Love Thy Library

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’ve been giving away some fun Gale Cengage Learning bling since we have access to three Gale databases we use heavily for research here at The Unquiet Library!  Many thanks to Gale for the free goodies that are helping our students show their love for The Unquiet Library!

 

John Green’s Thoughts from Places: The Tour (The Fault in Our Stars)

 

Using the Gale Virtual Reference Library – Downloading a PDF to Your eReader

 

Students and Skype as Catalysts for Learning: Ms. Salas’s Students Skype and Learn @ The Unquiet Library

We’ve started off 2012 on an energizing and positive note at The Unquiet Library with two Skype interviews of experts related to architectural design.  What is super cool is that both of these Skype sessions were born out of students reaching out to experts about topics they’re curious and passionate about in Ms. Melanie Salas’s Architectural Drawing and Design II course.

Our first interview was Thursday, January 12 with Lisa Roth of Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design, L.L.C.   Meet the brainchild behind this Skype session and her insights on the value of Skype in the classroom:

Other student insights included:

• learning about how to select a college and qualities to look for in program related to the field of architecture
• pathways to careers in architecture
• what kinds of learning experiences to expect in a program of study for architecture
• the field of interior design and how study in this area might enhance or shape a career as an architect
• the importance of learning the culture of a geographic area before embarking on a design
• Ms. Roth’s approach to the process of architectural design
• details about specific design projects Ms. Roth’s firm has completed (a student favorite)
• the cost and security of structures have a diverse range depending on the needs of the client
• the importance of designing an effective sales pitch or sales presentation for a project
• applications of what has been learned in class to “real world” architecture

Our second interview was with Danny Abshire of Newton Running.   Students got to ask questions about the design process and learned not only about the logistics of shoe design and Abshire’s story of co-founding his business, but they also received sound advice on dealing with the highs and lows of following one’s passions and dreams.  Students were truly impressed and engaged with Abshire’s energy and love for what he does; many commented it was a valuable and memorable learning experience.

Like last week’s Skype session, the catalyst for this conversation was learning was rooted in a student’s desire to connect with an expert.  Duncan shares how his study in Ms. Salas’s class intersected with his Senior Project and his reflections on how today’s learning experiences have impacted him as a student.  His joy and delight are infectious!

I’d like to thank our students, Ms. Salas, and our experts for their time and willingness to engage in a conversation for learning through Skype and our library.   I’m especially happy that students have not only gained new content related knowledge, but that they have also felt the power of interviewing an expert and that the Skype experience has fueled their passion and curiosity for learning!

Buffy Hamilton, Ed.S.
School Librarian

 

It’s HERE: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

We have four copies left of The Fault in Our Stars by the one and only John Green!  Ms. Hamilton feels this is his best book since Looking for Alaska and thinks students will love his latest novel.  Check out the book trailer and the interview with John Green below.