The media center web page is valuable resource for students, teachers and parents to use when they are on or off campus. The media center web page is so valuable because of the type of information available around the clock. Students, teachers and parents can access information and resources that are available anytime they would like. After reviewing many media center websites, here are a few items that should be included on a media center website: a general media introduction, online reference access information, a list of websites to find more information, book information and a space for frequently asked questions.
The general media introduction should include information about the media specialist and ways to get in contact with him/her. The hours of operation should be posted along with upcoming events. The online reference access information should be posted for easy access to GALILEO and other subscriptions the school may have for online references. A good media center website also includes a page that is dedicated to a lists of websites that may be helpful to students as they research different subjects. Teachers may also access pathfinders provided by the media specialist from this page. Another page that should be included is a spotlighted book or series to excite the students and motivate them to read. A page for frequently asked questions should also be provided to help students, teachers or parents who are struggling to find reference materials or information on the website.
When visiting other media program's web pages I found a lot of media centers include pictures of the media center and the resources they have available for students, teachers and parents to use. However, I feel as even though there is a lot of information posted to the website, the connection to the students, teachers and parents is still very distant. I think that the media center's web page should also be linked to a blog. Students, teachers and parents could post questions or comments about the media program. The media specialist could also start book talks online for teachers and students. Linking the web page to a blog would open the lines of communication and the media specialist could meet the needs of all the patrons. The information on the website should always focus on bridging the gap between home and school and classroom and media center.
A Media Center Webpage is a phenomenal tool for teachers, parents and students to have access to. As a teacher myself, I see more and more parents wanting to get involved with their students via the Internet. We are required to have a classroom webpage with important information pertaining to our classroom. To also have a web page dedicated to media tools and academic guidance is a great way to extend this information to parents. The media center is the heart of the school and parents along with teachers and students should be involved and kept updated on the current events and academic information. What a great way to open those lines of communication with parents and between teachers. Having a blogging site provides parents and teachers an opportunity to have on-line discussions about current events, or academic questions that they may have. They could even use the blogging for praise of their students or teachers. Another great way is the book talks you mentioned Whitney. Why not create book talks outside the classroom? This way, students stay involved not matter where they are or what time of day that it is. Such wonderful benefits an online media center website can offer. If more parents and teachers would get on board and encourage and help promote and create such a website, we would move closer to closing that gap between school and home. Wonderful ideas Whitney!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of having a spotlight on a book or a series to excite the patrons. This page could even be linked to a blog and be used as an online literature circle. The media specialist could pose questions relating to the book or series and the students could have a discussion about the book. This idea could also be used in an English class and be linked to the media center web page.
ReplyDeleteYou could also have students create book reviews and create a page that spotlights students favorite books with their review accompanying the title.
These ideas may work better in middle or high school but I think upper elementary could use them as well. Even younger students would be interested in new exciting books.
I like the idea that the media specialist shared pictures of the media center and resources that are available to the students thought the webpage. Parents can see the pictures and they would not have problems locating mateials when they visit the school's media center. A great webpage as you mention would have a list of web sites to share with parents.
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