Lovin' Copyright

Copyright is one of those things we as educators wish that we could forget. Unfortunately, teaching students about copyright is critical, but more importantly we need to be good models. After leading some professional development on the topic of copyright and plagiarism today, I was inspired to put some of my ideas, along with the ideas of a few others, on "paper." This may seem odd, but to be honest I like talking about copyright. While I am sure that I have not always been the best steward of following copyright, I have always tried to educate and improve my own practice.

Today's session on copyright was brief but based on the reviews just enough to whet the appetites of teachers without being overwhelming. And at this time of year, that is critical. The pre-readings below were used in a workshop that was created by some others that I work with, and I definitely wanted to include them in this workshop as they were very thought provoking. Be sure to check out the articles:

Plagiarism in the Internet Age

Copyright 101

The first article really inspired my approach to today's workshop. As teachers, many of us have used those threats about copyright. Is this really a successful method? I don't think so, primarily because we only seem to make this an issue in regards to research papers. How many times have media coordinators witnessed teachers who assigned projects like slide shows or movies that did not require citations? Come research paper time there is a definite shift in attitude. No wonder students don't have a true understanding on the value of citing sources. What about teacher presentations? Those usually lack citations as well. The concerns of the teachers I worked with today varied. Some were unaware that they needed to cite Google Images (of course this also required the explanation that those images are not actually owned by Google) and others were concerned by the thought of having to cite all their resources. Some felt that this just prohibited them from doing their jobs and many more such concerns. Now, imagine how students feel....

I also introduced the group to Creative Commons. Throughout the day I only had two teachers who were familiar with Creative Commons. To give a brief overview of this approach to copyright I shared the video Wanna Work Together? So teachers could explore Creative Commons more at their leisure, I also provided a link to Steven Anderson's All About Creative Commons and Copyright LiveBinder. At this point, teachers were encouraged to license their own works and use those resources provided by Creative Commons. I also encouraged teachers to teach students to license their own work. After talking to my husband about my day, I decided that maybe lessons on copyright shouldn't start with that research paper. We need to approach it positively as suggested in the reading. The first lesson on copyright should take the original work of the student and walk them through the licensing process using Creative Commons. After that, students are more likely to understand why it is important to give credit where credit is due. Have a serious conversation about how it would make them feel if someone tried to take credit for their work. If you have your own personal story about someone stealing your work (which I do), share it. Students begin to understand the value of copyright more when they realize it can impact them and people they know. 

We also spent some time discussing citations. I don't know how the teachers in this school teach research, but I wanted to emphasize in this day and age, we don't have to teach students to write out citations. There are citation makers that take the guess work out of that process for students. Energy is better spent elsewhere. One of my favorite apps is the EasyBib app. It makes it so easy to just scan the ISBN and get the citation that can then be emailed to you. One of my former students liked the app so much that she went home and scanned books for fun (realize results may vary). 

Recently, my colleague, Jennifer LaGarde, shared this great video about the Google Research feature. Can I just say WOW!

I don't know that I would teach students to write their research papers from Google Docs in this way. However, I do think I would teach students to take notes using this feature. No matter how many times you tell students to record the citation information before taking notes, most don't do it. This just makes things frustrating for everyone. By using the Google Research tool, you can eliminate this problem.

Who knew I could write this much about copyright? I am not an expert, but I do feel passionately about this topic. I do believe that we need to empower students to understand copyright, and we need to be models of what we expect. If we don't take it seriously, how can we expect students to do so?

Creative Use for File Folders

This is a cross-posting from my Striving for Creativity blog where I post various creative projects, however I feel it has some uses in a school library as well (more on that later).

So, I go in phases with using Pinterest. Currently, I am in a Pinterest phase, and I am quite inspired to create. It all started when I finally found some fabric to make a valance for my office window. Let me be clear, I will not be making this valance. I am leaving that up to my mom, because I have no skills with a sewing machine. Regardless, it has inspired me to get back to sprucing up the office (a space I share with the cat).

This space is quite small, leaving little room for places to store stuff. I have found myself piling things up on my desk, because there is no space left to store folders. Finding this idea on Pinterest helped solve all my problems.

I created these hanging file folders for use in my office.

I followed directions 1 and 3 from the link provided above. After that point, I used a few modifications. First, I took paper and covered the original folder. Being unable to find folders in the colors I wanted, I just created my own. I did not glue my folders together. I just used the grommets to secure the folders together. I placed a grommet through the folders I was joining together and a grommet in the ribbon I was using. I then laced a different ribbon through all the grommets to allow the folders to hang.

I purchased the ribbon first, so it is really too dark for the paper that I chose. If I could go back, I would probably buy a lighter color ribbon or use a darker brown for the tops of the folders. I am trying to come up with a way to bring that darker brown into it with a little more significance to tie it all together. Not sure where that will lead.

