What To Do in the Group Work?

Length: 2,000 words

Objectives

• Identify Digital Library technologies and services in a school environment.
• Familar with Web 2.0 tools.
• Development of critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Experience of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Development of self-expression, teamwork and report-writing skills.
  
  

Background information

1. You have recently taken over as teacher librarian in a primary/secondary school. The library is resourced with a range of print and audio-visual materials. The library uses an integrated library management system, with an OPAC allowing online access to the catalogue. There are 10 networked computer terminals incorporated into the library with access to the web. You have noticed that the students frequently use the computers for surfing the web, checking e-mail and sometimes for gaming.
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3. You have noted that the library is well used by many regular clients although you feel that there are many students out there who do not make use of the library but who could benefit from the services it can provide.
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5. You would like to find ways to encourage the students to engage with the library as both physical and virtual space, in ways that support their learning. Similarly you would like teaching staff to incorporate the library and resources into their courses. In this context, you are keen to initiate a discussion with principal and teaching staff on how the library's services can be embedded within the schools' teaching and learning strategy.
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7. You decide to produce a report, for discussion, with some ideas on how, through the creative use of Digital Library (DL) as a platform, the library might facilitate further engagement with both teaching staff and students with the aim of supporting their teaching and learning.

Tasks

1. Your team should use a wiki tool (e.g. Google Sites, Google Docs, wikidot, wikispaces) to develop your final group report which should deal with the followings: (40%)

• What is the role of the library in the school?
• How can the library add value to the school? 
• How the library might develop DL services to support the teaching and learning strategy of the school?
• What might the library do to engage with both teaching staff and students?
• How might the library facilitate and enhance the students' access to information and learning experiences?
• What kinds of technologies could be used to develop and support these services?
• It's important that you provide the rationale behind the suggestions you make. What benefits will the developments you propose bring to the students, as well as to the school as a whole?

2. You should use a Blog (e.g. Yahoo, Blogger) to record your own activities during the development of the group report. (20%)