The Image Generation

This seems to be the generation of images! Unlike the "golden days of old" we as educators can no longer talk our students to death and expect them to a) relate to us, b) become interested in anything we have to say, or the even deadlier c) participate in the class discussion. In today's world images capture the eyes and the minds of both young and old. Image generators such as Wordle or Flickr Montager allow various images to instantly motivate students into actively learning and participating in the social issues the are evaluated in the classroom; in addition to supplying them with the ability to apply this strategy in real time. Yes we can stall and weave a basket of excuses as to why students should just be able to adapt as well as become adept to OUR WAY of teaching, but really is it necessary to dig our heels in the sand just to make a point? No I think we should all become MAN/WOMAN enough to accept the challenge and supply our future with what they need. I'm off the soapbox now.....until next time.

Reading 2.0

Reading 2.0 offers some of the most amazing technological advances in ways to present library information to students. Programs such as Microsoft PhotoStory3 allows the school media librarian to present new books in a fun and exciting, yet virtual way. These tools allow students to view book talks in a new engaging way, while maintaining active and participatory learning. Working with PhotoStory3 today helped me to gain a new respect for the importance of promotion within the library. How else are we going to engage students to read more books and to challenge themselves to go beyond the mandatory reading if we do not visually stimulate them? Step into the 21st century and embrace the new pathways that are allowing us to not only reach our learning expectations, but to also heighten student awareness.