End of School year for 2016.

Just a quick post to wish you all a fantastic end of term break and to thank you all for your support during these last few weeks of term.

For those of you who are moving on, I wish you all the best wherever you may be next year - and everyone else - I'll see you back here next year!

Make sure you have a relaxing break and definitely spend time reading!!  It could be considered a matter of survival! 

Remember - Dinosaurs didn't read and now they're extinct! Coincidence - I think not!!

All jokes aside - have an awesome Christmas and we'll do it all over again next year.  

Hour of Code

The Hour of Code has come and gone this year with barely a notice - at least here anyway. But have a look at the link below.  It doesn't have to be run during the suggested time frame and maybe it is something that could be looked at for next year? 

http://slav.global2.vic.edu.au/2016/11/21/hour-of-code-coming-soon/#.WFHa29V94nQ

In the three years it has been running it has become a global movement reaching  tens of millions of students and spanning 180 countries.  As most of the jobs that will be available in the future are not even dreamed of now, just having the confidence to step into the arena will be a big part of gaining work. 

All of us are literally surrounded by gadgets, devices, gaming, social media and so the list continues. The Hour of Code is a creative activity that works to provide students with an opportunity to be more than an onlooker.  It takes some of the mystery out of digital tech and offers students a world of resources that they can revisit and explore at any time they like. 

What can you learn in just an hour?  You won't become an expert computer programmer in an hour - but you will have fun, learn to have a go - and realising that you CAN do this is a big part of it.

Research and Plagiarism Websites

A few websites that may be of some advantage to you all for next year:

https://library.acadiau.chttps://library.acadiau.ca/research/citation-
This site has some tutorials that could be helpful in explaining plagiarism to students along with searching skills.  Check out 'Search with Success', 'Credible Sources Count', 'Research it Right' and 'You quote it, you note it'.  It's Canadian rather than Australian but still good content.

http://schools.natlib.govt.nz/blogs/libraries-and-learning/15-03/spot-hoax-when-evaluating-web-content

 This site gives pointers on identifying whether or not a site may be a hoax and to what degree students believe that everything on the web is true.  Included are a number of hoax sites to help with evaluating content and some checklists to work though. 

I have used the Tree Octopus one but the rest are new to me.  It could make for an interesting lesson or two.  

Update on Project Loon

This is just a quick update on something I posted about quite a while back.  Lots more work has been done and it is now happening in the Southern Hemisphere.

Who would have thought of stringing a bunch of balloons along the edge of the stratosphere to provide internet to remote and rural areas?  Just shows that sometimes crazy ideas have something going for them.  

Steam Punk is not just a genre, it appears.

https://x.company/loon/journey/

Words

Words, Words and more words.  

I came across these while searching for something else - as you do, of course - and thought I'd share them with you.  Something a little more lighthearted at this time of term - but maybe could still be regarded as topical.  Year Twelves, anyone?

Utilitarianism:  a philosophy which believes that the greatest number happy = greatest good. Also regarded as the Greatest Happiness Principle which says that an action is right if it promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. Original version of 'majority rules' maybe?   

Sophophobia:    the fear of knowledge or of learning.  

Ultracrepidarian:   someone who gives an opinion on things that he/she knows nothing about.

Sesquipedalian:    given to using long words with lots of syllables.

Try putting these in a sentence!

Picture Book Month

November is my favourite Library month of the year!!  It's Picture Book Month!  For me, picture books are just magical.  So many stories, with all the beautiful illustrations that make the whole thing come to life - and all the layers within the stories and pictures.  

One of the 'Pookie' books

It really doesn't matter how old you get, you will always remember the picture books you grew up with.  I always remember reading 'Pookie, the Magic Rabbit' and the beautiful 'Serendipity' series.

'Circle' - Jeannie Baker

But now there are the gorgeous books written by Jeannie Baker - 'Window' and 'Where the forest meets the Sea' along with her latest one 'Circle'  She uses mixed media to create collages which she then photographs for the illustrations for her books. She covers a range of subjects in her books including environment and sustainability.  

Another beautiful gem is the book 'Desert Lake' which is about Lake Eyre, also known as  Kati-Thanda. Filled with lovely detailed illustrations with lots of little hidden details, it is a pleasure to browse through and just enjoy - but can also be used to talk about ecosystems and habitats - or artwork styles and methods.

And SO many others all waiting to be found, enjoyed and shared.  

Never underestimate the power of Picture Books - they are personal as well as universal. And they are very, very important - no matter how grown up you may think you are. You should never get so old that you don't read Picture books - that would just be too sad!

Weblinks on Digital Citzenship.

Would you call your students Digital Citizens?  Check out the weblink below and see what you think.  It's a possibility that even though they are constantly connected to technology, they don't actually have what it takes to be a digital citizen!

http://schools.natlib.govt.nz/blogs/libraries-and-learning/12-03/are-your-students-digital-citizens

As well, just as food for thought, I'm sharing these links that I came across that talk about Digital Citizenship including the 5 fluencies, Digital Etiquette and Digital Health and Well-Being.  Something to think about and maybe talk over with your students, especially the etiquette and the health and well-being ideas.

http://sbhera.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/the-five-fluencies-of-digital.html

http://sbhera.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/digital-health-and-wellbeing.html

http://sbhera.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/digital-etiquette.html

Have a wonderful day - and remember it''s Week 6 - only 4 more to go!

