Transforming School Library Practice: A School Librarian's Information Shelf: Virtual Teaching and Learning
When schools across the country experienced the sudden COVID-19 pandemic shift from in person to virtual school, most teachers encountered a steep learning curve around conducting classes online. Many school librarians responded swiftly to support teachers in the online classrooms and to create online versions of the library to maintain connections between the library and students. The following resources can meet the challenge of supporting online learning with energy and creativity.
Video
Delivering Engaging Online Learning – Betha Gutsche (22:52)
This informative video offers effective, impactful practices to facilitate engaging online learning experiences for students. By emphasizing the unique and distinct aspects and needs of producers, presenters, and participants (the roles people adopt in online spaces), this video encourages a holistic approach that prioritizes preparation, support, and fun in the form of online games that can break up a virtual lesson. The resources below offer additional information regarding these effective practices.
Resources highlighted in this video:
- Delivering Engaging Online Learning: The Three P's of Preparation (article)
- Delivering Engaging Online Learning: Enlivening the Virtual Environment (article)
Web
WA Digital TeachKit
While specifically designed for Washington state educators, this website offers a directory of digital tools and guides that can be useful for school librarians nationwide who are seeking additional resources and information. The PDF below provides information about the TeachKit, with a suggestion to start with the Guides section to narrow down the tool choices and align them with instructional goals.
Explore more resource topics
Implement effective approaches and models to create a student-centered learning experience in your school library.
Support student-driven learning in your school library using models and examples.
Leverage creative and compassionate approaches and materials for a successful school library makerspace.
Community engagement
Where do you go for inspiration? Invigorate your community engagement efforts with advice from library leaders.
The Transforming School Library Practice project was made possible by support from OCLC and a National Leadership Grants for Libraries Cooperative Agreement (project number LG-00-19-0289-19) with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
