(6 hours)
Well, this was the culminating task for me. I got to teach my Staff Development Unit, "Using Photo Story 3." This was really a fun time overall. I was kind of nervous because it was the first time that I would actually meet Dr. Downs in person. However, I did not believe any of the horror stories. :)
I had gone to EES the day before and done some site prep, including checking out the technology in the actual room I would be teaching in and getting copies made. I talked through how things would go with my cooperating Media Specialist as well. I was all set! The day of, things were crazy to say the least. I got there early to help out with story times in the Media Center. It was then that my cooperating Media Specialist told me that her grandfather had just passed away last night and she was leaving as soon as I was set up to teach. I was horrified - I was the reason that she was still at work! I told her that she did not have to stay, but she insisted.
Before I knew it, the clock had struck 12:00 and the time to present had come. Technology-wise, things went smoothly. Also, people asked legitimate questions and seemed genuinely interested in the program. Before I knew it, the clock had struck 12:45 and most of the participants had to leave. (Hind sight is always 20/20 about time management. We were so into the different facets of the program that time slipped away!) We kept trucking with the remaining participants still in tow. We ended about 1: 15 or so. Everyone was very excited about using Photo Story 3 and couldn't wait to get started on a story of their own. Feedback was all positive on the evaluations and I am excited about doing something like this again in the future.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Budget Increase Memo
Mr. F:
The media program of Effingham County High School exists to support, enrich, implement, and supplement the curriculum and educational programs of its school. As evidenced by our monthly report, the Media Center is a vital part of the activities here at ECHS. There are numerous meetings, presentations, and goings-on throughout the school day and the school year by a plethora of groups and individuals.
Our current budget of $23,043.84 was decreased by $460.88 due to budget cuts this past year. Not only did this prohibit us from buying additional needed equipment and supplies, it limited what we had intended to purchase from the designated budgeted funds. I am requesting that our budget be reinstated to its original allotment for the 2009 financial year, as well as be increased by an additional 15%. This additional $3,456.58 will be used to purchase a ceiling mount retractable projector screen and a mountable projector (as well as the mounting equipment) to aid with presentations, as well as a much needed laminator and its required glossy film.
In the month of September alone, there were over 15 meetings in the Media Center that required the use of a projector and screen. For each meeting, a staff member had to take time to make sure that a projector was available, set up the equipment before the meeting, and break down the equipment after the meeting was concluded. By purchasing a ceiling mount retractable projector screen and projector, we will be able to eliminate the hassle of reserving and setting up the equipment in advance. Also, our presentations will have a much more professional appearance. This will better represent our school, especially when college recruiters and members of other school districts are in attendance.
Due to the increased demand by teachers and students, our current laminator is simply not able to keep up with the every growing volume of items to be laminated. It is unreliable, and requires delicate handling when in use. The requested laminator is much more user friendly and will be able to better meet the space and productivity needs of our faculty and students.
Items to be purchased:
Epson® EX90 LCD Multimedia Projector [Office Depot] $ 899.99
Elite VMAX Series EZ Electric Projection Screen [Office Depot] 389.99
Atdec Universal Projector Ceiling Mount [Office Depot] 99.99
Bienfang MultiSeal thermal laminator [Gaylord] 1573.00
Laminate glossy film (per roll) [Gaylord] 180.00
Subtotal $3142.97
Tax (7%) 220.00
Approximate shipping 90.00
TOTAL $3452.97
By carefully considering which items to purchase with our additional funds and shopping around for the best price, we were able to find quality items at reasonable rates. The items to be purchased will help meet the needs of our educators and will be put to good use. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
jlg
The media program of Effingham County High School exists to support, enrich, implement, and supplement the curriculum and educational programs of its school. As evidenced by our monthly report, the Media Center is a vital part of the activities here at ECHS. There are numerous meetings, presentations, and goings-on throughout the school day and the school year by a plethora of groups and individuals.
Our current budget of $23,043.84 was decreased by $460.88 due to budget cuts this past year. Not only did this prohibit us from buying additional needed equipment and supplies, it limited what we had intended to purchase from the designated budgeted funds. I am requesting that our budget be reinstated to its original allotment for the 2009 financial year, as well as be increased by an additional 15%. This additional $3,456.58 will be used to purchase a ceiling mount retractable projector screen and a mountable projector (as well as the mounting equipment) to aid with presentations, as well as a much needed laminator and its required glossy film.
In the month of September alone, there were over 15 meetings in the Media Center that required the use of a projector and screen. For each meeting, a staff member had to take time to make sure that a projector was available, set up the equipment before the meeting, and break down the equipment after the meeting was concluded. By purchasing a ceiling mount retractable projector screen and projector, we will be able to eliminate the hassle of reserving and setting up the equipment in advance. Also, our presentations will have a much more professional appearance. This will better represent our school, especially when college recruiters and members of other school districts are in attendance.
Due to the increased demand by teachers and students, our current laminator is simply not able to keep up with the every growing volume of items to be laminated. It is unreliable, and requires delicate handling when in use. The requested laminator is much more user friendly and will be able to better meet the space and productivity needs of our faculty and students.
Items to be purchased:
Epson® EX90 LCD Multimedia Projector [Office Depot] $ 899.99
Elite VMAX Series EZ Electric Projection Screen [Office Depot] 389.99
Atdec Universal Projector Ceiling Mount [Office Depot] 99.99
Bienfang MultiSeal thermal laminator [Gaylord] 1573.00
Laminate glossy film (per roll) [Gaylord] 180.00
Subtotal $3142.97
Tax (7%) 220.00
Approximate shipping 90.00
TOTAL $3452.97
By carefully considering which items to purchase with our additional funds and shopping around for the best price, we were able to find quality items at reasonable rates. The items to be purchased will help meet the needs of our educators and will be put to good use. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
jlg
Survey Memo
Media and Technological Resources Survey
Mr. F:
A survey was presented to the faculty and staff of ECHS in reference to the available media and technological resources. Patrons were quick to respond and readily supplied honest answers, since the results were submitted anonymously. By assembling the compilation, we were able to shed light on several aspects of the Media Center. The survey can be viewed by clicking on the following link.
All of the participants responded that they have used media and technological resources provided by ECHS and that the school should be responsible for providing specific resources to the students. One hundred percent of those that responded said that students should have access to computers, printers, and word processing applications. Other resources that should be available (in priority order) were access to the Internet, copy machines, scanners, video cameras, overhead projectors, CD burners, zip drives, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, LCD screens, slide projectors, and access to specific databases.
Ninety percent of faculty surveyed always use media and technological resources at home, compared with seventy percent that sometimes use these resources in the Media Center. Fifty percent of participants often use them in a lab setting and ninety-five percent often use them in the classroom. These numbers directly correlate to the respondents using computers, the Internet, word processing, PowerPoint software, and LCD projectors at home and/or school to prepare for class. Also, most use these very same resources in the classroom on a regular basis. Some resources that are used in class by about twenty percent of the faculty are as follows: calculators, CD burners, zip drives, online databases, blogs, podcasting, user-specific programs [i.e. construction software, yearbook software, mathematical software, etc.], and scanners.
One hundred percent of participants rate computers as a vital technological resource. Other top responses included printers, scanners, mobile labs, presentation software, search engines, calculators, Interwrite boards, and projectors. Lastly, the survey showed that faculty prefer to reserve media equipment via the school network rather than the traditional way of signing up on a clipboard.
An action plan has been developed to address several of the media and technological issues revealed by the survey. This will better help us serve our patrons in the future. First of all, it is a top priority at ECHS to provide access to all media and technological resources necessary to supplement, enhance, and teach the required curriculum. By changing the way that the faculty can reserve the resources (i.e. the mobile computer lab, TV/DVD players, LCD projectors, etc), we can allow everyone to have the same opportunity to use those resources. It is especially difficult for teachers with no planning block, for example, to come to the media center to reserve resources. By making the sign-up accessible via the network drive, everyone has fair access.
In addition, the school has worked diligently to provide 21st Century classroom resources to as many classrooms as possible. This means that Interwrite boards, LCD projectors, and updated computers have been installed in about 70 percent of classrooms. For the remaining 30 percent, having access to these items via the Media Center is vital. By purchasing more LCD projectors and TV/DVD players, we can better serve our patrons.
Lastly, having a knowledgeable and friendly Media Center staff to answer questions about technological and media resources will help alleviate many of the frustrations experienced by the faculty on a regular basis. It is difficult enough to try to provide quality instruction to students and integrate technology on a regular basis. If that technology, which you so desperately wish to implement, proves difficult or near impossible to use, patrons become aggravated and are less likely to use that technology in the future. We believe that by providing the highest quality service available, we will be able to meet the most needs of all of our patrons.
Respectfully,
jlg
Mr. F:
A survey was presented to the faculty and staff of ECHS in reference to the available media and technological resources. Patrons were quick to respond and readily supplied honest answers, since the results were submitted anonymously. By assembling the compilation, we were able to shed light on several aspects of the Media Center. The survey can be viewed by clicking on the following link.
All of the participants responded that they have used media and technological resources provided by ECHS and that the school should be responsible for providing specific resources to the students. One hundred percent of those that responded said that students should have access to computers, printers, and word processing applications. Other resources that should be available (in priority order) were access to the Internet, copy machines, scanners, video cameras, overhead projectors, CD burners, zip drives, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, LCD screens, slide projectors, and access to specific databases.
Ninety percent of faculty surveyed always use media and technological resources at home, compared with seventy percent that sometimes use these resources in the Media Center. Fifty percent of participants often use them in a lab setting and ninety-five percent often use them in the classroom. These numbers directly correlate to the respondents using computers, the Internet, word processing, PowerPoint software, and LCD projectors at home and/or school to prepare for class. Also, most use these very same resources in the classroom on a regular basis. Some resources that are used in class by about twenty percent of the faculty are as follows: calculators, CD burners, zip drives, online databases, blogs, podcasting, user-specific programs [i.e. construction software, yearbook software, mathematical software, etc.], and scanners.
One hundred percent of participants rate computers as a vital technological resource. Other top responses included printers, scanners, mobile labs, presentation software, search engines, calculators, Interwrite boards, and projectors. Lastly, the survey showed that faculty prefer to reserve media equipment via the school network rather than the traditional way of signing up on a clipboard.
An action plan has been developed to address several of the media and technological issues revealed by the survey. This will better help us serve our patrons in the future. First of all, it is a top priority at ECHS to provide access to all media and technological resources necessary to supplement, enhance, and teach the required curriculum. By changing the way that the faculty can reserve the resources (i.e. the mobile computer lab, TV/DVD players, LCD projectors, etc), we can allow everyone to have the same opportunity to use those resources. It is especially difficult for teachers with no planning block, for example, to come to the media center to reserve resources. By making the sign-up accessible via the network drive, everyone has fair access.
In addition, the school has worked diligently to provide 21st Century classroom resources to as many classrooms as possible. This means that Interwrite boards, LCD projectors, and updated computers have been installed in about 70 percent of classrooms. For the remaining 30 percent, having access to these items via the Media Center is vital. By purchasing more LCD projectors and TV/DVD players, we can better serve our patrons.
Lastly, having a knowledgeable and friendly Media Center staff to answer questions about technological and media resources will help alleviate many of the frustrations experienced by the faculty on a regular basis. It is difficult enough to try to provide quality instruction to students and integrate technology on a regular basis. If that technology, which you so desperately wish to implement, proves difficult or near impossible to use, patrons become aggravated and are less likely to use that technology in the future. We believe that by providing the highest quality service available, we will be able to meet the most needs of all of our patrons.
Respectfully,
jlg
Saturday, October 25, 2008
ECHS - Weeding
(4 1/2 hours)
I can really say that I got down to the nitty-gritty today in the Media Center. I weeded the 300 section of the collection. Needless to say, there was lots of dust, dirt, grime, and an occasional bug (book mites?). My clothes were kind of nasty when I was finished. I started this task alone, after receiving instructions from one of the Media Specialists. I quickly realized that I needed a chair, book cart, and table. I ended up pulling close to 200 books out before someone else joined me. I used the guidelines the Media Specialist gave me: if it's old and outdated, damaged beyond repair, or no longer contains valid information - WEED IT! I tried to only keep the books from the late 1970s on, but some of them were historical accounts (that obviously won't be changing). There were several editions that I chuckled at when I looked through: "How to make money in today's market" from 1985; "Current jobs" from 1978; "The modern interpretation of sociology" from 1965; the list goes on and on. This was a worthy task, but in the future I should take note to tackle this with someone else by my side the entire time.
I can really say that I got down to the nitty-gritty today in the Media Center. I weeded the 300 section of the collection. Needless to say, there was lots of dust, dirt, grime, and an occasional bug (book mites?). My clothes were kind of nasty when I was finished. I started this task alone, after receiving instructions from one of the Media Specialists. I quickly realized that I needed a chair, book cart, and table. I ended up pulling close to 200 books out before someone else joined me. I used the guidelines the Media Specialist gave me: if it's old and outdated, damaged beyond repair, or no longer contains valid information - WEED IT! I tried to only keep the books from the late 1970s on, but some of them were historical accounts (that obviously won't be changing). There were several editions that I chuckled at when I looked through: "How to make money in today's market" from 1985; "Current jobs" from 1978; "The modern interpretation of sociology" from 1965; the list goes on and on. This was a worthy task, but in the future I should take note to tackle this with someone else by my side the entire time.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Monthly Report for Principal
News from your ECHS Media Center
Mr. F:
The Media Center is a central hub of communication, reading, and activities here at ECHS. In the month of September alone, there were several meetings that took place behind these doors. The work-based learning students met with Ms. L. to discuss how they have progressed in their different fields and gain an overview of how the semester should progress. Several collegiate recruiters have visited, including the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, and Armstrong Atlantic University, to speak with students who are interested in attending their respective institutions.
Tutoring and credit-recovery take place Monday-Thursday evenings with either the Graduation Coach or an Administrator for those students participating in these programs. In addition, detention is held here several days a week after school until 4:00 p.m. for those students who have had minor violations of the student handbook.
As well as serving these certain populations, ECHS teachers have met here with the Testing Coordinator to receive training on the implementation of the Georgia High School Writing Test. This training is mandatory and we are more than happy to open our doors and allow the teachers to use the facility for this purpose.
The computer tables in the Media Center and the computer lab adjacent to us have been booked solid at least 2-3 blocks each day since school opened. This is positive reinforcement that converting the room adjacent to the Media Center into a computer lab was a wise decision. The mobile lab has been staying out all day each day as well, and has not presented any technological issues thus far. Teacher feedback about the new way to reserve the computers is positive. They say that it is much more user-friendly and fair to those who do not have a planning period.
On a more exciting note, ECHS students are utilizing our services! There were over 300 items checked out in the month of September. There were 186 Fiction (58% usage) and 49 non-fiction (15% usage) books checked out. This number is especially high for the non-fiction category, since many projects and papers have yet to be assigned for the semester at this point in time. Our easy-fiction section even saw some usage from the patrons. Lastly, equipment (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, LCD projectors, etc.) accounted for almost 15% and DVDs/VHS tapes accounted for 10% of this usage.
In summary, the Media Center has been employed by many different groups for diverse reasons. As always, we are grateful for your continued support of our endeavors as we strive to serve such a wide range of individuals.
Respectfully,
jlg
Mr. F:
The Media Center is a central hub of communication, reading, and activities here at ECHS. In the month of September alone, there were several meetings that took place behind these doors. The work-based learning students met with Ms. L. to discuss how they have progressed in their different fields and gain an overview of how the semester should progress. Several collegiate recruiters have visited, including the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, and Armstrong Atlantic University, to speak with students who are interested in attending their respective institutions.
