Day 1, Term 2

Well after a holiday that involved whirlwind and unexpected travel and assignments, I must say I am exhausted on day one. I am finding full time work and study very demanding and at times way too much. On a more positive note, I am learning more and more everyday about my role as TL and where I fit in the scheme of an ILSC with the assistance of the readings and forums. I have so much to achieve and attempt to get up-and-running, but realise that each aspect of this complex and rewarding role takes time, research, communication, collaboration and a hell of a lot of patience and faith in my own ability. I look forward to learning more this term and hopefully continuing to manage the demands that seem to be at every turn ;)

ILSC and obstacles

I learned a lot about the ILSC and obstacles we face as TL's as I wrote this assignment. The TL is an integral part in creating an ILSC. The role is an extremely complex one that involving the effective use and implementation of resource based learning tools, collaboration, communication, negotiation, cooperative program planning and incorporating information technology in order to support and promote student learning outcomes within the ILSC. Haycock, K. (2003) suggests that TL's play at least 3 critical roles in an effective learning community; teacher, information specialist and administrator, very true it seems.

Obstacles are obviously plentiful and choosing one was not a difficult task; however solving the obstacle in a practical and positive manner was a little more difficult. Collaboration and effective communication are key aspects of forming and managing a successful ILSC. Collaboration as an obstacle can be overcome by setting up a framework of individual roles and intentions. This framework needs to begin by forming and maintaining a good partnership with the school principal. This can impact greatly on the effectiveness a TL can have in establishing and maintaining an ILSC. Hay & Foley (2009) propose that a large body of evidence identifies the essential role the school principal plays in developing and sustaining an effective library program and the importance of a successful relationship between the principal and the TL; ensuring TL's construct both short and long term plans for the library in conjunction with the principal and then be evaluated on the progress made towards realising those plans.

An enjoyable and thought provoking assignment as far as writing a paper goes ;)

one down

Well that assignment would have to be one of the most painful things I have put myself through in a number of years. It took me at least four weekends, and four solid days over Easter to get it done and I must say I am not entirely happy with it. I am still struggling bigtime with APA referencing style, particularly when referencing websites.
It is onto assignment number two now. I have packed all my coursework up brought it with me to Sydney. I am hoping to make this attempt a much improved one , but only time will tell.