SLJ's Summit Explores the Future of Content
This article originally appeared in SLJ's Extra Helping. Sign up now!
By Rocco Staino -- School Library Journal, 11/24/2008 2:00:00 PM
Librarians, technology leaders, publishers, authors, and editors gathered on November 14 and 15 for School Library Journal’s fourth annual leadership summit to explore where content is headed and how librarians can take advantage of its evolution to fully engage students and teachers.
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Keynote speaker Anastasia Goldstein signing her book, Totally Wired. |
Summit moderator Joyce Valenza, a media specialist at Springfield High School in Erdenheim, PA, led a discussion on how Web 2.0 tools improve the delivery of content to learners. She asked the audience “What about your collection keeps you up at night?,” a question that led to a stimulating discussion between panelists and the audience, which at times challenged content producers to explore new options for delivery.
Technology was utilized all over the conference, with Twittered questions, comments, and observations visible to the audience as speakers presented. Attendees were also encouraged to use a wiki and a ning before, during, and after the summit to foster dialog.
“High praise for modeling what I've been thinking of as a 'meta orgy'—where live ning forums, video broadcasts, instant video and photo uploads all were integrated into the contemplative experience” said Nick Glass, founder of Teaching Books.net
The summit was a working meeting that included a mix of speakers and panelists, as well as more intimate working groups that targeted specific content areas. Breakout sessions included topics ranging from reference in the digital age to creating and managing digital visual content.
Nonfiction authors Vicki Cobb and Marc Aronson discussed how they incorporate print with digital content. And the role of gaming in education was addressed by Scott Traylor, the CEO and founder of 360KID, a company that creates games and social media for many organizations such as PBS, Disney, and National Geographic.
If you’re interested in becoming a participant in future summits, please send an email describing your experience as a school library professional to rooco.staino@gmail.com with SLJ Summit 2009 in the subject line.
