Preparing for Visioning
I am so fortunate and honored to have been chosen as Tennessee’s delegate to the AASL Vision Summit in Chicago Dec. 1-3. By some fluke yesterday when I didn’t receive the email notification that my 3rd attempt to fly out of Nashville to Chicago had been cancelled, I simply went to the airport and they put me on a flight 20 minutes later. Those waiting knew that flight had been there an extra 3 hours, but for me, I simply walked up and was slipped into the next flight. What are the odds?! On the plane the stewards tossed out 4 bags of snacks since they knew everyone was hungry and we had a happy time flying into Chicago with a grateful group of people so relieved to be going there (No grumblers in the bunch) My luggage even arrived first off the plane, the shuttle was right there, and my internet is free in the hotel since I signed up as a frequent guest. I met up with Julie Walker and school librarians from New Mexico, Idaho and Kansas City and we had a fun time eating downstairs and talking shop/ethics/social dynamics/etc.
One of the most fun preparing for this Vision Summit has been the suggested reading. I finally finished taking my notes, highlight, writing arguments and lesson plans/activites based upon my reading of this paper. The word librarians only shows up in 2 paragraphs and school libraries are mentioned only as places of access and as protection. Still, if you are interested in thinking, this is a wonderful article to scaffold your personal exploration of participatory culture. I really appreciated the diverse list of Sources though I’d like to note that the school library bloggers are not represented. Let’s get out there and be heard!
This is the paragraph that I originally received and the explanation:
If you are interested in some optional, provocative pre-reading, download the paper, “Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century” (Note: this is 68 pages). For those of you who just want to peruse, there is an Executive Summary on p. 3 - 4 and a “Who Should Respond” on pp. 56 - 60. http://www.digitallearning.macfound.org/site/c.enJLKQNlFiG/b.2029245/k.C5DF/Results.htm The paper was commissioned by the MacArthur Foundation and written by Henry Jenkins, Director of Comparative Media Studies Program at MIT.
One final note: when I happily checked in at the hotel and we laughed that I was able to escape my chaotic household of 4 teenage boys, 2 dogs, one cat, and hubby dear plus not having to work at any of the other 3 jobs I had for the weekend, the hotel staff enthusiastically told me that I had a room in the quiet zone. When you closely examine the sign you will read:
Welcome to the Quiet Zone
Please be considerate of other guests.
Our promise to all guests staying in this area is to extend the following courtesies:
* No housekeeping or maintenance activities between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m.
* No children, leisure groups, marching bands or circus animals will be assigned to this area.
We ask in return that you do your part in keeping noise to a minimum by
* Keep TV and radio to a low volume.
* Ensure guest doors do not slam.
* No loud singing in the shower.
Julie seems to think they may have assigned me to this floor to make me be quiet. I thought they knew I needed the quiet to rejuvenate. I know you won’t believe me so I took a photo here:
