Reflection10

Mod 10_1 Holocaust Research LibGuide Project

Reflection:

Our first step was to plan & organize the workload. Kelly created a checklist based on elements & criteria from Mod 10_1 assignment sheet. We imported it into Google Drive and together we checked off who would be responsible for developing which areas. The next thing we decided was which search model to use from our Mod 2 projects. We decided to use the I-Search model with its 4 main steps to organize our tabs and our LibGuide. From there we were able to name our four main tabs, and then we went with a home page for a beginning, and a final page for student & LibGuide evaluations.

After the initial planning stages we imported work we had already completed for our Mod assignment elements into their appropriate pages on the LibGuide. We each added other elements and met by phone to go over our progress.

One of the cool - fun things we added was quotes to each page for inspiration. Customizing the pages was also fun to play with. The added choice in column sizes and numbers and color features makes the LibGuide come alive and have a personality.

LibGuide’s collaboration feature made it easy to work in. To complete the project we met by phone one more evening to discuss final details. We even reflected together via phone & Google docs.

This LibGuide is an excellent start for our school and the students who are researching the Holocaust. We consider it to be a work in progress and a platform that will help students have valuable information at their fingertips. We purposely included a survey for the students to complete in order to assess our LibGuide, and give us feedback about areas for improvement.

On a personal note, I really enjoyed LibGuides. I am hoping to be able to acquire a subscription through my district next year. I absolutely love this type of tool for curation. In my situation I need a way to get the information to students and staff when my library is closed. Since there is not a full-time librarian in our high school, LibGuides that help students with through the research process can be such a valuable resource on our library’s homepage. With LibGuides (or curation tools like it) I can send this information via the web to students & staff 24/7.

Another aspect I liked was the ability to use tools such as Mentormob and Symbaloo and embed them on the pages. They help create a more visually pleasing list of links instead of just a box with links listed. We used a few Mentormob playlists through our LibGuide. I think it makes the LibGuide more colorful. I started playing with Symbaloo, but ran of time to use it on this LibGuide. It is definitely a tool I plan to use. Symbaloo reminds me of a game or app icons, which I believe students would be attracted to.

Working with Kathleen was great. She was easy to work with. Not only did I have a great experience working with her, I have gained a friend and a PLN colleague.