MindShift Weblinks - Teens and Technology

Below are a few weblinks taken from a blog site called MindShift, which deals with teaching and technology.  These were ones that caught my interest so I decided to share them with you.  I think that they are worth a read.

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/03/23/six-powerful-motivations-driving-social-learning-by-teens/

https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/02/08/how-has-google-affected-the-way-students-learn/

https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/03/06/turned-off-how-teens-respond-to-a-no-tech-challenge/

Have a great weekend.

Celebrating 30 years!

Tennant Creek High School is 30 years old today!!  

The time capsules from 10 years and 21 years have been dug up so as to be able to display their contents - and another one is being made ready for this celebration. There is a big display up in the PAC and posters of interviews with past students, along the lines of what they remember and where they are now.

The community has been invited in to help us enjoy the party and celebrate the history and we are looking forward to many more years to come.

Happy Birthday Tennant Creek High School! 

Google like a Genius

I am always amazed and fascinated by how students can sit in front of a computer to research information for their assignments, spend a whole lesson there and find absolutely nothing that they can use.  

Every so often I get a few who complain that "there's nothing there, Miss, I can't do this" and then look totally stunned when I find what they need in a few minutes ... and it isn't because I'm older and smarter than they are!  

I just know a few more tricks to use on Google to make it do what I want. (They do say that old age and cunning will always beat youth and skill)

So I have included a few links below with hints and tips for conning Google into providing what you need, when you need it.  While I am fairly sure that most of you already know these hints, it may be helpful to pass it onto your students ... after all, one less reason for not being able to complete something.  

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-35-best-google-search-tips-and-tricks/

http://epictutorials.com/top-10-google-search-tips/

http://visual.ly/10-tips-search-pro-using-google

And of course, there is always the tried and true Boolean searching method.  I have talked about that in a previous post, but it is always a good start.  

Curation Tools and Ideas

Curation - What the heck is that??  And doesn't curation therefore need a curator? Well, yes it does.

So ... following on down that path - what’s a curator? Not exactly what you might think.  In today's world, curation is no longer a job for tweedy professors, carefully arranging flint arrowheads by size.  Today, online curation is a matter of speedy, selective contextualising. It’s more than just collecting content, it’s a matter of giving the chosen content added meaning, along with a reason to have been selected in the first place.

Out of a fast-flowing river of news and information, "curators are the zen-like bears, sitting amid the chaos, selectively plucking out the juiciest, shiniest salmon and then explaining which bits to eat." (From Storyful.com)

Brought down to the shiniest brass tacks, curation is the collection, storing, sorting and dissemination of information.  You find it, you store it in a safe place (that you won't forget), you sort it into something suitable to use with your class and then you share it with them to use for their studies.  

Below are a few free on-line curation tools you may like to consider as a 'safe place' to store 'your stuff'.  Rather like a online version of a vertical file, for those of us who can remember back that far.  Have a look, see what you think.  

*  Clipix :    https://www.clipix.com

*  LiveBinders :    http://www.livebinders.com/

*  Scoop.it :   http://www.scoop.it/

TV4ED, LMS and Holiday break.

The new LMS system is running quite well - although keeping the student data up to date is an 'interesting' exercise. However, so far, we are on top of it and all is good.

The trial period for the new TV4ED plus has been extended, so I am hoping that you manage to get an hour or so to give it a whirl during the holidays - although I do realise that is probably a bit unfair - asking you to work on our last short break before Term 4.  
So, on that note - I'll just wish you a VERY relaxing, albeit very short break and hope you make the most of it doing as you wish.

Aside from that - just carry on being your awesome selves as always.

New LMS is Go Live!

Well, finally the day is here.  Our new Library Management system in the Northern Territory  is actually Go Live in the schools.

I have made my first student loan using the system and all worked as it should.  (Phew!)  We have a little bit of a work-around at the moment due to some student data - but it's not making much of a difference.

Now comes the real learning - as this becomes the everyday system.  It's a little sad after 20 years of using Virtua - but this system more aptly reflects the global aspect of libraries in today's world.

Trial Period for TV4ED

Well, this week sees us start a 2 week trial period on using the new version of TV4ED, with all it's bells and whistles.  Hopefully, it will save you all much valuable time and effort in searching for the right resources for your classes.  

I know it already saves me a massive amount of time - I don't have to tape the program, then re-tape it while cutting out the ads and then prepare the DVD case - while doing the rest of whatever I do as well.  I can't imagine not having it!

Please make the time to log on, search, add and just generally play with the system - and let us know what you think.  If anyone is interested, I can try and organise a Webinar training? If you have any questions, come and talk to me - I am still learning my way around the new version,  but I do at least have phone numbers to call and ask questions. Remember - it should be available on any device, any time, anywhere.  If you can access a browser, you should be able to access this system. 

