NEW YEAR!

My, it's been a l-o-n-g time since I posted to this blog!!!

I'm still learning and using new tech tools/sites. I really enjoy the 'Pinterest' site. It is online bulletin boards that you 'pin' items to. You need an account. [free] Then you can 'pin' items to your boards. Mine are 'books to read', 'Harry Potter', 'recipes', 'inspiration', 'projects', 'ideas to remember', and 'animals'. You can name them what you want. You can add what you want.

Anyway, I'm addicted to it. I still go to Face Book, but not as much! I like to keep up on the news (gossip). It is very interesting what members come up with on pinterest. I also find it an insight into what a person likes/dislikes by seeing what is pinned to their boards. Let me know if you pinterest so I can follow you!

My friend, Terri A., has started a blog. I haven't read it yet, tho. She needs to send me the address! (Get with it, Terri!) One of my favorite blogs is Backwoods Mom out of Alaska, at http://backwoodsmom.danoah.com. Check it out if you have a chance. I also have a personal blog at http://theresastidbits.blogspot.com. I also blog as the k-12 teacher librarian at 2 of my schools: Bronco Books at http://belmond-klemmelibrary.blogspot.com and Eagle Cries at http://wheaglecries.blogspot.com.

Best go for now,

Theresa Techie

Ebooks, etc

I've been doing some research into the possibility of ebooks, kindles/nooks, etc. in the school libraries I direct. Most of the other TL's and personnel at the AEA that I've talked to say to wait a bit and not rush into anything. I have also been looking at the 2 Iowa public library consortiums, NEIBORS and WILBORS for audio and ebook downloads. We would use NEIBORS on my side of the state. HOW IT WORKS: If a person has a valid library card to any of the NEIBORS public libraries, they can download audio/ebooks for free. There is a download app that is free and a free security upgrade to media player that is needed first. Then wa-la! you can read or listen on any of the multiple formats: computer, iPod, iPad, etc. Go to your local Iowa public library's website and see if they are a member. I don't know if other states have this, check your local public library. This offers a great opportunity for collaboration and communication between the school and public libraries. Both parties win - public libraries get more usage/patrons and the school library gets to offer a tool that is "free." We plan to have a public librarian at school registration days to complete/update library cards. What is your opinion about this? I'd enjoy your response! Thanks for taking this short tech walk with me.... Theresa Reiter K-12 Teacher Librarian

This and That

There seems to be more, newer, better technology tools to learn about! Sometimes it's a race just to keep up! I don't try. It's not that I don't care. I just want to stay aware of what's out there and then use the tools I want and work best for me.
My teacher tech workshops went OK. At least the first 2 topics did. The school decided not to compensate the teachers with TQC monies and only 4 showed up to the Glogster/Animoto workshop. I'd had over 20 at each of the first two workshops. I guess those that really wanted to know showed up. It's too bad some people have to be paid to learn something new!
What ever happened to learning for learning's sake?!? I've heard that when we learn something new we get a wrinkle in our brain. I want a really wrinkled brain!
I live in Iowa, USA, and our governor is panning a tight ship on monies to the schools for the next two years. It doesn't look good for small schools, schools with declining enrollment, or preschools. Quality education is so important! My only consolation is that MANY items and areas are facing the chopping block!
Well, so much for now.
Theresa, K-12 Teacher Librarian