Learning Spaces

What I Already Have
This is my third year teaching in the school I am currently at and each year I move, remove or add items to make my library more user friendly, comfortable and spacious. Over the last three years I've rearranged floating shelves, rearranged tables and chairs, added items to my walls, and moved seating and carpets. As I was reading the articles for this week, I was reflecting on what I currently have in the library. Reading the article from USC Rossier Online titled The Science of Classroom Design I realized my space is already conducive to learning. For example, my walls are blue which makes one feel comfort and secure, according to the author. Personally, I don't have clutter, so my walls are mostly bare. The infographic states, "keep 20-50% of wall space clear to optimize student learning." This is not an issue in the media center. Lastly, I am blessed with an abundance of windows that let in natural light, which the infographic states can increase math and reading scores. I typically keep the blinds shut due to the glare on my Promethean board, but with the shear number of windows I have, plenty of natural light still seeps in. A teacher once told me florescent lights can cause students with attention problems to be overstimulated so ever since then I only turn on half my lights.

Only about half the windows I currently have - most now open accepting light

Two areas for technology work or for looking up a book

Expectations are posted for all to see

This make-shift bulletin board is for students to write book suggestions

Extra seating areas for quiet reading or partner work

As students walk in, the area is free of clutter and free of floating shelves

Open area where Kindergarten through 2nd grade sit.

The tables and chairs are arranged to encourage working as a team

What I Can Change
Since I have such an open area, there is not many ways I can change the arrangement. For instance, I already have particular areas for computer and partner work. Students are allowed to work anywhere in the media center on their projects, giving them lots of space to spread out. When working as a class, I have tables that provide a more intimate setting then personal desks. With my younger students, they have plenty of space to sit on the carpet and listen to me read a book. My students are also lucky to have comfy chairs to sit on while reading a book or working with a partner. The one change I did make was adding my bean bags. Typically, these are given out as "rewards" to students who are listening and following directions, but after reading the articles for this week, I realize the importance of leaving the bean bags out for anyone to use at anytime. Another idea that was sparked by this week's readings was making my MakerSpace less crowded. Today's assignment prompted me to move out a book cart I had placed in the area so that students had more room to make and take.

 Bean bags were added for more seating options

 I created more space for students to work on their MakerSpace projects

My "stuff" organized and out of the way

What I Would Like to Change

Having $1,000 to change the look for a classroom or library would be a teacher's dream! Right away, a feel ideas came to mind when listening to Rebecca Hare and Robert Dillion talk. First, I would love to add more color to the walls and shelves. Though blue is a nice color, I feel the space would feel more student friendly with bright colors. For example, being able to color the shelves of fiction, nonfiction and Easy books would really help students know where to find books. 

Source: http://www.wbur.org/artery/2015/02/21/boston-library-renovation

Keeping themselves out of trouble while waiting for classmates to check out is a problem my students constantly struggle with. To aid in this, I would add areas that allow students to practice their STEM skills in the open areas of my library.

Source: http://vanmeterlibraryvoice.blogspot.be/2016/03/community-coloringits-all-rage-in.html

Source: http://orchardschoollibrary.weebly.com/library-makerspace.html

I would love to add some flexible seating in the open spaces on the sides of my shelves. Students are needing other areas to read or work with their devices. This is a picture of fun colored seating area that could double as a work area or reading area.

Source: http://ideas.demco.com/trends-topics/spaces/space-design/

Source: http://www.designshare.com/index.php/projects/ps1-bergen-library/images

The last idea is to change the lighting and add in some plants. Since I already have lots of natural light, I don't need huge fluorescent lights. How great would it be to dim the lights a little instead of having it constantly glare in my student's faces? Being able to shut a few lights off at a time would also increase student concentration.

Source: http://www.slj.com/2011/04/industry-news/divine-design-how-to-create-the-21st-century-school-library-of-your-dreams/

Closing Thoughts

In the end, my ideas might add up to be more than $1,000 but from the articles I read I do believe these would be important changes to make some day. The information in this unit really got me thinking about what it is that I could change to increase learning and make my students feel more comfortable. After reading the articles, what did you read or hear that really stuck out to you and made an impression on you?

References:

Shareski, D. (2017, March 07). A Conversation about Learning Spaces. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6jYMf3BSV0

The Science of Classroom Design [Infographic]. (2015, October 05). Retrieved March 29, 2017, from https://rossieronline.usc.edu/science-of-classroom-design-infographic/

Changing Role of Libraries

The purpose and look of libraries are changing to meet the needs of today's world. Instead of entering a Library to quietly find a book, quietly read it, then return it, libraries are now becoming a hub for hands-on make and take learning, which is being steered by the Maker Movement. For example, in my Library I have Legos, building blocks, Ozobot robots, squishy figures, iPads, computers, duct tape, cardboard pieces, toilet paper rolls, oh and of course books!! This school year I began my Makerspace journey by reading articles and going with my instincts. Due to the limited amount of time I have with my students, I am slowly rolling out different ideas. Next year, I hope to provide my students with more making opportunities before and after school.

