BA Library Online for the Month of March 2020

Since quarantine began, I have created links, directories and resources for our learning community in the Academy. Using Workplace, I regularly posts resources and helpful links there. I use the blog to compile them into an archive.

As the academic year draws to a close, here is a monthly listing of blog posts on online learning, tech integration and school library services in the time of COVID-19. This is culled from actual practice and may prove beneficial for further research and study on the role of libraries and the leadership roles of school librarians.

Learning in the Time of COVID-19 - from a Facebook post, I was able to generate opinions and "think-alouds" from practitioners in the field of educational technology and instructional design.

The School Library is a Vital Support System  - a reflection on the school library's vital role as support system and communicating to the learning community the commitment to serve in the time of COVID-19.

Google Classroom and Eric Curts - Tech tips and exert advice in using Google Suite.

The Flow and Structure of MOOCs - sharing a personal experience in participating in the 23 Mobile Things (2014). It is still a useful resource and example of an online learning module.

Reflective Teaching in the Time of COVID-19 - More reflections focusing on assessment, building relationships and connecting humanity with the use of technology for teaching and learning.

A Heart Map: An Online Bibliotherapy Session - An activity for mental health and well-being that children and adults can participate in.

Free eBooks and Audio Books - a list / directory of freebies

The Lighthouse Diary: An Ongoing Reflection on Remote and Online Learning - Thinking about professional practice never ends.

Collage: Liwanag

This is my collage. The title is liwanag.

The first photo in the left is the bamboo in school near the swimming pool. I took this photo during my morning walk on campus in the morning.The second photo was taken in Capul, Samar at sunrise (2010). I was there for a week-long teacher training. In the morning, before the bell rings for breakfast, I would sit by the beach and watch the sun rise. Teacher training can be exhausting so the quiet moment spent by the sea was my "me" time. Apart from sunrises, I also like flowers and looking at clouds when the weather is good. In 2010, I joined friends for a trip to Sagada. We went caving in Sumag-uing. It was an adventure! Thanks to our guide who brought lamps. The cave, though dark and cold was a beautiful sight to behold. 

Liwanag is my first collage using Photo Collage . It is a web app with a mobile app that you can download in your smart phones or tablets. A collage can made using these digital tools and by hand too. Whichever medium you choose to make one, a collage is a form of meditation and an avenue for self expression.

Try making one. You will need the following materials and tools.

For a digital collage
1. Photos in the album of your smart phone
2. An app to make your collage in like PicCollage, Canva, Photo Collage, Typorama, etc.
3. Choose photos randomly. Pick what you like. Just go with the flow of looking, choosing and pasting on the canvas or board. Feel free to use any background, design or template. 
4. When you are finished making your collage, save it in your phone or tablet.
5. Describe your collage by writing down memories that come to mind of the photos you have taken. You may want to use a title like the one I have above.
6.  Share your collage either in social media or show it to friends.

For a handmade collage
1. You will need paper, (oslo paper preferably) magazines ( a lot!), glue and a pair of scissors.
2. Look for pictures, words and short phrases in the magazines.
3. Cut the ones which you find interesting or striking.
4. Paste the cut pieces on the oslo paper.
5. Describe your collage by writing down memories that come to mind of the photos you have taken. You may want to use a title like the one I have above.
6.  Take a photo of your collage and share it with friends or in social media.

Today, make a collage using either an app or the handmade method. To help you focus, the following themes/topics are recommended: family, friendship, Griffin. Be ready to share your collage. Have fun!