I love Technology Connections!

Over the last few Sundays my wife, niece, and nephew have been thoroughly enjoying Masterpiece Theater's presentation of Cranford. Based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novels, the BBC adaptation provided a lot of smiles and laughs. My wife's birthday is this week. What to do for a present? How about print her copies of all Elizabeth Gaskell's novels? EASY! With the Microlibrary
Project from the Center for Open and Sustainable Learning, all her novels are available as a pdf download from the Gutenburg Project. All I need to do is print, cut and bind. Instant birthday present. Just make sure you go through the COSL Microlibrary to get the pdf version.

Summer Reading=Free book!

Not such a technical topic, but EXCITING none the less.

Summer reading programs can be found at most any public library. Most include a tracking chart that is exchanged/checked for a prize. Usually, we're talking about pencils, small plastic animals, stickers, etc. Occasionally a library will randomly draw for books, videos, or posters. These are fun programs, especially appealing to younger children. For older children, the reward may not be worth the effort.

Enter Barnes & Noble... They just announced their summer reading program. Four easy steps... one pretty decent incentive.

1. Kids read any 8 books.
2. Kids use the Summer Reading Journal to tell us their favorite part of each book. A parent/guardian signs it when it's complete.
3. Children bring their completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 29th & September 2nd, 2008.
4. We'll give them a coupon for a FREE book! They choose from a list of exceptional paperback titles.*

URL: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp?r=1&afsrc=1&r=1

Balance between Fiction/Non-fiction

A classmate recently posted this very insightful and thought provoking insight onto our class discussion board. I thought it was valuable to the internet as a whole...

One of the things I am constantly fighting is the fact that many of my students read below grade level - some are far, far below grade level. I have a theory that while research is very important (thus the importance of virtual libraries), the ability to read is created with fiction because fiction is for enjoyment (thus the importance of print resources). Few people want to read an e-book. It is too hard on the eyes and doesn't have the enjoyment of a book. Is there an argument that while balance is vital, print resources could be heavy in fiction, while reference could be heavy in virtual?? I'd love to hear what others think about this idea. In the high school, some people think a great deal of the financial resources of the library should be put into print reference. But then I notice that the reading ability of the students decreases and the library outside the computer area becomes like a tomb. Any thoughts anybody?

My less than adequate response to some very large questions...
As you know, I am an advocate for technology. However, I own my own personal collection of about a gazillion books. (ok, I exaggerate... but I did give away 15 boxes of books when I left the classroom, leaving me with only 12 to keep at home) I agree that the fiction is a motivating factor for reading development. I also agree that non-fiction/reference is a 'mandatory,' thus making it a factor in purposeful reading.

I get the sense a good librarian is proficient in both. They promote both and encourage use of both with both teacher and student.

I think where fiction gets lost is in the middle/high school level. Subjects get divided between teachers and departments, leaving the 'integrated' learning approach behind. It is a natural change in the structure of today's educational system. However, it seems to, by it's nature, focus more on non-fiction/reference materials. Fiction is picked up by the lit classes and an occasional historical fiction novel in social studies.

While I certainly don't claim any great insight into the specifics at schools, this seems like a general pattern. Perhaps that is why HS libraries start becoming a wasteland... there is no reason to check out a good book, just for enjoyment.

Random thoughts based on some great questions.