Tutoring and credit-recovery take place Monday-Thursday evenings with either the Graduation Coach or an Administrator for those students participating in these programs. In addition, detention is held here several days a week after school until 4:00 p.m. for those students who have had minor violations of the student handbook.
As well as serving these certain populations, ECHS teachers have met here with the Testing Coordinator to receive training on the implementation of the Georgia High School Writing Test. This training is mandatory and we are more than happy to open our doors and allow the teachers to use the facility for this purpose.
The computer tables in the Media Center and the computer lab adjacent to us have been booked solid at least 2-3 blocks each day since school opened. This is positive reinforcement that converting the room adjacent to the Media Center into a computer lab was a wise decision. The mobile lab has been staying out all day each day as well, and has not presented any technological issues thus far. Teacher feedback about the new way to reserve the computers is positive. They say that it is much more user-friendly and fair to those who do not have a planning period.
On a more exciting note, ECHS students are utilizing our services! There were over 300 items checked out in the month of September. There were 186 Fiction (58% usage) and 49 non-fiction (15% usage) books checked out. This number is especially high for the non-fiction category, since many projects and papers have yet to be assigned for the semester at this point in time. Our easy-fiction section even saw some usage from the patrons. Lastly, equipment (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, LCD projectors, etc.) accounted for almost 15% and DVDs/VHS tapes accounted for 10% of this usage.
In summary, the Media Center has been employed by many different groups for diverse reasons. As always, we are grateful for your continued support of our endeavors as we strive to serve such a wide range of individuals.
Respectfully,
jlg
Thursday, October 2, 2008
ECHS - Reports & Reference
(1 1/2 hours)
I worked with the LMS to run reports of circulation and other activities for the LMS. Since she had not used this function in a while, we learned the steps together. We ended up having to use the "HELP" function to find the correct tabs, but it was fairly simple to do after that. There was a lot of circulation of the technology resources, computer labs, fiction items and VHS/DVDs (as usual), as well as an unusually high circulation of non-fiction items. For this time of year, it is not as common to see non-fiction items checked out as many research projects have not been assigned and the school year is only in its second month. However, this was encouraging in that at least the collection is being used.
I also spent some time to evaluate the reference collection with the LMS. We ran a report of what was currently in the collection, then went through each set and evaluated it by age and usage. She had lots of valuable input and really helped me to see why we have what we have in the collection. On many of the items she even remembered who requested the original purchase of the item. Our LMS has been around for a while so she really knows her stuff! She is a vast well of knowledge and it was very enlightening to work her on this. She also had valuable input about what needed to be updated and added to the collection.
I worked with the LMS to run reports of circulation and other activities for the LMS. Since she had not used this function in a while, we learned the steps together. We ended up having to use the "HELP" function to find the correct tabs, but it was fairly simple to do after that. There was a lot of circulation of the technology resources, computer labs, fiction items and VHS/DVDs (as usual), as well as an unusually high circulation of non-fiction items. For this time of year, it is not as common to see non-fiction items checked out as many research projects have not been assigned and the school year is only in its second month. However, this was encouraging in that at least the collection is being used.
I also spent some time to evaluate the reference collection with the LMS. We ran a report of what was currently in the collection, then went through each set and evaluated it by age and usage. She had lots of valuable input and really helped me to see why we have what we have in the collection. On many of the items she even remembered who requested the original purchase of the item. Our LMS has been around for a while so she really knows her stuff! She is a vast well of knowledge and it was very enlightening to work her on this. She also had valuable input about what needed to be updated and added to the collection.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
ECMS - Daily Procedures/Inventory
(3 1/2 hours)
I participated more in the daily workings of the media center today. I started by checking the book return box and checking in the returned books. Once they were checked in, I took some time to shelve them and see how the media center is arranged. I really liked how well everything is labeled here. Since it is a middle school, the sections are very specific. I also was able to shelve some past issues of magazines that the media center subscribes to. This arrangement is very similar to how ECHS is arranged.
