Module 3: OLJ#1, A – Z of Social Networking.
My work context/library is in the early stages(Infancy – Dempsey, 2009) of implementing Web 2.0 tools and developing a stronger Library 2.0 construct. In light of these early beginnings the following 5 letters have been selected as a focus for moving forward.
A – Active
School library teams need to be actively exploring, using and recommending appropriate Web 2.0 tools for teacher/student use across a range of learning contexts. Active marketing of social media is also needed to ensure growth and increase user-expertise. Teacher librarians and their team can facilitate the use of new technologies, assist teachers to grow their skills, see the possibilities for student learning and encourage them to incorporate SN tools as part of their PLN (Richardson and Mancebelli, 2011)
C – Content
Quality content targeting user need (Farkas, 2007), is important. Collaborative connections with teachers and students will ensure that content is tailored to needs, co-created where appropriate and regularly updated in order to connect with changing needs. Purposed conversations for tailored content enables knowledge creation pathways and development of critical thinking skills. People engage as creators, curators and consumers – 1:9:90 Rule (Nielson, 2010).
D – Direction
Vision for SN tool usage (Why and which way to go?) is required in order to plan and enact the process (How?). Understanding user needs and developing goals for tool and technology implementation and integration is essential. People, Objectives, Strategy and Technology (POST strategy – Li & Bernoff, 2008) are iterative considerations as is the need to develop ‘Responsible-use’ policies to cover issues relating to privacy and online safety.
O – Open-source
Open-source software considerations will be advantageous given current budget limitations (Farkas, 2007, p.242) that present as potential barrier to innovation. Moving away from a technological monoculture will expose students to a greater breadth of platforms and applications. It will also reflect the real-world scenarios that students will experience in the commercial technology world.
Z – Zeal
A degree of Zeal – enthusiasm and focused persistence – from Library team and school leadership is needed for social networking to become an effective and efficient platform for learning. Before progressing, the level of support for and acceptance of SN in the Library needs to be ascertained. Zeal is essential to create opportunities for staff and students to become familiar and confident in the potentialities of Library 2.0 ( See Casey & Savastinuk, 2007; Farkas, 2007, p.234) and to effectively promote them.
References:
Brown, A. (2010). A to Z of Social Networking for Libraries. Retrieved from http://socialnetworkinglibrarian.com/2010/01/22/a-to-z-of-social-networking-for-libraries/
Casey, M. E. & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Maintaining the momentum. In Library 2.0 : a guide to participatory library service (pp. 119-132). Medford, N.J. : Information Today, Inc.
Chapman, C. (2009). . Smashing Magazine, (13 July). Retrieved from http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/07/13/social-network-design-examples-and-best-practices/
Farkas, M. G. (2007). What will work @ your library. In Social software in libraries : building collaboration, communication, and community online (pp. 233-255). Medford, N.J. : Information Today, Inc.
Richardson, W. & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal Learning Networks – Using the Power of Connections to Transform Education. Bloomington: Solution Tree Press.
OLJ#2:Priority PLN
I have spent the last month developing a more consistent approach to my own Professional Learning Network (PLN). In undertaking my INF506 Project I engaged in more consistent and persistent use of Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Google Reader and Delicious. I am convinced of the potential of a PLN to be a tailored ‘me-specific’ Professional Development tool. It’s affordable, transportable, transferable and transformational!
I have become a more comfortable and confident participant and am seeing myself as someone who is developing more discerning thinking. I know that my own journey of becoming a contributor, conversationalist and creator (Bernoff, 2010) has been shaped by the cogent comment of other educators and I am increasingly challenging myself to sharpen my skills and have a go at new things. More than that, I am more confident in recommending to others this learning journey and helping them to engage in developing their own tailored PLN.
However, evaluating my stage equivalent using Utecht’s (2008) Stages of PLN adoption, I am mid-way Stage 3 (Know it all) and Stage 4 (Perspective) conscious that over-spending time ‘networking’ will increase the stress in my daily life and I long to reach Stage 5 – Balance. Routinely managing my PLN with strategic engagement and monitoring foci and benefit will assist me in continuing my PLN journey, equipping and motivating others in my TL role whilst ensuring that I stay ‘sane’!
The realisation that this PLN concept connects with the core tenets of my role as teacher-librarian is exciting! It will of course connect with the outcomes of my INF506 Project even in its embryonic form. I agree with Joyce Valenza in saying that there has never been a more exciting and challenging time to be an information professional and our students have never needed us more.
My Mindmap of my PLN – using SimpleMind application from my iPad.
References:
Henry, V. (2010). How to network and LIKE it: A 10 point plan. FUMSI, (February). Retrieved from http://web.fumsi.com/go/article/share/4472
Nielson, J. (2006, October 9). Participation inequality: Encouraging more users to contribute. Alertbox, October 9, 2006. Retrieved from : http://www.user.com/alertbox/participation_inequality.html
Nielson, L. (2008, 12 October) ’5 Things You Can Do to Begin Developing Your Personal Learning Network” Innovative Educator Blog.
Retrieved from:
Peckham, S. (2009). Networking: Overcoming your hesitation. FUMSI, November. Retrieved from http://web.fumsi.com/go/article/share/433
Resourcelink, (September, 21, 2011). How Social Media can Enhance Schools as Professional Learning Communities. Blog accessed at: http://resourcelinkbce.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/how-social-media-can-enhance-schools-as-professional-learning-communities/
Richardson, W. & Mancebelli, R., (2011). Personal Learning Networks – Using the Power of Connections to Transform Education. Bloomington: Solution Tree Press.
Sheninger, E. (2010, August, 23). A PLN Quick Start Guide. Retrieved September 12, 2011 from: http://esheninger.blogspot.com/2010/08/pln-quick-start-guide.html
Utecht, J. (2008, 7 January 2011). Stages of PLN Adoption. http://www.thethinkingstick.com/stages-of-pln-adoption.
