Digital Learning Day!!!

I am declaring it here....My high school library WILL participate in Digital Learning Day this year!


I'm excited! How about you? Are you an educator? student? parent? anyhow involved in young people and their education??? You can sign up, too! There are lots of great ideas ranging from tiny to heavily involved. Check it out: http://digitallearningday.org/

My first year as a librarian, I was at Paul Harding High School. I pulled in a smartboard during lunch time and showed students how to protect their Facebook information and other online information. I handed out bookmarks on Social Networking and other "be smart online" type items.  I did the whole "Be a Smarty (smarties candies), not a Dumb-Dumb (dum-dum suckers)". 

Last year I totally failed. My excuse: at previous library, I took over for a Library Media Specialist (shout out to Michelle Houser @mrshouser68) that had already spent 2 years whipping that sorry place into shape.  I inherited lunch-regulars and a willing staff.  Last year I switched to my current library, and, well...it was my turn to do some "whipping".  Time got away from me, I let myself use sorry excuses, and then I was left with nothing but regrets.  I mean, the beauty of Digital Learning Day is it doesn't have to be complicated!

So, this year, it is on!  What do I focus on? 

• social networking - keeping your private life private?
• iPads (1:1 in my district) - maybe an app-related event (Tap that App or Appy Hour...too controversial for a high school or just right to pull those teens in??)
• maker-stations - I have a green BRAND-SPANKIN-NEW green screen with lights...maybe create videos, ebooks, or...*insert awesome idea here*
• Wii tournament - pull them in with games while surrounding them with awesome "did you know" techie/digital footprint/iPad type facts
• Skype - with another library, school, author, cool person?  Of course, my kids can't have Skype on their iPads, so I'm sure that will bring up drama.  Hmm..maybe turn that into a "why some things are blocked and what we, as students, can do to regain access moment??

What do you think?  What are you doing?  Remember, there are lots of ideas on the website, Twitter (#DLDay2013), and Facebook!