The morning hours consisted of observing the media specialist teaching 8th grade science classes on how to research science fair topics utilizing school resources, such as Destiny (card catalogue) and the district purchased Gale databases. After noon, we made our way to the county office for a district-wide media specialist meeting. My mentor is the lead media specialist for the county and therefore, was the main presenter.
The following topics were discussed:
- New log-in procedures all faculty and students must know in order to use school computers
- The transition from Accelerated Reader to Reading Counts and issues associated with that transition including access to RC quizzes
- The new district-wide system of adopting Google Docs/Email as a method to better connect and collaborate among each other (teachers, admins, support staff, and students).
- Various topics dealing with technology issues and how the main server supports the new initiatives
- Common Core Standards and how those will mesh or replace GPS
- Upcoming events and noted organizations/websites that support media projects/advocacy such as Read for the Record, www.wegivebooks.org, www.archive.org, and International Literacy Day (Sept. 7).