To aid in my journey, I read articles relating to the Maker Movement to see how other libraries are structuring their space as well as finding items for making. Flipboard is a great way to curate all these reliable sources into one easily accessible place. This is where I created a Tips for Education magazine as well as an Educational Articles magazine. For me to process information and easily find articles later, I place articles in separate magazines. In the future, I hope to add a MakerSpace Tools magazine where I can drop websites that have ideas for various technology tools.

View my Flipboard Magazine.
View my Flipboard Magazine.

Commenting, easy flipping, and overall layout are three reasons why I chose Flipboard. Adding an article to my magazine just takes two clicks. The layout does not overwhelm me but instead makes browsing for articles a breeze. Though I have not yet tried the commenting feature, I do find it intriguing I can leave my two cents. In addition, sending an article to a friend who does not have Flipboard is extremely easy if you know their email address. This makes sharing what I find with other Technology Integrationists doable. Even though I found some great people to follow on Flipboard, sticking to Flipboard itself was not ideal for me. There are articles I have already saved outside of Flipboard, adding the Flipboard Chrome extension was the next logical step.

I look forward to curating a magazine full of tips and information related to growing my MakerSpace. Instead of just book marking them in Chrome then sifting through the bookmarks, I can log on Flipboard and view in block format what I have found.

In your school, is there a designated space for making? If so, how often are your students entering this room? I have decided my students find the making process relaxing and exciting at the same time. It provides them with the opportunity to think and process with their hands, experiment with various ideas, socialize, and feed off other's ideas to create their own take. These opportunities are not typically allowed or flourished within the usual confines of a classroom. Below are pictures of a 4th grade class taking time to build with tools and experiment with robotics.

Tech Tool Tuesday - Blendspace

If you were unable to attend the Tech Tool Tuesday on the 21st, here is a quick overview of the tool Blendspace.
Essentially, Blendspace is a place to curate all the items you need for teaching about a particular unit. You can include pictures, video, quizzes, documents, web links, PDF's and so much more. What makes this a wonderful tool is that little effort is needed adding content as it's very user friendly. Another great aspect is that when students are completing their work, everything they need is in one place; there is no flipping between websites.

As you can see in this screen shot below, the user can add content to each block by simply clicking in the box or dragging and dropping content. On the far right side you can see all the platforms compatible with Blendspace allowing you to bring in content. 

When you are ready to share your content, just hit the share button and there you will find a link or embed codes for various social media sites. You can even change the privacy settings so only people with the link can view your content. If you and a fellow teammate are using the same board, you can add your teammate as a collaborate so two or more people can add content.

If you need help using Blendspace please let me know as I am happy to help! If you do end up using this site, please send me how you used it!

Happy curating!

Two Articles on iPads and Young Children

I recently read two articles with varying titles. The first title claims iPads and smartphones are hurtful to toddlers. The second title claims no research has yet claimed devices are hurtful to toddlers. You would think with these two varying degrees of titles the information presented would be completely contradictory, but I have come to a different conclusion. Read the two articles, then see if you agree with my statements below. 
- Amanda

Washington Post Article

In the 2015 article from Washington Post entitled Researchers: Using an iPad or smartphone can harm a toddler's learning and social skills it called out the need for parents to be aware of the potential, though not yet substantiated, harmful effects of iPad use on a young child's brain. The article bought attention to the fact that "70% of children under the age of 12 use tablets", according to a 2012 Nielsen report. Though the article does confess there is not enough information on the topic, it speculates that iPad time can be detrimental to a child's empathy, sensory skills, and social skills (McCoy, 2015). Links to other articles are also provided, including one to a AAP.org pediatrics page where it gives parents suggestions on how to prevent damage to their child, such as limiting time on the iPad, using age appropriate apps, and ensuring "unplugged time" during the day (Radesky, Schumacher, and Zuckerman, 2015).

Guardian Article

In the 2015 Guardian article, Pete Etchells calls out the information presented in a different Guardian article titled Tablets and smartphones may affect social and emotional development, scientists speculate written by Joanna Walters (2015). Pete Etchells explains there is not enough evidence and research to suggest tablets and smartphones are effecting child development. In the article, Etchell claims Walter's Guardian article is used to scare people instead of educate. He sites the only true research-based fact is that looking at a screen before bedtime can be harmful to sleep habits, but other than that there is much more needed research.