Other than that, I love this method for opening up storage for important papers! As a school librarian, I had a very small media center with very little wall space to share resources with students. This would have been a great, attractive way to make that happen. Many locally owned scrapbook stores carry scrapbook paper that is printed with school mascots, names, etc. You could easily make a school themed file folder hanger to disseminate information to students (student assistant applications, monthly programming calendars and much more).

Peanut Butter Jelly Time

During my time as a language arts teacher, I hated to teach research. I felt like I was always trying to teach all the skills at the same time, and my students just were not connecting with the process. If I had known then how valuable a school library media coordinator could have been to this process, I might have been more effective. After becoming a media coordinator and adopting the Big 6 school-wide, I loved teaching research. It simplified the process for the students and myself.

The seventh grade really embraced the use of the Big 6, and we made sure to provide them with an overview  of the process at the beginning of the year. The lesson we used with this was based on a presentation I had done for Teaching Fellows with another teacher at my school. 

This lesson followed the steps of the Big 6 and revolved around the creation of a peanut butter sandwich. Students worked in groups of four to complete the process. 

Step One: Task Definition - For this step, we discussed that sometimes the task was defined by the teacher and sometimes students were able to develop this themselves. The task for students was to design a peanut butter sandwich (teacher defined).

Step Two: Information Seeking Strategies - At this point, we have a discussion about where students would normally get the information they need to complete the task. This includes looking up recipes on how to make a peanut butter sandwich and where to purchase materials. 

Step Three: Location and Access - Unfortunately, students cannot utilize their typical sources for making a sandwich (their kitchens, the grocery store), so at this point I pull my food cart out of storage. Here I have an abundance of materials to complete the task. This includes peanut butter (really sun butter due to possible allergies), chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, jelly, honey, cookie cutters (for presentation purposes), and much more. Students have to purchase these materials, so we have trivia time. Trivia questions are based on scenarios where the answers are similar to Big 6 steps (I wish I could have found the questions I used, but unfortunately, I was unable to locate them). For every correct answer (and some questions have multiple answers) groups are rewarded with vouchers.

Step Four: Information Seeking Strategies - Students gather their materials in preparation for Step Five. All items have a cost except for the peanut butter and bread.

Step Five: Synthesis - I usually introduce Steps 4 and 5 together. This is done so that students can make a plan for their sandwich prior to gathering their materials. This helps illustrate the point that the steps do not necessarily need to be completed in order. After the design, they go back to Step 4 and gather their materials. Then they go back to Step 5 to complete their creation.

Step Six: Evaluation - Students share their peanut butter sandwiches at this point. We talk about the design and whether they fulfilled the task. Some groups do not use the peanut butter on their sandwiches. For these groups, I focus on asking questions that help them see they did not complete the task as indicated as they were to make a peanut butter sandwich. This opens the door to a discussion about revisiting the earlier steps to ensure that you are on the right track. 

This has been one of my favorite lessons over time. When students go on to 8th grade and begin working on research, I often refer back to this activity to help refresh their memories. 

If you are not using a research model, I strongly encourage you to do so. It will better prepare students for completing research, and provide you with an avenue to help classroom teachers see how you can better help them navigate an often intimidating process. 

On The Outside Looking In

Last week I had the opportunity to visit my former media center, and I so loved the changes that have taken place. As I looked around, it was impossible not to say to myself, "Why didn't I think of that?" Certainly, we have all had that experience. We have worked to build a library program, but there is always room for improvement. We have our strengths, and we have our weaknesses. Sometimes it is difficult to admit to those weaknesses when we have invested our heart and soul, but we need to do so in order for our libraries to grow.

I am lucky that the new school library media coordinator at my former school is not only a respected colleague but a friend as well. After seeing her awhile back she sent me a great text to let me know that my leaving was not a divorce just that I traveled a lot. Wish I had kept that text to get the exact wording, but I had not thought to share that conversation and the one that ensued when it was initially written. After sifting through some older emails, I was able to find the email I sent her in response (a text did not give me enough characters). Here is what I had to say:

"Thank you for understanding my attachment to my former home. I look back on my baby, and value all the growth she has undergone in the last few years. However, I know she has lots of room to grow. She is an ever-changing organism. An organism that has caused me pain and suffering, but one that has brought me lots of joy over the years as well. She sometimes has unwelcome intruders, but just remember to stand strong in the face of adversity. You will be glad you did in the long run, but welcome those that will help make her stronger. I am trying to relinquish my attachment, and that is made easier because of you. It is no longer my library. It is yours to feed and nurture. You bring so many talents and strengths that she needs. Areas that I have sorely neglected. While I will be back to visit her, know that is not because I am checking on you. It is simply because I want to watch her grow past her infancy. I know that you are the perfect person to do this. I may have known before you even knew you wanted her.

I love you for respecting my attachment, and as you saw yesterday, I still get choked up when I talk about you taking over. That is not because I am sad that I am gone, but it is because I am so grateful to you."

