Next semester continued...

Well I have bitten the bullet and have applied to do Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship) starting next session, over the Christmas holidays. I've put in to do Resourcing the Curriculum and Social Networking for Information Professionals, as they were available during that session. If anyone else is doing either of those I would love to know. Just leave me a comment. I've also applied for a part time position at our local library (about 30 hours per week) as I haven't got much casual teaching lately. Hopefully I'm not overqualified as I think it would really suit while I'm studying.

How to focus in the age of distraction

I have printed this out and put up next to the computer for ME! I am having so much difficulty focusing at the moment on my D.E. study subjects. I am sure I am Queen of the Procrastinators.

From:http://learningfundamentals.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Focus-mindmap-for-web.jpg
Found via Joyce Valenza on Twitter.

Studies on Information Process Models

Part of our essential reading for topic 4 includes two articles about studies on information process models (The Big 6 and PLUS models). When I first started reading I thought why on earth do we need to read about these studies - what valuable information can I get from these readings? It took a bit of thinking but this is what I came up with -

• The studies show there is definite value in using information process models. There is a potential link between information problem-solving models and metacognitive skills (one of the essential skills students must possess in order to be successful in problem-based learning activities).
• Strengthened metacognitive skills can be applied to a variety of learning situations.
• With appropriate support, students can succeed at complex, learner centred, research oriented tasks.
• Using a model can boost students confidence when approaching problem solving tasks.
• Through a collaborative approach this type of metacognitive support can be effectively integrated into the school curriculum.
• Students themselves view scaffolding models as beneficial.
• Learners need to use models many times until it becomes almost second nature and then it should be gradually withdrawn to reduce reliance.
• Models are best used how learners want to use them.
• Models do not need to be used in a linear process.

And most importantly I think the studies show that TLs have much to gain from studying and evaluating how their students use a information process model so that they can understand better how learners learn and how to effectively integrate the information process into the curriculum.

Blog Bits

We got back last night from a weekend away and I felt too tired to do much "real study", so I've spent a couple of hours playing with my blog layout, viewing other blogs, looking for cool widgets. A few weeks back I didn't even know what a widget was! I spent some time checking out the ETL 401 forum and hopefully, tomorrow, I will get back to some proper study.