VAASL Annual Conference in Roanoke, VA – November 6 – 8, 2014

I had a wonderful time attending my first VAASL Conference in Roanoke, VA from November 6-8, 2014. I acquired a great wealth of knowledge that I intend to share with teachers and students. As I listened and gathered information at the conference sessions, I was often reminded of my role and the contributions that I can make to the school-wide community. After attending the conference I will continue to take risks, be creative, and think outside of the box to help students be successful as they move through my school. