What a year it has been! I was given the privilege to attend the Coding Academy in Houston, TX last summer with colleagues from Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with Tennessee State University. Attending this camp gave me the opportunity to learn about Swift Playgrounds, walk through the process of creating an app prototype, and to meet educators who were implementing coding into their classrooms. It was an amazing week!
All who were in attendance at the Coding Academy received an invitation to earn graduate credits through Lamar University and to attend additional online courses. I was excited to take on a new challenge and was interested in learning more about digital literacy, creating significant learning environments and electronic portfolios. Attending weekly virtual meetings with our cohorts and assignments that encouraged us to reflect on our practice were some the highlights of my time in this program. I was introduced to a learner-centered approach to teaching that I plan to keep at the forefront of my practice when working with librarians in my district: COVA- Choice, Ownership and Voice through Authentic learning experiences. We put this into practice as we created our own innovation plans. My proposal, #LibrariansLead, was centered around work with new librarians in my district. I believe they have the potential to be leaders in integrating literacy into all areas of the curriculum, but many lack experience and confidence. I created a plan to provide learning opportunities that would allow them to engage in literacy and STEAM activities with the intent to form a personal learning network, acquire new skills, build confidence and gather lesson ideas to implement with students. Although my plan is on hold due to COVID-19, I look forward to implementing it in the upcoming semester.
As I reflect on this past year, I am grateful to have been taught and mentored by individuals I highly respect and appreciate the opportunity to grow as a learner and educator.