred to Napoleon's troops in his discovery of this interesting fact. His generals could not understand why the wounded soldiers that had had their wounds exposed to flies seemed to recover faster than those who had their wounds cleaned straight away.
He also explained how "FLY FARMS" can be used to replace fish meal as a food source for chickens etc.
It is so important to allow ourselves to be excited by discovery of new things. That is what keeps us delighted to be alive!
The conference sessions were really good, but I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the new technology and exciting thigs that can be done with learners. However my knowledge of how all this works is very limited. How can I get on board and get together with teacher librarians who feel the same?
Where do I begin???
I want to make ebooks with my learners using the ipads, but have to learn to do this myself with confidence. Is there a workshop where I can attend for a few sessions in order to learn this skill?
I want to learn all the new IT jargon.
