Read, Teach, Bake

    Why?       Technology integration is the new buzzword in classrooms all across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic brought technology and virtual learning to the forefront of education. Teachers, students, administration, and parents were forced to learn "in the trenches" just how important technology is in today's world. Many districts used lessons learned from this experience to integrate, enhance, and upgrade student devices. Chromebooks are the choice of many districts in South Carolina. Classroom teachers need fast, easy, effective tools for effectively using Chromebooks in the classroom.    What?       Chromebooks are internet-based personal computers that are portable, lightweight, and easily monitored by district software like Hapara and Gaggle. Students have easy access to Google Classroom, Google Translate,  Google Drive, and Google Docs. The devices have cameras and microphones (when allowed by the owning distr...

                                  In today's classroom, integrating new technology feels like just another task on teachers' to-do lists. Where do teachers go for help without embarrassment or feeling awkward? Their school media specialist is a great, although often underutilized, resource who can guide them through the often-stormy waters of technology integration (Johnson, 2012).  Modern students live in a technology rich world loaded with devices, apps, and social media.  Class technology changes constantly and staying current takes time from planning, grading, conferencing, data analysis, and oh yeah, teaching! The school media specialist has a unique role, that when coupled with technology skills, enables her (sorry guys - I know you're out there!) to share resources, teach mini-lessons to both teachers and students, and help ease the stress of identifying, learni...

      How's your diet?  I'm sure if asked that question by a doctor, most people could answer relatively easy.  We can even easily identify our unhealthy consumption habits.  But what if we are asking about our information diet?  Are you making "healthy" choices? Are you an informed consumer?  Do you pay as much attention to the information you put in your brain as your do the food you put into your body?  This week in SLIS , we are examining information literacy, technology, and digital/media materials and sources).        According to the American Library Association, information literacy is "a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." In other words, people need information and must be able to locate that needed information while making sure the source is reliable.  Of course, no one want...