LO II

Proficiency Statement:

I have demonstrated proficiency in administrating and managing a school library program by developing public relations and advocacy plans via a school library Web site.

Description:

Heck's Homework Hub

     This website serves my current high school English class. I established the website in 2015 using the Wix.com platform to create and develop my own "brand" on the web. The site includes general overviews of the courses I teach, links to handout and PowerPoint assignments, useful resources on the web, and a blog with narrative updates for students who may be absent or parents following along at home. Additionally, the Wix platform allows me to send out "ShoutOuts" to subscribers in order to communicate efficiently with my "clientele."

Homer's BIBLIOTHECA

     I began my fictional library website with an inspiration: “the Odyssey for information.” I decided to center a “theme,” of sorts, to unite my library’s pages, staff, and mission. Therefore, the Ancient Greeks and their polytheistic religion provide some of the foundational understandings of our world and could thereby represent the value of knowledge and resources that a library embodies. Additionally, my own high school English classes study The Odyssey, and it is my hope to transform this webpage to include resources for that unit once the appropriate time arises.
     The target audience of this site is primarily high school students that attend this fictional high school. The links, resources, and descriptions are many that I have found useful in my own work as an educator. Additionally, the other resources come from SLIS course content that I have learned over the last two terms. Because this site would primarily be used by teenagers, the primary advocacy is for connecting significant resources and interesting reading material and practices to reluctant or struggling students. Each of the resources is selected based on Georgia’s Standards of Excellence, the newly adopted curriculum to replace Common Core where I currently work. Additionally, the Bibliotheca connects multiple institutions, international organizations, and collaborative partners to promote the interdisciplinary and engaging environment that is a library. The linked resources are legitimate, respected web material that educators and students can rely on. The format, care, and cultivation of the Bibliotheca itself is an advocacy tool that promotes thorough, excellent research, presentation, and professionalism.

Analysis:

Heck's Homework Hub

     Wix was chosen because Blogger is blocked in my county. I also wanted to experiment with a site that let me customize the look and organization of each page. The set up of the page did take much longer than any Blogger or Google product I have used, but clearly turned out more personalized and nuanced than any prefabricated site. Once the site was setup, it is extremely easy to maintain. The ShoutOuts and blog features can be updated from a simple app or an easy to navigate "back office" page via Wix. Additionally, I just list the assignments on a page and use a hyperlink attached to live-time documents. The one downfall of Wix is the load time. Especially when multiple students try to access the page, the servers move very slowly. Because the page is loaded with features and backgrounds and other personalizations, editing often slows the computer speed as well. This is a minor hurdle now, especially as many other teachers from across the nation and the world have requested my materials. The SEO program of Wix is clearly superior to using a Google Blog for outreach to the rest of the education community.

Homer's BIBLIOTHECA

     I chose Blogger as the platform for the Bibliotheca as it offers the two essential web page requirements for  media center: multiple static pages for resource links and information and a blog interface for library updates, events, and news. Blogger is user-friendly, but also has the ability to use primitive HTML coding for widgets and embedded Web 2.0 to allow diversity and current technology to an otherwise simple platform. You can see some of these embedded Web 2.0 feeds and forums on the “Reading Recommendations” and “Teachers” pages as well as in the margin and footer of every Bibliotheca page. I have also used Blogger as the interface for my previous classroom website, egheck.blogspot.com, and found students understood and accessed resources quite easily once introduced to the general format of a blog.
     The process of creating this website was fairly easy for me as I am very familiar with Blogger and with creating websites. My father was one of the first school technology coaches in the 90s, so I have made many websites since that time. The only challenges were about finding appropriate resources for fictional sites. I tried to include varied resources that reflected my current school's resources. I will be excited to make this more usable and connect the dots to actual teachers' assignments in a real library.

Reflection:

Heck's Homework Hub

      My students seem to enjoy The Hub once introduced to it in the first weeks of school. Parents have been exceedingly impressed with the site, especially as I send information out before the school year even begins. Administrators only critique that there is so much information provided! However, I have streamlined the access to PowerPoints and assignments that the students most look for. Though I prefer using Google products for my web development, Wix is an excellent platform for me to create a resource-rich website.

Homer's BIBLIOTHECA

     I have since migrated my personal website to Wix and have enrolled in 703 creating a LibGuide. Each has their pros and cons. I still like Blogger for its simplicity and effectiveness. I have maintained Wix as blogs are currently banned in my district internet filter; however, it will be my hope to advocate for Google programs and/or modify to district platforms as I am hired.