Back when I first started out as a school librarian, it was mostly a job. I enjoyed it, it was helping me pay off my student loans, and it was fun. But it was something that I did within my own space. Sure, I would share ideas with other librarians in my district and I … Read more
Makerspaces are amazing places. Our students can learn all kinds of new skills. But it behooves us to learn some of those skills ourselves. You certainly don’t have to be an expert in all things to create a makerspace in your library. When I first started creating a makerspace in my library in 2014, I … Read more
Cross-posted from my last e-mail newsletter. Post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using them, I get a small commission that helps support running this blog. Reflections on Passion About two years ago, I wrote the Renovated Learning Manifesto. At the time, I was getting caught up in a fervor of learning about blogging … Read more
(Note: I’m a bit behind on reposting these here, so please excuse the lateness) January is a popular month for resolutions, detoxes, resets, etc. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the previous year, to look at what went right and what could have been better. Being that it’s also the middle of the school … Read more
When it comes to conferences, justifying going to sessions, keynotes and workshops doesn’t seem too hard. The learning benefits from such experiences are obvious. But what about cultural tours, school tours and similar networking events? These may look like simple touristy or sightseeing experiences, but there’s a lot of benefit to them. This year, I … Read more
(Note: Post contains affiliate links. Actions taken may result in commissions for Renovated Learning) A Creature Workshop Towards the end of last school year, one of my students came up with one of my favorite design challenges: Make a creature that does something. That’s it. This prompt wins for simplicity and the designs that people come up … Read more
Starting at a new school can be overwhelming, so it’s good to have a plan. I’ve shared this on social media, but not in an official blog post here. This year, I will be the new media specialist at Tampa Preparatory, an independent 6-12 school. It’s my first time at a new-to-me school since I started … Read more
This summer has been one of a lot of reflecting for me. For the first time in seven years, I’ll be at a new school next year. This coming school year, I’ll have two books published under my name. So much is going on and so much has happened so fast. This summer, I’ve slowed … Read more
Click on over to AASL Knowledge Quest to read the full post, or scroll down to get the summary: Going to a national conference can be exciting and thrilling. Unfortunately, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. I’ve been to ISTE three times, AASL once, and FETC seven times, so I’ve had to time to … Read more
Another ISTE whirlwind is now on the books! ISTE 2017 in San Antonio was my fourth ISTE and it was one of the best ones yet. I think I’ve finally learned how to pace myself, be selective about what I want to do and see and really soak it in. This year my main foci … Read more