On the DL
Notes from Digital Learning and School Library Services
November 2022
Welcome to the refreshed monthly newsletter from the BCS Digital Learning and School Library Services Department. The sections below were designed for quick, efficient browsing that prioritizes the importance of empowerment, reflection, and innovation in education. Have feedback on this new layout? Please let us know what you think using the form linked below!
Empower
The BCS Digital Learning Department is thrilled to share our second calendar in our monthly calendar series! Feel free to use these district-funded resources as a warm-up to celebrate the various days featured on this calendar. Each month, we will also have special teacher challenges! Check out the embedded and printable link to the calendar below. Please log in to Clever first before accessing any of the linked calendar resources below, and always be sure to preview resources before utilizing them in your educational setting.
Reflect
Let's reflect on current practices in our school communities, including our amazing library spaces!
Make It From Scratch!
Heather Woody, South Brunswick High School
At South Brunswick High School, the media center is not only a place to check out books. Last year, Mrs. Woody applied for and received a grant to fund a brand new Makerspace for the media center. According to dictionary.com, a makerspace is “a collaborative workshop that supplies equipment and technology, as 3D printers, soldering tools, industrial sewing machines, etc., for creative projects.” At SBHS, the new makerspace houses most of those items.
As part of the grant, the school had to agree to continue to fund the consumable aspects of the makerspace such as paper, tape, and lots of glue. The school was able to purchase rolling tables with dry erase tops and industrial stools for the students to plan and make their creations.
Mrs. Woody and several teachers have worked collaboratively to extend student’s learning. Last year, Mrs. Brown’s engineering class designed and created cardboard arcade games for the Life Skills class to play. Ms. Sibbach’s English class came to the Makerspace to create their own Frankenstein monster as a culminating activity for the novel. This year, Mrs. LeFevre’s English class came to make election signs for a Greek god to take over Zeus’s position as chief.
Students are often seen collaborating in the makerspace!
Students always work to create a plan, an important part of the making process.
Students are able to utilize a variety of materials and tools.
Can my school show <insert title of movie> for reward, PTA fundraiser, or other event?
Movies used in schools must meet Fair Use guidelines. In order to meet these, the movie must be tied directly to a content standard (no showing movies for rewards or holidays).
In addition, they must be acquired legally and preferably from a vendor with licensing rights for viewing. If a school or organization wishes to show a movie for profit, reward, or anything beyond standard instructions, licensing must be purchased from organizations like https://www.swank.com/k-12-schools/.
Innovate
Looking to embrace new ideas and products in your learning environment? Below are some professional learning opportunities as well as links to some of the many resources BCS Digital Learning & School Library Services provide!
Are you in need of CEUs? The Digital Learning Team at DPI has curated a list of Self-Paced professional learning opportunities that are available! THIS linked document contains a list you can search to find just what you need!
Once you find the perfect fit, look it up in NCEES and enroll.
Did you know that NC is the first state to provide ISTE memberships to educators? Be sure to claim your FREE membership to ISTE (the International Society for Technology in Education) - Look for the icon shown above in NCEdCloud!