The OPAC is Infocentre for the entire county, which I had some experience using, so this was a great opportunity to be able to run some reports and view the book inventory. I took an inventory of one section of the media center. I compared a printed list with the books on the shelf, since the palm scanner will not hot-sync what is scanned with what is in the computer. This seems to be a common problem, as ECHS has had the same issues.
A good portion of the time today was spent checking out books to the various students who came by the media center. They all have a planner that has their identification information on it. This is scanned, then the book they wish to check out. They are only allowed to have out one book at a time the first nine weeks, so we had to question several students as to whether they had returned their book before selecting another. Check-out is a very simple procedure. Lastly, I spent time planning the implementation of the staff development lesson with the media specialist and discussing how the media center operates. This was a very productive visit.
I participated more in the daily workings of the media center today. I started by checking the book return box and checking in the returned books. Once they were checked in, I took some time to shelve them and see how the media center is arranged. I really liked how well everything is labeled here. Since it is a middle school, the sections are very specific. I also was able to shelve some past issues of magazines that the media center subscribes to. This arrangement is very similar to how ECHS is arranged.
The OPAC is Infocentre for the entire county, which I had some experience using, so this was a great opportunity to be able to run some reports and view the book inventory. I took an inventory of one section of the media center. I compared a printed list with the books on the shelf, since the palm scanner will not hot-sync what is scanned with what is in the computer. This seems to be a common problem, as ECHS has had the same issues.
A good portion of the time today was spent checking out books to the various students who came by the media center. They all have a planner that has their identification information on it. This is scanned, then the book they wish to check out. They are only allowed to have out one book at a time the first nine weeks, so we had to question several students as to whether they had returned their book before selecting another. Check-out is a very simple procedure. Lastly, I spent time planning the implementation of the staff development lesson with the media specialist and discussing how the media center operates. This was a very productive visit.
ECMS - County-wide Media Specialists Meeting
(3 hours)
I attended the county-wide media specialists meeting at the BOE. This was facilitated by the head information technologist for the county, who also oversees the media specialists. He covered many aspects of concern on the agenda, including the implementation of Media on Moodle (MOM), which houses resources and lessons available for use by anyone who has a system login. It was decided that we will not purchase another OPAC. Infocentre, our OPAC, will remain and will hopefully be made available online in the near future. Copyright concerns, SysAids (technology concerns of individuals submitted for help), disposal of surplus of resources, training and conferences including PLUs, blogging and podcasting were among the topics of discussion. This was a very beneficial meeting to be able to see the inner workings and concerns of media technology.
I attended the county-wide media specialists meeting at the BOE. This was facilitated by the head information technologist for the county, who also oversees the media specialists. He covered many aspects of concern on the agenda, including the implementation of Media on Moodle (MOM), which houses resources and lessons available for use by anyone who has a system login. It was decided that we will not purchase another OPAC. Infocentre, our OPAC, will remain and will hopefully be made available online in the near future. Copyright concerns, SysAids (technology concerns of individuals submitted for help), disposal of surplus of resources, training and conferences including PLUs, blogging and podcasting were among the topics of discussion. This was a very beneficial meeting to be able to see the inner workings and concerns of media technology.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
EES - Munis
(4 hours)
Munis is implemented each time the media center has to enter items it orders for use.I worked with the media specialist as she entered the budget items she had ordered for this school year. Munis is a tricky system if you don't use it very often and we had to call the BOE for a refresher on how a couple of things were supposed to be entered.
Munis is implemented each time the media center has to enter items it orders for use.I worked with the media specialist as she entered the budget items she had ordered for this school year. Munis is a tricky system if you don't use it very often and we had to call the BOE for a refresher on how a couple of things were supposed to be entered.
ECMS - Intro to the LMC
(2 hours)
I was introduced to the workings of the media center a the middle school. This involved visiting teachers who needed help with technology issues, viewing the collection, seeing where things are laminated and enlarged on the poster machine, seeing how class sets of books are checked out, and just about all the paper work that the media specialist goes through in a school year. This was a very informative session and the media specialist was extremely helpful to me and anyone else who came in.
