Final Reflection

Well, I guess we made it to the end stages of our collaboration project. I have to say that the process was full of ups and downs. For a brief period, I was unsure if the project was going to be fully carried out but this last week has been super charged.

I really thought this project was going to run fairly smooth but then as more and more individuals became involved, ideas and techniques for implementing ran the gamut. This week Amy decided to take matters into her own hands and make some final decisions about how her department will construct and implement the unit. Unfortunately, there was major disagreement in between participating teachers and the librarians were running around in circles trying to unite the group.

When I first ventured into this project, I had many different ideas on how Amy could bring more technology into her classroom. Overall, the main reason I decided to work with Amy was her desire to learn about and implement more technology into her lessons. I am excited that the final project will incorporate Microsoft Publisher tools and internet research, but many of the technology ideas are being pushed off this year. Considering this is the first time the teachers will be implementing this unit, it has proven to be quite enough just for them to get their arms around the material. Our thought is we have started a template that can be expanded upon over the coming years.

The wiki turned out to be a bit of a barrier. Amy was not very excited about learning and utilizing a program that she was unfamiliar with, she was overwhelmed with all the new material and the disagreements within the department. So, Amy and I communicated mainly through email and the telephone. Amy and I would have discussions and hash out the key points through email, and then I would implement the majority of our material into the wiki. I did sit down, in person, with Amy a few times and I was able to show her how to work with the wiki. She did start implementing material this week, and after reviewing her additions I feel that she has gained an understanding with the process. Amy did make a very good point about copying and pasting documents, it was difficult. I have to agree. The process would destroy formatting, not include images, omit portions, etc..

I discovered through this particular situation that the role of a Media Specialist is more of a liaison to accessing information and technology coach. I am not disappointed with the role and I learned a tremendous amount about reviewing the collection, purchasing new materials, choosing web sites, teaching technology skills and working with many different teachers. I also found that as a librarian I really need to sell the assets of the library. I need to make teachers, students, parents and administrators aware of the resources offered by the library. I feel that highlighting and displaying exceptional projects, posting projects to the library web site, working with the broadcast station to run a story and air video footage will be beneficial in promoting the library.

Overall, I am very happy with how the project turned out. I feel Amy and I worked well with one another. I am excited to continue working on the mythology unit and adding to the wiki page.