Concluding Thoughts

In my opinion, these two articles come to the same conclusion; more research is needed. The Washington Post article provides the reader with information regarding television and learning, but then speculates on the impacts of technology on children. The articles also states the impacts on children when an adult is using the device, but not when a child is using the device. It uses words such as "could be" and "maybe" letting a reader know there isn't actual data, as the title may suggest. The Guardian article goes so far as to call out other articles on their misleading titles and explains in clear language that not enough research has been done to provide distinct answers. Though the Washington Post article by McCoy may throw in other data related to devices and education, it does not actually say there is research on the negative impacts of devices. The Washington Post may use other facts and articles to distract the reader and lead one to make speculations, both articles let the reader know more research is needed, though you have to read through the lines more carefully in the Washington Post article. Where you able to come to these same conclusions or do you believe McCoy sited enough other research to make the connection that iPads are bad for learning and social skills in children?

References

Etchells, P. (2015. February 2). No, research does not say iPads and smartphones may damage toddler's brains. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2015/feb/02/no-research-does-not-say-that-ipads-and-smartphones-may-damage-toddlers-brains

McCoy, T. (2015, February 2). Researchers: Using an iPad or smartphone can harm a toddler's learning and social skills. Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/02/02/using-an-ipad-or-smartphone-can-harm-a-toddlers-brain-researchers-says/?utm_campaign=buffer&utm_content=buffer15e6b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=.9bffaaf3b907#comments 

Nielsen (2012, February 16). American families see tables as playmate, teacher and babysitter. Retrieved from http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2012/american-families-see-tablets-as-playmate-teacher-and-babysitter.html

Radesky, J., Schumacher, J, & Zuckerman, B. (2015). Mobile and interactive media use by young children: The good, the bad, and the unknown. Pediatrics, 135 (1),  http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/135/1/1

Walters, J. (2015, February 2). Tables and smartphones may affect social and emotional development, scientists speculate. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/01/toddler-brains-research-smartphones-damage-social-development

Intro to Me

A little about Amanda...

Hello EDIM 516 from Iowa! You can view all about me and my qualifications in the video below. Some important things I failed to mention is that I've been married for a wonderful nine years and have two young boys who are in Preschool and PreK. When I'm not teaching or working on my Masters, I am running around outside, trying to keep up with my two littles. This is my 10th year teaching, most of it spent in some various form of technology teaching. I do have experience teaching all grades levels kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Research and Implementation 

I find a majority of my teaching ideas from my Twitter feed. I follow a plethora of technology teachers near and far from me that have fantastic ideas and resources. There are other Technology Integrationists in my district who have awesome ideas they share. Trying something new and different is not something I am afraid of, even if I fail (which I do at times) there is plenty to be learned. Following blogs is something I did more religiously when I had time before taking on a Masters degree. Personally, I follow and use as a guide freetech4teachers by Richard Byrne as well as the Daring Librarian Gwyneth Jones. Though sometimes I feel heavy with guilt for not trying as interesting ideas as the Daring Librarian, I have to remind myself I am doing all that I can. When I  am in need of support I look towards other Technology Integrationists in my district as well as my Specialists Team. Both sets of peers are my cheering section when I present a new idea and need that added push to go from concept to reality. After implementing new ideas there are inevitably challenges that I must overcome. It's never in the form of administration push-back, it's usually a challenge with time. With only seeing my students for forty-five minutes every fourth day, time is not on my side. A large project or idea can take months to complete, which takes away from other units I am needing to teach. Another challenge is finding an idea that motivates all of my students. Media class is typically interesting and technology-rich, but sometimes I just can't get everyone on board with a particular unit. I typically have a handful of students who push-back or aren't motivated to complete the work. Each year I try something new, using what I learned in years past as well as what I've learned about my students the last three years. This aids in finding ideas that everyone can enjoy.

(u07a1) You.com

For this assignment, I created two new webpages which positively increases my digital dossier. The first new addition was the creation of an about.me website pertaining to myself. I choose this website because the URL is extremely short and easily to follow, as well as the sleek look it has. Personally, I like how it is only just 1 page, but you can include important pieces of information. If a person is wanting to know more, I like how that person can click on the link "Visit My Website" and is taken to a new website with further details. The about.me website has a modern feel, and in today's fast-paced world, it presents just enough information to get the user interested in more.

The second webpage I created was a PBworks wiki. Needing to add more information then was allowed on the about.me, I begin to input further information about myself including employment, more contact information and examples of past work. Looking back, I wish I would have chosen either just a wiki.com or a wix.com website because the look of a PBworks just isn't as clean.  I do not like the numerous additional information on the sides of the page. Eventually, I hope to update and transfer my data to one of the above mentioned websites.

Overall, I am happy with having supplementary data about myself online for others to view. These pages positively increase my digital dossier and allow others to observe my work. Who knows, maybe some day I'll be using this for my digital portfolio/resume when applying for a future position.