CONSIDERING COLLABORATION...

As a new teacher librarian, I don’t yet feel that I am a true leader in new skill development or new strategies and technologies. I am, however, feeling more confident at collaborating, and locating new resources and programs or apps which teachers and students can make use of. The learning curve in this position is pretty steep having come from a different specialty. Many of my colleagues still see me in my former role, and are just now starting to ask for help with resources, technology or collaborative teaching opportunities. A monthly collaboration newsflash reaches out to my staff in this area. I feel that with this newsflash, I am connecting my staff with each other (another collaborative process) as well as with the learning commons and teacher librarian. These newsflashes will eventually include links to shared documents and websites.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pcjfgsks12aepn6/CONSIDERING%20COLLABORATION%20newsflash.pdf?dl=0
Using a similar template, I am working on a new resources newsflash which will inform the staff of new print material that has been added to our collection as well as any new apps that have been added to our iPads or programs on our laptops and computers. Next fall, I am planning a Tech Talk Tuesday luncheon once a month, where I will ask teachers to share their expertise on a specific program, presentation method or web-based activity. There are already many staff members who are strong in certain areas that others would like to learn. For example, there are a few teachers who use Minecraft and others are eager to learn how to make use of this program.
Teachers are also interested in new platforms for students to share their learning. I have created a Powtoon which demonstrates many easily learned processes in creating this presentation.
A Growth Mindset for OES Learning Commons
Many teachers find it difficult to make connections with their learning challenged students, so I would include a session where we could share this type of article, small groups of teachers exploring each app, and presenting their findings to the larger group.
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/apps-support-diverse-learners-classroom-chester-goad 
For those who are looking for professional reading, our teacher resource room contains some materials, and our administration is very good at purchasing excellent resources for teachers. We have a learning commons resource request form (soon to be included on Office 365 resources) that teachers can use to request for purchase. At each teacher meeting, I have an allotted time which I make a brief comment. I call it ‘Beefs and Bouquets’. I share my ‘Beefs’ or concerns regarding the use of the learning commons space and/or resources. I also share ‘Bouquets’ like new resources, technology breakthroughs or collaboration successes!
RESOURCES CITED: Goad, C. Apps to Support Diverse Learners in the Classroom. Edutopia. (October 2015) retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/apps-support-diverse-learners-classroom-chester-goad
Image: Pixabay