So What Happened at the Information Services Team June Event?
Staff gathered at the June 26th IST event to hear what TPL’s Alan Harnum had to say about “Computational Thinking” — how we effectively use computers and other technology to assist us in our work. While we may sometimes feel the ability to use technology is most critical, Alan reminded us that it’s just as important to be able to think critically about the powers and limits of the technologies we use, and to conceive our goals in ways that computers can assist us in solving them. Alan discussed the four stages of computational thinking: decomposition, pattern recognition, pattern generalization and algorithms design, and drew analogies to functions in the library, one of which was the reference interview. To view his slides check goo.gl/TdU3A6
We also heard from Jennifer Peters, Teaching and Learning Technologies Librarian, & Ewan Gibson, New Media Services Technician, both from Seneca College Libraries. They spoke about “Supporting Digital Literacies in the Library” and provided an overview of Seneca’s “Sandbox”. The Sandbox offers instructional programs and physical spaces to support digital skill development. It is a place where one can create things like animated and live action videos, digital stories, infographics, websites and podcasts. Maker tools like Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, and MakeyMakey kits are also available. Librarians have worked with faculty and students to create an online learning environment. Go to bit.ly/senecasandbox and explore the resources from their workshops and access video instructions, infographics and more.
For more by Jennifer see http://jenniferpeters.wordpress.com/ Check out her projects, videos, publications and more!
Pictured above: Jennifer Peters & Ewan Gibson
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