The Scoop
Gibbes Learning Commons January 2015
Have We Met?
I’m Konni Shier, and I’m the new information technology specialist or ITS for short. Sometimes we’re also called media specialists. I came to Gibbes on December 1, fresh out of my internship at Killian Elementary School in Richland Two. I worked previously at the Lutheran Seminary on N. Main, Columbia College, the University of South Carolina, and I taught English in technical colleges for nearly 24 years, including Midlands Tech.
What Is a Learning Commons?
Learning + research + projects = learning commons. The library / media center has been a flexible, multi-purpose area for years, but now the new name reflects the many purposes of this space. This new name is especially appropriate as Richland One launches its DLE.
Hour of Code
Mrs. Bowie, (art), had some fun with Hour of Code last month! Her classes participated in the national Hour of Code by creating code for Frozen.
Video Conferencing: To the Stars!
In December, Mrs. Hardison’s 8th graders did a video conference with the SC State Museum. Using a desktop sharing program, the students were able to control the telescope.
Read a Good Book Lately?
How about telling your students and colleagues about it? Mrs. Shier is making book trailers in the learning commons. Just what is a book trailer? Well, you know what movie trailers are. Book trailers are short movie clips about books. Book trailers aren’t just for fun. They are a tried and true summative assessment as well as an incentive to promote reading.
New Books! Get’em While They’re Hot!
The Gibbes Learning Commons has tons of new books. (Really. Those were heavy boxes!) Many are displayed on top of the shelves. Come see! And while you’re here, have a look at the 2014-2015 SCASL Junior Book Award Nominees. Students can vote for their favorite book.
Got Research? Got Collaboration? Got Technology?
Please feel free to ask Mrs. Shier for help designing research projects, for collaborating, and for instructional technology assistance. Need a mobile laptop lab? Mrs. Shier can tell you how to reserve one.
Are You a News Junkie?
Come to the library, where you can find recent issues of the New York Times, courtesy of Mrs. Shier.
ID Hours
Students can get a new or replacement ID during first period. Replacement ID’s cost $5.