It is important for us to take a closer look at our practices and day-to-day operations. Sometimes it is difficult due to the attachment we have. For some, it is hard to take criticism. I share this with you, because I want you take a second, third and fourth look at your media centers. What's missing? What can you do differently? Approach it like an outsider. You might be surprised at what you will find. If you are really brave, swap libraries with a trusted colleague for a day or two. Imagine the possibility of growth for you and your library.

**This post is dedicated to Natalie. A friend, a colleague, and most importantly a gardener for the library soul.

The Truth About Change

Change is often something to be embraced or dreaded, and it seems that people are often either for or against it. Two months ago, I would have claimed to have embraced change. In my former life as a middle school librarian, I loved change. I was always looking for ways to change or improve the media center and the services we provided to the school community. However, leaving my school and my four walls taught me what my husband already knew, I am not that comfortable with change. As I reflect on where I was then and where I am now, I have begun to see change a little differently. It is almost like there is a spectrum of change.  There is change, and then there is CHANGE!

For me, change within my comfort zone is easy. I enjoy it, it challenges me, and I thrive on it. Then there is change outside of one's comfort zone. For me, that was taking a new job. Within the first week and a half, I was in tears and wondering if I had made the worse decision of my life. Let's be honest, this was the first major change of my professional career. I had worked as a classroom teacher at the same school where I became media coordinator. Yea, it was change, but it was safe. I was able to grow in this position and take on many leadership roles, but I could always come back to my home base. Suddenly, I had stepped into a world unknown, a position that held endless possibilities, and I had this unknown feeling. I lacked confidence. For those who know me, I am very confident in my workplace abilities or at least I was. What happened? Transitioning to this new position was somewhat isolating. My new job involves some travel, but in the early stages it is all about taking in information. All of this from my new office, also known as the cat's room. Yep, I now work from home. I went from days when I never thought I could get five minutes alone to days where I only interact with the furry babies. From the moment my husband would walk in the door in the afternoons he was bombarded. He finally had to tell me that he just needed a few minutes of quiet time. That was his way of politely telling me to shut up! 

What I finally learned is that change takes time. I am adapting to this new world. It took some pep talks from my new coworker and friend, Jennifer LaGarde, along with some well-timed professional development. Right about the time I had my total meltdown, we had two professional development days. What I learned in those two days was not nearly as important to me as the time spent with coworkers. They provided inspiration just when I needed it. Right after that, I also got to spend some time with former colleagues and friends. Those two things combined really helped me get refocused. Now after a holiday and a little reflection, I am ready to go. I am inspired, energized, and ready to take on the world. 

One of the things I have missed most is blogging and tweeting. There is definitely been a downward spiral in those two activities since I left my school library. I just wasn't sure I still had anything to share. This, of course, goes back to my lack of confidence. Now, that all changes. I am back, so watch out as I bring you more media and technology adventures! I may have left my four walls, but now I have so much more to share from the world around me. Wishing you the best in 2013! Go forth and create your own CHANGE!

iPad Play Time

The addition of 42 new teacher iPads has really kept me busy this year. Between walking all of these teachers through the setup process and setting up their Apple TVs, I have been consumed with getting things off the ground. It has been great to see teachers get so excited about this new technology. This is especially true this year as all teachers delve into the new Common Core and Essential Standards and have an increased amount of stress. We have a core group of teachers who received iPads last year. These teachers along with myself and our principal are the go to group to help teachers as they learn more about using these devices in the classroom.

I developed an afternoon iPad Play Time to help teachers get more comfortable with their new iPads. About 15 teachers attended and it was so great to see their enthusiasm. With my principal's financial support, I was able to create a fun environment for teachers to learn. We provided large amounts of candy and offered door prizes. We gave away three $10 iTunes gift cards. There were multiple stations set-up for teachers that included directions on everything from creating folders, to using specific apps, or using QR Codes. While teachers used these, they spent more time just sharing apps or things they had already learned about their iPads.

If your school has iPads for every teacher, this is a great way to help them become more comfortable with a device. The teachers at my school were so excited and requested that we offer more iPad Play Time sessions. Another activity that will follow this is App Speed Dating. I look forward to seeing how teachers use iPads to enhance instruction in their classrooms.

A New Adventure

For the last 16 years I have been at Flat Rock Middle School as a student teacher, a classroom teacher and a media coordinator. To be honest, I thought I would spend my entire career with Henderson County Public Schools. In my district I have been provided so many opportunities to learn, grow and lead. However, I recognize that it is time for a new challenge. Now, I have to admit that while I embrace certain types of change, making this change fills me with sadness. Sadness because I will be leaving a place I consider my second home. Moving away from the comfort of my library is somewhat daunting, but I am looking forward to the future.

Starting November 29th I will start my new position with the NC Department of Public Instruction as the Region 8 Instructional Technology Consultant. I am excited about the opportunity to work with the media and technology professionals in western North Carolina and throughout the state. The best part is that I will be working with some wonderful people including, but not limited to, my library bestie, Jennifer LaGarde. 

I look forward to sharing my new adventures with you. Thank you for the support along the way.