There Is Light at the End of the Tunnel

All I can say is "Whew!" I feel like I do when I come to the end of a heart pumping, pulse racing roller coaster ride. We've just reached the end of the course and I can finally take that deep sigh of relief. It's been a fabulous ride. I haven't regreted any minute of it. Well, maybe there were a few moments-those desperate "How will I ever get this done?" or "Where do I begin?" or "What was I thinking?" moments when it all became so overwhelming. Luckily, those moments were brief and usually as I was feeling insecure about not understanding some point or how to begin a project, one of my classmates or my professor jumped in to help before I would get to the screaming stage. My sons and husband are very appreciative about that. This has been my most favorite course so far. Granted, I've only taken four but I don't expect too many future ones to come close.
There were the many online applications that we were encouraged to become familiar with, some I had used, some I hadn't. But in "playing" with many of them, I realized what each was capable of and if and how it could be introduced into my library lessons. The students are always receptive to new technology and now the fun will continue as I attempt to incorporate what I have learned into my library. If it enhances the lessons, it should become a part of the plan.
One of my favorites is Animoto which makes it easy for students to use a video to showcase information they have learned about a topic. After attempting my first video using my Songbirds as a subject, I began to think of a number of ways that my students can get creative in presenting their information besides a PowerPoint.
The cataloging module was the most helpful one to me. I have been cataloging since I began my role as LMS in elementary school but without much formal training. It was a necessary part of the job and I did my best to keep up with its demands. The information I gained from the readings and discussions helped to connect the dots for me and fill in many of the blanks left empty due to lack of any formal training. I learned about many of the features of the OPAC used in my school and I am planning to learn more about what it can and cannot do for our students.
This course may be coming to a close but its influences will live on in the heart of my teaching as I strive to become an effective and passionate instructor of 21st-Century students.