All over the news the past week or so has been the vote on Net Neutrality. Net Neutrality forces Internet providers to treat all content on the web the same and not discriminate based on user, type, etc. It allows for an open playing field for all consumers and helps to prevent companies from profiting off of parts of the Internet they know are more lucrative.
The FCC recently voted to end net neutrality, which could have serious consequences for consumers. It is expected to be fought in court before it is actually repealed, but the idea that this is something that could happen is scary in 2017. Internet providers could decide that charging more to use Twitter can make them more money. Or if you want to stream a video from YouTube, it will cost you more. It takes away the regulations to keep the playing field even.
When this happened, my first thought went to how this vote could affect public schools and libraries when it comes to Internet. As I was searching through my Twitter feed, I came across this interesting and informative article and thought I would share.
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/12/13/570262813/how-a-deregulated-internet-could-hurt-america-s-classrooms
Everyone should be informed as to how ending net neutrality would affect them. It is important, regardless of your stance on the issue, to understand both sides. Do your research!
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Monday, December 4, 2017
It's "Hour of Code" Week!
Today marks the beginning of the "Hour of Code" week (December 4-10). “The 'Hour of Code™' is a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming."
At South Middle, our students will be participating in "Hour of Code" in a variety of ways. If they are taking a class with the Technology department, they will be doing an activity through hourofcode.org. Our library will also be hosting events during the lunch periods to allow students to code on the computers, iPads and also use a variety of coding robots we have (i.e. Dash and Dot, Sphero, Cubelets, Ozobots, MakeyMakey and more!).
You can also sign up for "Hour of Code" events at your local Apple store by click on this link...
https://www.apple.com/today/collection/hourofcode/
Please see Mrs. Graybosch with any questions you have and we look forward to seeing you in the library this week!!
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
A New Year Filled with New Ideas
As per usual, my blogging has gotten seriously behind and I regret that I am not using this tool to reflect and connect like I should be. The new school year has been somewhat chaotic (but in a good way) and things are just beginning to quiet down. Between 6th grade orientations, introducing Flipgrid and implementing Actively Learn, it has been quite a ride so far.
Over the summer, I explored Flipgrid as a tool to use with teachers and students. I quickly became interested in using this tool as often as I could and wanted to share it with all of the educators I work with. During team/department meetings in the beginning of the year, I did just that. I was able to share a code with all of them for a 45 day free trial and then used some of my library budget to purchase it for the entire school. So many teachers have been using it quite successfully and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
Our BCG group was able to convince the administration to purchase the online reading system, Actively Learn. Although it is a hefty investment, we really felt that it could be useful across curriculum and in almost all departments. For the past few weeks, I have been sharing information and training teachers to use this awesome tool. Actively Learn has been so supportive with all of our needs and questions throughout this process. I look forward to sharing more about the use throughout the school year.
Now...onto the new AASL 2017 Standards just released at the national conference. Although I was #NotAtAASL, I have been actively looking into just what this means for our library and how it will change the future of libraries in general. There are so many great resources out there to help promote and acknowledge the fact that having a fully staffed and funded library media center in each and every school is essential to student growth and success.
Over the summer, I explored Flipgrid as a tool to use with teachers and students. I quickly became interested in using this tool as often as I could and wanted to share it with all of the educators I work with. During team/department meetings in the beginning of the year, I did just that. I was able to share a code with all of them for a 45 day free trial and then used some of my library budget to purchase it for the entire school. So many teachers have been using it quite successfully and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
Our BCG group was able to convince the administration to purchase the online reading system, Actively Learn. Although it is a hefty investment, we really felt that it could be useful across curriculum and in almost all departments. For the past few weeks, I have been sharing information and training teachers to use this awesome tool. Actively Learn has been so supportive with all of our needs and questions throughout this process. I look forward to sharing more about the use throughout the school year.
Now...onto the new AASL 2017 Standards just released at the national conference. Although I was #NotAtAASL, I have been actively looking into just what this means for our library and how it will change the future of libraries in general. There are so many great resources out there to help promote and acknowledge the fact that having a fully staffed and funded library media center in each and every school is essential to student growth and success.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
School Library Month
It has been quite some time since I have written a new post. The fact that April is "School Library Month" has inspired me to get back into the swing of things with blogging.
Celebrating school libraries during this month has always been something that has been hard for me to do because, fortunately, my school always supports and encourages the library. Taking just one month out of the year does not do school libraries justice. We are the foundation for many changes and new ideas throughout the school year. Teachers and students rely on us to have information and give them materials that they can use efficiently and effectively.
Celebrating school libraries during this month has always been something that has been hard for me to do because, fortunately, my school always supports and encourages the library. Taking just one month out of the year does not do school libraries justice. We are the foundation for many changes and new ideas throughout the school year. Teachers and students rely on us to have information and give them materials that they can use efficiently and effectively.
The theme of this year's "School Library Month" rings true for so many of us. While we struggle to keep our libraries relevant and useful to our school community, we are always making sure to empower our students. Empower them to: read, check facts, feel comfortable and safe, and so much more. Libraries are, and always have been, more than just books. As a school library media specialist, my goal is to make the library a place for ALL and a place that students WANT to visit.
Although it's already April, I am going to let this new month with this great celebration empower me to get back into blogging, Twitter and more sharing of the great things that my library and all libraries are doing.
Happy School Library Month!!
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