I was introduced to the workings of the media center a the middle school. This involved visiting teachers who needed help with technology issues, viewing the collection, seeing where things are laminated and enlarged on the poster machine, seeing how class sets of books are checked out, and just about all the paper work that the media specialist goes through in a school year. This was a very informative session and the media specialist was extremely helpful to me and anyone else who came in.
EES - Videos
(6 hours)
The entire video/dvd collection was in shambles. I went through the entire collection item by item and re-shelved everything. Some items did not have labels, so they were set aside to be relabeled. Some items were not age-appropriate for elementary students, so they were weeded from the collection. Many items had just been stuck back on the shelves in random places by teachers. After doing this, I started checking each item off of a master list. I did not finish with this project in one day!
The entire video/dvd collection was in shambles. I went through the entire collection item by item and re-shelved everything. Some items did not have labels, so they were set aside to be relabeled. Some items were not age-appropriate for elementary students, so they were weeded from the collection. Many items had just been stuck back on the shelves in random places by teachers. After doing this, I started checking each item off of a master list. I did not finish with this project in one day!
EES - Cataloging
(6 hours)
Several items were donated to the media center, or the media specialist got them free from hosting a book fair and they had to be entered into the system. However, none of the information was in Infocentre. Therefore, I got to enter each item line by line. I used the Library of Congress database to help find some of the items. I entered over 30 videos/dvds, among other things. Books are definitely more complicated to enter! It took a while, but I finally got all of the items entered into the system.
Several items were donated to the media center, or the media specialist got them free from hosting a book fair and they had to be entered into the system. However, none of the information was in Infocentre. Therefore, I got to enter each item line by line. I used the Library of Congress database to help find some of the items. I entered over 30 videos/dvds, among other things. Books are definitely more complicated to enter! It took a while, but I finally got all of the items entered into the system.
EES - Accelerated Reader
(26 hours)
I added the AR information to the inside of over 1,000 books. This school got a new AR system this year and the entire collection had to be re-done. The media specialist printed the labels and I put them in the books, plus added a color-coded sticker to the outside of the book that tells the reading level. This was a very arduous task, but the results are well worth it!
I added the AR information to the inside of over 1,000 books. This school got a new AR system this year and the entire collection had to be re-done. The media specialist printed the labels and I put them in the books, plus added a color-coded sticker to the outside of the book that tells the reading level. This was a very arduous task, but the results are well worth it!
ECHS - Mobile Lab
(10 hours)
Our media center has a mobile lab of 28 laptops that teachers can check out for their classes to use. I have used this several times in my own classes, and assisted a couple of other teacher in using it as well. In my own class, we researched a famous mathematician, created a poster of the findings, and presented them to the rest of the class. The students really seemed to enjoy using this technology! In other classes, I helped the teachers set up the lab, familiarize the students with how to use the laptops and printer, and helped them trouble-shoot when something did not work as they had anticipated. One of the teachers emulated the project I had my students do. In addition, she used another project that I have done in the past and had her students create a career PowerPoint presentation to the rest of the class. It was fun to collaborate on these projects.
Our media center has a mobile lab of 28 laptops that teachers can check out for their classes to use. I have used this several times in my own classes, and assisted a couple of other teacher in using it as well. In my own class, we researched a famous mathematician, created a poster of the findings, and presented them to the rest of the class. The students really seemed to enjoy using this technology! In other classes, I helped the teachers set up the lab, familiarize the students with how to use the laptops and printer, and helped them trouble-shoot when something did not work as they had anticipated. One of the teachers emulated the project I had my students do. In addition, she used another project that I have done in the past and had her students create a career PowerPoint presentation to the rest of the class. It was fun to collaborate on these projects.
ECHS - Shelving Materials
(6 hours)
I wanted to make myself available to the media specialists so that I could log some hours. However, I did not anticipate that so much time could be spent shelving the materials that are returned to the media center. This job is mainly done by the media clerk, but the 2 media specialists help because they like to be familiar with the collection. I have shelved fiction, non-fiction, series, new additions, videos/dvds, periodicals, and resource materials. I can definitely say that I am much more familiar with what our media center houses now.
