Update on My Guest Speaker Thingee

"Don't let teachers do their own laminating!"

So as I mentioned previously, I was asked to be a guest speaker at a library media online class last night.  I think it went pretty well.  I only had to try two computers and three different browsers before I could log in to their Wimba classroom.  Just like old times.

I realized that it was their first semester and this was their first online class, so there wasn't much chatter in the comments area. I'm trying to remember what they asked me, because I had to be brief and will try to expand my answers here on the blog for their further reference.

Let's see.  My experience, the best/worst things about being a media specialist, would I go back to the classroom, how to I budget/know what to order.  I'm sure there was more, but those are the ones I remember.

I think I covered my past experience pretty well.  I think the thing I learned most from my previous teaching experience (mostly as a support teacher: small reading and math groups, English language learners, gifted) is to BE FLEXIBLE.  That is the main thing you have to be as a Media Specialist.

Best thing about being a Media Specialist: the relationships, being able to help students, parents and teachers, and the excitement of each new day being completely different.  Worst thing is not being able to have everything for everyone.  I think I mentioned that I guess the biggest challenge is just last minute things thrown in your lap and the frustration of knowing it could have been better if you'd known what someone wanted a little earlier.

I guess I'd go back to teaching if they axed the Media Specialist position but I have no plans to ever leave this job as long as they'll have me.  I love reading, technology, and helping people find the just right information they're looking for.  It's an honor to be able to have the best classroom in the building.

As for budgeting/ordering, that will have to be a follow up post.  I knew I could have spent more than one class just talking about that so I just let them know about an assignment related to it that they'll be having in a future class.  I also said to let me know if they had any other questions and I'd be happy to help them any way I can!

Thank you Dr. Clinton and the newest cohort for having me, and good luck in your future endeavors!