BC Teacher Librarian Conference in Coquitlam

Inquire, Inspire, Innovate

I have just returned from the 2012 BC Teacher-Librarian Conference hosted at Riverside Secondary School in Port Coquitlam.  I would like to thank our hosts Coquitlam School District SD# 43 and the three co-chairs of the conference Joanne Howey, Heather Daly and Leslie Ikeda for putting on a wonderful event with inspiring speakers and a wide variety of workshops to meet all needs.  

Dr. David Loertscher's words on learning commons and how technology increases the efficiency and the learning for students was encouraging. He reiterated that technology is not a playground, its an opportunity to learn using collaborative tools. By learning, exploring and inquiring together, we create a greater result and understanding than any of us working individually.

TL's are able to introduce kids to the look and feel of collaborative learning and to have them really experience collaboration. Our libraries are places where everyone is building, doing and making. (learning commons).  The path to learning is participatory. Thank you Dr. Loertscher for your inspiring and motivating words.

Skyping professional ballerina Jillian Vanstone

West Vancouver CEO/Superintendent Chris Kennedy spoke with us about the big pieces being possible because we have technology.  "Libraries are relevant, connected and unlimited.  Technology is powerful when used to do new things kids couldn't do if they didn't have technology."  Chris' words allowed me to reflect on things we are doing at Randerson that are new because of the technology.  We are skying authors and other prominent figures in our country.  Gr. 4,5,6 students are having opportunities to discuss and ask questions and be asked questions  by people they have chosen to to invite into the conversation. The National Ballet's principal dancer Jillian Vanstone is one of many who took time to be interviewed by our students. 

What else is new? We are seeing our most challenged students become more engaged because they are having success with inquiry, exploring and presenting in a way that wasn't happening before.  

Learning about the stars on a night field trip with Ms Burnham's class

Intermediate students are blogging and collaborating on wikis, which is increasing their writing skills and creating an opportunity for them to publish their work.  As Chris quoted a student from his district "I knew if I wrote better, more people would read it."  That is powerful learning and intrinsic motivation. 

Other things happening at Randerson; Gr. 3 students explored the sky one clear evening, learning first hand about the stars, the solar system and the stories behind the naming of the constellations. Students brought their families to share this experience and learn together.

Thank you to everyone involved in making the BCTLA conference such a success.  Chris' final words were "Be hopeful about the power of possibility."  With the incredible colleagues, fantastic students, supportive and encouraging parents and a strong and supportive administrator I am hopeful about the power of possibility at Randerson and in SD#68.