It's that time of year when we reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Some years we need to completely start anew, while others just need some tweaking. As I think back on the first few months of the 2015-2016 school year, I realize how far our library media program has progressed. We've gone from a one (wo)man show to a collaborative team whose core members are Tanya Churchill (Instructional Technology Facilitator), Elizabeth Mankin (Media Assistant extraordinaire), and me (School Library Media Specialist.) The three of us have pulled in multiple classroom teachers, specialists, and our new Principal, Travis Shillings. As a team, we've transformed the computer lab to a "learning lab" to include laptops (verses the antiquated desktops), a Makerspace, tech accessories, arts and crafts supplies galore, open-ended materials, and flexible seating. The media center continues to be a work in progress - we are constantly moving and shifting to create flexible work spaces that serve multiple purposes. I've come to realize that the lab and media center will always be in transition, with the ultimate goal being enjoyable and usable work spaces that support the Underwood community in teaching and learning.
Speaking of work spaces, our latest project is the media office. Before the holiday break, we began the transformation from a cluttered storage/work space to an aesthetically pleasing place for staff, parents, and community partners to collaborate. Tanya, Elizabeth, and I are housing our desks in this space so that we can keep our ears open for ways to support learning at Underwood. We vision this as the starting point for AMAZING collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication.
This transformation has been a long time coming, so it's exciting to see it finally happening. (Those of you who have worked with me know that I'm good at researching and planning new ideas, but not always effective in getting them rolling - I need to be pushed off the cliff with new initiatives, so to speak.) My big push came this summer when I had an amazing opportunity to work with Lea(R)n Trials as a Summer Fellow. Lea(R)n has it's office at HQ Raleigh, a collaborative office space located in downtown Raleigh. I was inspired by this space - working there helped to form my vision for our Learning Lab and Media Center spaces.
So, in reflection and looking ahead.....we've made some BIG changes, but these transformations will continue indefinitely with constant tweaking. Please stop by (but, beware....we'll probably pull you into a project!)
