MIND MAP FOR PLN (Personal Learning Network)

This was my first experience of using bubles.com and it was fun! Some parts presented a bit of a challenge but the penny has semi dropped from hearing somewhere in this subject, that all you need to be able to do is to fill in some forms. That has made me feel more confident about trying out new ideas and has helped me feel like I won't "break' something.

A very timely read for me was Ruth Buchanan's article in the latest SCAN - Developing a personal learning network. Having just read Jeff Utecht's blogpost about Stages of PLN adoption, I was still a bit blurry. Ruth's article really helped consolidate this concept.

After constructing my PLN, I realised that I am already using some tools and networks. This made me feel a lot more positive that I can master this and it also helped me realise how much value there is in adopting, developing and refining a workable PLN.

I would say that I am in Stage 2 - Evaluation. I recognise and acknowledge that some of the networks I am in are positive for my development both personally and professionally. The more I learn from the modules in this subject and professional interactions on Facebook and blogs, the more I realise that these are very valuable in my work. They are a form of professional development.

I still have gaps which I need to develop and refine. My working knowledge of RSS and del.icio.us is still very rudimentary, so I need to refine my skills with these as I believe that if were to be using these correctly they would add immensely to my knowledge base, personally and professionally.

REFERENCES

Buchanan, R. Developing a personal learning network (PLN). SCAN, 30 (4), November, 2011. 19-22.

Utecht, J. Stages of PLN adoption. The Thinking Stick, 3rd April, 2008.

OLJ TASK: Definition of an information professional in a Web 2.0 world

“I will not wait until something is perfect before I release it,and I’ll modify it based on user feedback” (Cohen, 2006).

This quote resonated with me because it has made me rethink HOW and WHY I need to alter my attitude and practice as a teacher librarian.

The essential knowledge that an information professional in a web 2.0 world needs to have is to understand the theory of how social networking is altering the way in which people search for knowledge and interaction. The next step requires the information professional to apply that concept to the services and resources that are being acquired in order to support the learning and recreational needs of the community at the point of need for that group. The theory then needs to be applied in practice by the librarian instigating change in library practice so that the library service remains current and relevant.

Essential skills which are needed are familiarisation and competence with current social networking technologies and the practical application of such skills to the library so that users are able to connect with library services in mobile settings and in social networking contexts that are meaningful for each user. As well as conceptual skills, the information professional needs to use professional judgement in deciding which tools should be chosen in order to deliver a service that will reach users effectively, equitably and provide a better service than was previously available.

Essential attributes include a willingness to embrace change, both philosophically and practically. It requires the information professional to be comfortable with more transparency and inclusiveness as users get to interact with evolving blogs, podcasts and other social networking technologies. It involves librarians truly being willing to share knowledge and resources and to communicate with users as to what they require to fulfil their learning and recreational needs.

“I will be willing to go where users are, both online and in physical spaces, to practice my profession”. (Cohen, 2006).

The challenge is there to embrace the changing world of information provision. In learning more about this through this subject, it is becoming clear that there is a future for libraries as long as they keep up with the times and move with current user trends.

REFERENCES

Cohen, L. (2006). A Librarian’s 2.0 Manifesto. Retrieved from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZblrRs3fkSU

Memorable quote

Original quote by Anthony Grafton - mentioned on Building Academic Library 2.0 You Tube video.

The real challenge now is how to chart the tectonic plates of information that are crashing into one another and then learn to navigate the new landscapes that are created.

This statement really resonates with me because the world of social media and what that implies for libraries has changed the landscape of what has been my understanding of libraries. It really does seem as huge as a tectonic plate to assimilate. Because it is so big, it has initially appeared daunting, but the more I read in this subject, the more understanding I acquire. I am now in the position of understanding that this change in communication has occurred and there is no going back. I am also in the position of not wanting things to stay the same and realise that the library I am in really must catch up or we well might perish - like the dinosaurs.

I still have a way to go to really get a workable grip on some tools like RSS, twitter and del.icio.us, but am really enjoying Facebook - both personally and professionally.

OLJ TASK : Building Academic Library 2.0

FIVE KEY PIECES OF ADVICE

1. Know your users - We really need to get to know our users as every school is unique and what works at one school may not be right at another.Find out what mobile devices are the most popular and most used amongst our student body and then work in partnership with the IT department to see if we can get our library information out to students using the technologies that are most appropriate.We also need to work out marketing strategies to reach students, staff and parents as some research is showing that students approach their parents first when faced with an assignment. Apart from utilising social networking technologies, library staff need to have a presence at parent information nights to market what we offer.

2. Go to where the users are - we need to embed what we are offering into the social spaces that they are using. Then, we can provide links to our website or blog so that the information they need is available immediately wherever they are. As above, we would need to collaborate with IT to get this started.

3. Be agile - We need to rethink patterns of behaviour and processes for change. Many suggestions can fall away because the procedures to implement change are so cumbersome and weighed down by committee approval that change can sometimes be too slow and the need has passed before action is taken. Our library needs to respond quickly to needs and we also need to have staff allowed time to do this.

4. Need to establish policies around social networking - Before jumping onto the social networking wagon we need to establish ground rules for interaction between staff and students. At the same time we need to be aware of not letting policy making extend so slowly that nothing appears to be happening at the forefront of the library. Policy would need to cover 'friending' and appropriate comment guidelines.

5. Develop a learning culture and risk-taking culture - this links in with the notion of building community and co-creation of content. As library staff we need to keep developing our own learning by acquiring any new skills needed to provide a quality service. We also need to allow staff and students to post developments and changes to add to the collective knowledge. Again, time, motivation and experience needs to built in to the day so that library information is up to date and relevant.

valuable web tools for teachers

This is from a post on Facebook INF506.

Excellent resources to try to develop blog.

http://primarytech.global2.vic.edu.au/web-2-0-tools-to-embed-on-your-blog/