Final Vision Blog Post #1

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As we enter Phase 3 of LIBE 477, I am conflicted between two final vision projects:

      1- Makerspace: Creating a video for school community highlighting the importance of creating a    

               Makerspace within the learning commons.

            2- Creating a Learning Commons website.

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My first idea is to implement a makerspace within the learning commons. After emailing Aaron, he mentioned that just creating the space would be essentially Part 1 of the assignment. Once I created the space, he said that I would need to create a blog, website or video outlining the steps I took in creating the space as a way to support anyone else who would want to implement a makerspace within their library learning commons.

As I reflected on what he said, and reflected on what we learned through Phase 2 (importance of collaboration and communication), I thought about maybe taking a step back.  I thought that perhaps I should create a video for the parent community and staff that would highlight the benefits of implementing a makerspace within the learning commons. By creating this video, I feel I am including parents and staff into the decision of whether or not to create this space, and how it could be implemented if there is interest, rather than implementing it on my own.

I found this video that could be used as an inspiration.

As I continued to reflect, I began thinking about my second idea and how it would also be beneficial to my school community, especially in terms of communication.

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My second idea is to create a great library learning commons website that is of high quality. I feel this would be important as a way of keeping parents well-informed. Since September, I have had quite a few parents come into the library and ask questions about books, resources etc., that would benefit their child. Therefore, by creating a learning commons website, I feel I would be providing important information not only to parents, but to the students and staff of our school as well.

Some ideas I have for the website would be:

Home Page: Sharing the library learning commons vision and mission statement.

Books:

1-    Introduction to new books to the learning commons

2-    Book ideas for students (i.e. If you love Harry Potter you should try…),

3-    Books available for different reading levels.

4-    Book awards lists etc. …

Research tips:

1-    How to create a bibliography,

2-    Credible websites and databases etc.

Technology:  Showcasing apps and tools that are available to students and staff

Follett Destiny tutorials

1-    Video Tutorials on how to use the library system

a.     Log in

b.     Searching the database

c.     Placing holds

d.     Locating books within the learning commons

Collaborative tab: Where teachers can share ideas and/or suggestions

Teacher Blogs:  A page that links all blogs created by teachers at our school

Library Initiatives: A page that showcases school wide initiatives etc.

1-    Book tastings

2-    Book clubs

3-    Hour of Code etc….

Authors: A link to different author’s webpages

School Goal:

1-    Books and/or resources to support our social emotional goal.

As I am trying to decide which idea would best suit my needs as well as the school’s needs, I decided to create a chart where I can see the rational, benefits and questions I may for both project ideas.

While the list of benefits and advantages is not as extensive as it could be, it does give me a starting point to start thinking about which final vision project I would like to implement.

	Makerspace Informative Video	Learning Commons Website
Rationale	Provide information as to how one would go about creating a makerspace within the library learning commons by video and why such a space is important by providing the facts.	By creating a learning commons website, I am essentially creating a place for information and resources available to the school community.  I would be able to showcase everything the learning commons has to offer.
Benefits/ Advantages	Benefit of creating a video to highlight why a makerspace is important within the learning commons. After viewing the video, the school community would be able to really reflect on if such a space would work, and then it would allow everyone a voice in how we could implement it by working together (collaborative work), rather than designing the space or implementing the idea alone. Benefits of a Makerspace (to incorporate into video) Sparks creativity. Sparks critical thinking. Sparks interest. Students may even discover a new passion. Allows students to create with their hands (hands on activities). Allows students to “experience” rather than “read about.” Teaches problem-solving skills. Promotes collaborative work.	Parents/staff/ students can access information about what is happening and new in the library learning commons Highlights services and instruction offered in the library to support school goals. Accessible at any time. Improves communication. Can enhance the learning experience by giving students/staff/parents access to various resources. Highlights student work and projects. Community building.
Things to consider or question.	Am I knowledgeable enough in this area (makerspaces)? Am I tech-savvy enough to create an effective video of great quality? Do I have the right tools to create a video?	Will it be easy to maintain and do I have the time? How do I create a website that is interactive enough so that students/staff/parents get more out of it?

After taking a step back, and really looking at my chart, I feel at this point I am thinking I will go with creating a website…. 

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References

Bowie, L. (2017, May 12). 25 Reasons Why Library Makerspaces Are a Good Thing. Retrieved November 8, 2017, from http://ideas.demco.com/blog/makerspace-survey-contest-winner-announced/

The Benefits Of An Interactive Schools Website - CSI Web Agency. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9,

2017, from https://www.csimedia.net/blog/the-benefits-of-an-interactive-schools-website/

(2015, October 06). Retrieved November 10, 2017, from https://youtu.be/Sbj_FtEAEcc