I know some have been playing - I have seen new stuff added to the 'bookshelf'.  

Aside from that,  have an awesome weekend folks.

New Library Management System update

Well all our bibliographic data came across with just 1 error, which has now been fixed .. and they let me fix it!!  (I'm not too sure if it was because they really trusted me to do it - or they wanted to see just how badly I could stuff it up.)  All good though!

As predicted, there were problems with the transfer of the Patron data and very few of the students are on the system as yet.  I have added all staff myself but we are waiting on the upload of the students minimal information to allow them to borrow.  

Most of the schools are in the same boat - which from my point of view is a GOOD thing - because it means it wasn't something that I did - or didn't do - that slowed it all down.  
If all goes well, we could be operational by the beginning of next week.

Mrs Squires has also been added as an Admin user, so she will be able to use the Circulation section if I am not available.  Thank you Kirsteen for agreeing to do this.

If anyone has any queries about the new system, please don't hesitate to ask - hopefully I will have an answer for you.

Term 3 and a new LMS!

Welcome back to term 3 - week 1 done and dusted!  And it has been a pretty good week it seems.

The main highlight, if that's the right definition, has been the testing of our area of the new Library Management System (LMS).  

 There doesn't appear to be too many problems with how the data has come across - and the few errors we found have already been corrected as far as I can see.  
It is now down to the Patron data - and I can see us hitting the Go-Live date with all borrowers blocked.  However, I shouldn't think we will be alone in that situation.

Still more testing to happen next week and then we should get a good idea of where it all stands.  

Enjoy our last Public Holiday for the year along with the Desert Harmony Festival.  Check out the Multicultural Event on Sunday, with lots of performances and some awesome food - take Monday nice and cruisy and then back to normal Tuesday.  

Holiday Break coming up!!

Thank you for all your resource returns, and patience with my grouchiness. 

Next term will see a new Library Management System in operation, which should be miles better than our poor 20 year system that battles along with us every week - so the start back will be BUSY!

Enjoy a lovely, relaxing break - and don't forget to include LOADS of recreational reading.  It lowers the blood pressure, calms the mind - and, well it's just good for you.  Snuggle up with a blanket, hot chocolate and just forget about everything for a while.  The real world will come knocking on your door soon enough, so make the most of it.

See you all back next term

Something to ponder

Every so often the conversation about reading levels for students pops up again and whether or not this is a good way to teach children to read.  

My personal opinion is that - in an ideal world, which, of course we aren't - that being encouraged to read for pleasure, and reading things that interest them, is going to get them on board far more than trying to hit some target number of books.

However, check out the link below for more thoughts and opinions on the matter from people probably more qualified than myself.  

 https://theconversation.com/how-should-reading-be-taught-in-schools-61361

Australian Futures Project: My Big Idea

Through an email from another Librarian, I came across the 'My Big Idea' challenge - which is part of the Australian Futures project.  This is a nationwide ideas competition, which is focused on creating positive change for Australia - within our communities and with our hopes and ideals. 

Their hope is to foster a culture of ideas and action, build capability in the communities and to instil a sense of possibility for all Australians.

Is there something you - or your students - are passionate about?  And you think you know what it would take to make it awesome? 

Then check out the link below and get involved. 

https://australianfutures.org/my-big-idea/

Australian History as Fiction

Another new title for our shelves - this one is part of the My Australian Story series which are historical novels for older children.  Each book is written in the style of a fictional diary of a young person living during an important time period or an event that happened during Australian history.  

We already have a number on the shelves, dealing with subjects such as Ballarat goldfields, Bombing of Darwin, Cyclone Tracy and this new one is about the Snowy River Scheme.


Blurb:
Eva Fischer has moved to Cabramurra, the highest town in Australia. Eva feels on top of the world too. Surrounded by people of every nationality, Eva makes new friends and tries strange foreign food - such as pizza. Eva learns to ski and ride, and even learns that being half German isn't so bad after all. But all around her, momentous things are happening. The Snowy Mountains Scheme is underway, huge dams have been built, tunnels constructed, homes abandoned, people lost...

 They are a great series, well written and suck you into the story.  Well worth a read.

Another new title

Another resource gracing our display shelves at the moment which has been generating a lot of browsing time with the students, is a non-fiction title written in picture book style.  It is about the creatures who live in our Australian deserts and how they have adapted to survive comfortably in these temperatures.  (See the blurb below)

The author, a former teacher, has lived in the Arctic all her life - such a totally different lifestyle to what she is writing about here.  Her passion for nature inspired her to start writing nature books for young readers, which fuse gentle narratives with incredible facts about the natural world.

Travel to one of the hottest places in the world, and discover the amazing animals who call the desert home. Meet the unique creatures of the Australian desert, from the Sand Goanna and Red Kangaroo, and find out just how these incredible creatures have adapted to survive in temperatures as high as 40 degrees! Packed with fantastic illustrations which beautifully depict these animals and their desert habitat, this title will captivate, amaze and inform readers.