ISCI 761 End of Semester Reflections

End of Semester Reflections

 

    I must admit that I was nervous and anxious about this class and coursework.  The technology aspect of the MLIS program is outside of my sphere of comfort.  The coursework and material helped ease my anxieties regarding technology and solidified for me how I can incorporate technology in an elementary school library.  One aspect that stood out to me was the need for a social media presence and consistent updating of a library website.  I felt that the material covered with both of these topics stressed the importance of incorporating a social media presence for the library.  Not only does this help caregivers with viewing what their students are doing in the library, but it is multifaceted with promoting advocacy for the library.  I bookmarked several of the resources to reference when I am a school librarian to help me with managing social media accounts.  Another area that struck me as purposeful in the library was the VR unit.  I had only viewed VR as a gaming system which my teenagers play at home.  Over Thanksgiving break, I attended the Space Explorers: The INFINITE experience in Charlotte, NC.  The experience utilizes high-quality VR systems and allows the viewer to experience life on the International Space Station. The astronauts recorded over 200 hours of footage for this exhibit, which is impossible to experience in one session.   I do not have words to describe how astounding this experience was for myself and my family.  However, because of this course and materials, I viewed the experience from an educational perspective and contemplated how we could reach students through this type of high-quality VR system.  I have recognized the ways in which books can transcend place and time for myself and students.  For some students who do not enjoy reading, VR or AR can help achieve this same transformative experiences.  

In conclusion, the delivery for the coursework helped me to surmise how I would incorporate the various technological tools and methods in an elementary school library.  I am motivated to create a social media presence for my future library which will help with community outreach and support.  I have learned the value that technology can add to library programming.