Why I am Excited to be a Part of Classroom 2.0

     I am currently taking online courses at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, MO.  The courses that I am taking focus on technology in education.  As a part of one of the assignments, our professor asked us to find a professional group to follow and with which we could contribute.  I looked through several links that she provided, trying to find one that I felt fit my needs.  I did not take this lightly, as I am always trying to build my PLN, and because I wanted to find a group that I would like to continue to follow long after this particular assignment and course are over.

     As a library media specialist, I work with technology on a regular basis.  I am always trying to find Web 2.0 tools to help my teachers and my students.  Over the years, I have attended several workshops and conferences that focus on technology in education in order to try to stay current on the technology that emerges at such an incredible rate!  Further, since we are educators and always working with budget, I am also always trying to find tips and tools that are FREE.  

     The library is the perfect example of how technology is changing how we do things.  I have 12 more years before I retire, and I have been a librarian for 13 years now.  In that 13 years, I am witnessing the transfer from hardcover textbooks to online subscriptions.  Instead of checking out a stack of textbooks to students at the beginning of the year, I know check out a chromebook and provide their usernames and passwords for all of the subscriptions.  We are also currently making the transition to purchasing more databases and ebooks rather than tangible books.  Gone are the days of VHS, and DVD is soon to follow.  Teachers are finding their videos online now.  I have disposed of our audio books that are cassette tapes, and CD's are also soon to follow.  Now we have audio book files in our library catalog that can be downloaded to their chromebooks.  Gone are the days of sending out paper overdue notices.  Our library catalog now sends those automatically each day via email.  So, not only is the format changing but also how we do things and how we communicate.  

     I think that this professional group will be great place to share ideas, discuss how technology is changing our lives and the face of public education, and to grow as professional.