Biggest Takeaway

My biggest take-away from Information Technologies in the School Library this semester, would have to be the fact that using tech in the library does not have to be a daunting, anxiety-inducing task, and it can actually be the opposite; fun, a great way to use my creativity, and relatively easy to learn about new trends. I remember back to the beginning of this semester, I wrote in my introduction discussion board post about how nervous the technology aspect of being a school librarian made me. If I thought about the word technology, I have to admit I thought of something like this:

My mind made me think of a computer programmer in the dark, looking at tons of html codes, like the guy in this photo from photosforclass.com. I look back on those nerves and chuckle after thoroughly enjoying all of my assignments this semester, and realizing that the learning curve for figuring out new technologies is not near of bad as I assumed. I realize that most people are in the same boat I am when trying new technologies, and if I am still confused after reading instructions, theres a YouTube video for everything! For example, I was worried sick about creating my own website; and once I tried a couple different sites, I settled on GoogleSites and realized how simple the templates made the process for me! I still struggled with some things here or there, like when I realized that one of my site's pages didn't look right on the mobile preview. So I had to re-do it using a table of contents. At first I couldn't understand how to use a table of contents, so I went to YouTube and immediately found this short tutorial and made it so easy for me:

Whereas before this class I may have given up, I now know that when something is perplexing me when it comes to technologies, it has probably given someone else the same issue before, and I know I can find the answer I need to move on.

Here is my completed site, and I have to say that pushing myself to finish something that I considered difficult, has given me a real sense of accomplishment, and a desire to do more. The confidence I now have allows me to see myself as more of a tech 'expert' that can help students and teachers with their questions in a school library setting one day. Or at least now I won't be frozen with anxiety!

https://sites.google.com/view/shandon-elementary-library/home

Now I have to say that when I think of technology in the school library, I think of endless possibilities. I think of exciting and fun new things that will engage the students. I think about how I may be the vessel in which to introduce new technologies to the school, and that makes me happy. Now the picture that comes to mind is more like this one, which show all the bright, fun possibilities awaiting me in the tech world.

Thanks to Dr. Green and my classmates for a great semester!

References

Ancoris. March 22, 2019. How to create a table of contents in Google Sites. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-QrdhU0sKI

Photosforclass.com. Photos retrieved December 1st, 2021.