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After graduation I want to stay in the education field. I plan on keeping my job as a librarian and I hope to receive a small raise since I will have my masters. Even with the same job, I would like to work in a little higher capacity eventually. Using the WorkMatrixTM I feel like I fell within the 1st and 3rd levels of service. Since I have been working in the library, I now have a better relationship now with most of the staff on our campus and I would like to use this connection to hold workshops offering teachers training on more ways they can incorporate technology into their instruction. Right now I do not have an aid to keep the library open when I am gone so I feel limited when I think of all the things I would like to accomplish in the future. After taking these classes though I feel as if I have the skills to help with designing instructional models to use in the classroom, especially in the area of science. I love working with technology and would also like to redesign our library website, making it user-friendly and as a way to communicate with students,parents, and faculty. One reason I love this job is the location-it is close to home, the salary here is higher than most other school districts in the area and from workshops and conferences I learn skills to help with my job and share with others.
I feel I have all of the skills and qualifications needed for this job. I have finished my library classes, passed the exam and have worked closely with the District Librarian the past two years. Even though the instruction was very beneficial, the hands on training at the same time helped to reinforce the lessons. I have really enjoyed the Educational Technology classes, they have given me examples of how to tie technology specifically into learning projects I can use with students in the library or share with teachers. Next semester I will be taking one extra ETEC class to fulfill the hours I need to graduate. In all of the educational technology classes I have learned so much to help me in the future.
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The Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), founded in 1981, is an international, not-for-profit, educational organization with the mission of advancing Information Technology in Education and E-Learning research, development, learning, and its practical application. The organization serves a variety of fields including researchers, developers, professors, trainers, administrators, directors, evaluators, graduate students, policy decision-makers, trainers, adult educators, practitioners, and other specialists in education, industry, and government with an interest in advancing knowledge and learning with Information Technology in Education and E-Learning. As a graduate student I would be eligible for a membership at half the price of a professional membership. The benefits from a AACE Student Membership includes a subscription to one AACE print Journal, full online access to all back issues of the Journal selected, online subscription to the AACE Journal (formerly Educational Technology Review), discount on AACE conference registrations and proceedings, discount subscriptions to additional AACE journals, full access to the Career Center and Job Board, and all the benefits of AACE Membership. All of these would give me an opportunity to participate in the organization, make connections with older members and learn of new advancements in the field. There are about five conference groups I saw associated with this organization. The one I thought looked most promising is called SITE. The Society of Information Technology and Teacher Education is a society of AACE. It is is an international association of individual teacher educators, and affiliated organizations of teacher educators in all disciplines, who are interested in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about the use of information technology in teacher education and faculty/staff development. They are holding a conference this year March 25 - 29 in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to past attendees, I would be introduced to learn and share innovative ideas about integrating technology for the classroom from USA and the international community. Insight on impacting on how to impact the teacher education program would also be provided.
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This last group is the one that sounded most interesting and would one that would fit what I am looking for in an organization. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK–12 and teacher education, according to the website. This group represents more than 100,000 education leaders and emerging leaders throughout the world and informs its members regarding educational issues of national and global scope. An affiliate of this group is TCEA which meets in Austin each spring. I have not had the opportunity to attend but would love to in the future. As a graduate student, the membership is $45 in ISTE which would give me access to following: Learning & Leading with Technology magazine (online), 30% ISTE books discount, 60% ISTE webinars discount, Access to NETS resources, Access to ISTE's member communities and special interest groups (SIGs) and ISTE annual conference and exposition registration discount. Their conference this year will be held in San Antonio,June 23 - 26. Those attending will be able to choose from hundreds of professional development sessions, try emerging ed-tech solutions, make connections with others in the field and collaborate with like-minded professionals. I have been a librarian for a few years now, but this organization would be helpful for young librarians or teachers who just starting to incorporporate technology into their instruction. They would learn from others that it is not just about the tool, but how to use that tool in instruction.
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Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) -http://goo.gl/xRgOr
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE) - http://www.aace.org/about.htm
International Society for Technology in Education - http://www.iste.org/about-iste
You are fortunate that you were able to be a librarian while going through the graduate degree program for library science. You were able to draw from experience and apply what you were learning through formal education to real-world applications and situations. I had to search for examples and answers by asking librarian-mentors and other staff in the district. You were also able to get informal training over the course of your studies by working with the district librarian. I am sure you are an asset to your school district. Thank you for letting me know about AECT. I had not heard of that professional organization. The benefit of joining as a graduate student and being part of the Graduate Student Assembly sounds very interesting. I plan to look into it this week as I have less than a week left as a graduate student. Good luck to you Debby!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see that you are enjoying in your job and you are combining your learning with your job. I read that you return to study here, I have to say that you are brave and intelligent. I understand that people cannot always stay at home, we have to go outside to see others, to learn new stuff, to feel changes. This is the day that changes are everywhere, we use e-mail instead of mails; we use e-college instead of going to college. It does convenient, but we still need to find a way to keep people connecting to each other. So, let us improve this e-world.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that you have about holding training sessions for staff at your school.
ReplyDeleteDeborah, I have to say that I am jealous! I applied for our library position last year but my district would only hire someone who was certified. Unfortunately at the time, I was not close enough to finishing my degree to get the job. However, the librarian they did hire is very tech savvy and sounds like what you are experiencing with your district librarian.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about ISTE! I also found that to be an intriguing choice and plan to look into it further! At least their conference is fairly close to home!
I love it that you are so excited and motivated in the job you have chosen. I believe that to be more valuable than any degree, although the degree is certainly an accomplishment. Best of luck to you as you learn and grow, and as you pass your knowledge on to your colleagues.
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