New study led by Dr. Ross Todd

School Libraries and the Development of Intellectual Agency: Evidence from New Jersey
Dr. Ross J. Todd, Associate Professor, Director, Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (CISSL), School of Communication & Information, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
  Abstract
This paper presents selected key findings of the first phase of a multiphase research study commissioned by the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) in 2009 and undertaken by the Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (CISSL) at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The overall research agenda seeks: (a) to construct a picture of the status of New Jersey’s school libraries and the work of school librarians in the educational landscape of New Jersey, (b) to understand the contribution of quality school libraries to education in New Jersey, (c) to understand the contextual and professional dynamics that inhibit and enable school libraries to contribute significantly to educational agendas, and (d) to make recommendations to key stakeholders to develop a sustained and long-term program of capacity-building and evidence-based continuous improvement of school libraries in New Jersey.

Go to the report here.

(Thank you to Ruth Soeding At GESS for drawing this report to our attention)

PD Opportunity: COETAIL course here in Singapore

There are six places left on a new COETAIL course starting Sept 1 here in Singapore, out of the Center for International Education at UWCSEA East in Tampines.

What is COETAIL?

The Certificate of Educational Technology and Information Literacy (CoETaIL) was developed by Jeff Utecht and Kim Cofino, Google Apps EDU Certified Trainers and Apple Distinguished Educators. CoETaIL is based on best practice student-centered online learning theories and techniques harnessing the newest and latest in Web 2.0 technologies. The program leads educators through a process demonstrating how to use technologies and allowing educators to apply their learning in their own school and classroom.  The full certificate program requires five courses (15 credits) administered by Buffalo State, SUNY.  

Participants in the program can also apply those credits towards the Buffalo State, SUNY Master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies program. Numerous national as well as over 1000 international educators are currently enrolled in this degree program designed for internationally-minded educators. The degree requires 30 graduate semester credits and 15 of those credits can be earned through completion of the CoETaIL.  

Participants have the option to complete the CoETaIL regardless of whether they choose to continue with a Master’s degree. This is advantageous to those educators who would like to earn credits for licensure renewal or certification purposes in the U.S., Canada as well as many other countries in the world. 

 Educators who have been awarded the CoETaIL can continue their Master’s degree program by completing five additional courses (15 graduate credits). The two required courses, EDF 689 Methods and Techniques of Educational Research (action research) and EDU 690 Master’s Project (culminating curriculum or other research-based project) are offered as on-line courses.

It runs over a year and the cost is S$ 3,999  (roughly SGD $800 per course and there are 5 courses -- so hopefully your school might be willing to sponsor you)

For more information about this PD opportunity, go to http://www.coetail.asia/singapore/

(I'm doing it along with other UWCSEA colleagues.... would love to have more librarians join. )

-- Katie

Vote for the Red Dot SHORTLIST via GoodReads

The Red Dot subcommittee published longlists for the four categories back in June.  (Read the blog post here.)

Did you get to read some over the summer?

We are starting the discussion of which books will make the shortlists -- which will be announced at our September 13th meeting in the AISS Junior Library.

You can add your vote -- literally -- by going to the Red Dot lists in GoodReads Listopia.

Vote for Early Years books on the Red Dot Longlist for 2013-2014 here!

Vote for Younger Reader books on the Red Dot Longlist for 2013-2014 here!

Vote for Older Reader books on the Red Dot Longlist for 2013-2014 here!

Vote for Mature Reader books on the Red Dot Longlist for 2013-2014 here!

Alternatively, feel free to email us (via librarynetwork@gmail.com) about any particular book -- yay or nay.

The committee greatly appreciates all your input.

-- Katie

The Global Education Conference November 2012

The Global Education Conference is a collaborative, world-wide community initiative involving students, educators, and organizations at all levels. It is designed to significantly increase opportunities for building education-related connections around the globe while supporting cultural awareness and recognition of diversity.

During International Education Week (November 12-16), the 2012 Global Education Conference will take place entirely online and around the clock using the Blackboard Collaborate platform.

Call for Proposals is now open.

More information: www.globaleducationconference.com

Science and comic books - Otto Fong

From local author Otto Fong:

We are now releasing Book 4. On top of that, I'm also excited to introduce you to my new App for iPad! 

It features the science comic book (Book 1) and also 5 science games. These games allow users to play and learn about basic science topics like Atomic Structure, the Periodic Table, and Electrolysis of water. A promo video is here on Youtube: 

http://youtu.be/H27DnOFEE9k 

This App is suitable for readers aged 9 - 14.  

As part of the promotion, I will also be conducting a workshop with teachers and students (upper primary/lower secondary) during the Singapore Science Festival. If you know of teachers and students eager to explore using Apps to learn, I recommend this workshop. 

http://www.sciencefest.sg/calendar-details.php?id=88#.T9IClDM968A.facebook 

Otto Fong

otto.fong@gmail.com
http://www.ottoniumcomics.com/home.html

Author visit October - Jan Latta

I'm the author and wildlife photographer of a series of 12 True to Life Books educating children about endangered animals. To create each book I've travelled to Africa eight times, Borneo and China twice, also to Sri Lanka, India and Uganda. I follow wild animals each day taking photographs and writing about their survival.

My books, videos and information can be seen on   www.truetolifebooks.com.au  

My new exciting presentation was shown at the Beijing and Shanghai Literary Festivals and schools in China this year. 

Please let me know if you would like to book me for a  presentation.  Dates available 15, 16 October.

Jan Latta.