I wanted to make myself available to the media specialists so that I could log some hours. However, I did not anticipate that so much time could be spent shelving the materials that are returned to the media center. This job is mainly done by the media clerk, but the 2 media specialists help because they like to be familiar with the collection. I have shelved fiction, non-fiction, series, new additions, videos/dvds, periodicals, and resource materials. I can definitely say that I am much more familiar with what our media center houses now.
ECHS - Daily Procedures
(2 hours)
It is amazing what is expected of media specialists now-a-days. I spent some time "shadowing" the media specialists for several hours, observing the ins and outs of their jobs. They have to deal with students and other teachers constantly. Checking out resources, dealing with technology issues, shelving returned items, arranging for the use of the media center by entire classes of students, YOU NAME IT! The good thing is that they get to impact so many people at the school.
It is amazing what is expected of media specialists now-a-days. I spent some time "shadowing" the media specialists for several hours, observing the ins and outs of their jobs. They have to deal with students and other teachers constantly. Checking out resources, dealing with technology issues, shelving returned items, arranging for the use of the media center by entire classes of students, YOU NAME IT! The good thing is that they get to impact so many people at the school.
ECHS - OPAC
(3 hours)
The media center at ECHS uses InfoCentre as the OPAC. As a sort of crash course, I was introduced to the basic functions of this program, including how to catalog items, how items are checked out, how to run reports, how to search for items, etc. I know that it will take much more time to become "fluent" with this program. However, it is good to know what it is capable of. I actually got to run a few reports myself, namely ones that related to the usage of certain sections of the collection. It turns out that some of our mathematics resources haven't been checked out in years!
The media center at ECHS uses InfoCentre as the OPAC. As a sort of crash course, I was introduced to the basic functions of this program, including how to catalog items, how items are checked out, how to run reports, how to search for items, etc. I know that it will take much more time to become "fluent" with this program. However, it is good to know what it is capable of. I actually got to run a few reports myself, namely ones that related to the usage of certain sections of the collection. It turns out that some of our mathematics resources haven't been checked out in years!
ECHS - Periodicals
(1 hour)
I went through the periodicals (magazines) section of the collection today. All of these are located in their own separate room, in little caddies arranged by title. I shelved the ones that had been checked out and made sure that the ones that were there were in the correct caddy, arranged by date of publication.
I went through the periodicals (magazines) section of the collection today. All of these are located in their own separate room, in little caddies arranged by title. I shelved the ones that had been checked out and made sure that the ones that were there were in the correct caddy, arranged by date of publication.
ECHS - Collection
(11 1/2 hours)
Part of the job of the media specialists is the make sure that each section of the media center has the material it is supposed to have in it. As the year drags on, materials migrate out of their designated sections. I started in the fiction section and essentially checked, item by item, that everything was where it was supposed to be (i.e. correctly arranged by author, etc.). This was a tedious process that my pregnant belly inhibited the progress of, as it was not easy to check the bottom rows without sitting on the floor.
Part of the job of the media specialists is the make sure that each section of the media center has the material it is supposed to have in it. As the year drags on, materials migrate out of their designated sections. I started in the fiction section and essentially checked, item by item, that everything was where it was supposed to be (i.e. correctly arranged by author, etc.). This was a tedious process that my pregnant belly inhibited the progress of, as it was not easy to check the bottom rows without sitting on the floor.
ECHS - Assisted a class in the media center
(4 1/2 hours)
I assisted another teacher who had brought her class to the media center to do research for a project. The students needed help navigating to the different resources on the teacher's list of available resources, and some needed further help because they had chosen a difficult topic that they were unable to find many resources on.
I assisted another teacher who had brought her class to the media center to do research for a project. The students needed help navigating to the different resources on the teacher's list of available resources, and some needed further help because they had chosen a difficult topic that they were unable to find many resources on.
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