Bridging the Gap between Technology and the Library
Updated: Nov 27, 2019
The Librarian Influencer of the Week is librarian Ana Maria Perez from La Joya ISD in deep south Texas where she serves a large population of English language learners. https://www.laurasheneman.com/podcast/episode/7f69b75d/bridging-the-gap-between-technology-and-the-library-with-ana-maria-perez
In this podcast Ana Maria recalls many lessons learned and shares her accomplishments during her first year in the library.
Use the summer you get hired to plan your library programming like Banned Books Week, Digital Learning Day, Hour of Code, etc. Once school starts you get very busy,
She goes through ALA’s website to help her plan monthly events. Here is the link to monthly celebration events. Here’s another resource on library programming via Programming Librarian - ALA Public Programs office.
A colleague told her about a monthly planning guide in Mackin. Here is the PDF document that shows you how to get there in Mackin.
Here are a couple of Librarian Influencer strategies Ana Maria shared:
Build relationships with teachers. Offer to build resources, to conduct training, etc.
Go out and visit the classrooms.
Focus on the 4 Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. * Be the go-to for technology assistance for students and teachers. * Flipgrid - to showcase student voice & hear their learning * Seesaw - to build digital portfolios
Here is the Twitter Slide Deck she uses when stressing the importance of creating a Twitter account for professional learning. Also, Matt Miller from Ditch that Textbook, has “A Beginner’s Guide to Twitter for Educators”, which is a really great resource, as well. Here is the link to his site.
My chat with Ana Maria was very, very practical. She has found her niche using technology in the library and training other educators. She’s bridging the gap between technology and the library.
You can follow Librarian Influencer Ana Maria Perez at:
Twitter: @AnaMPerez1
Email: a.flores2@lajoyaisd.net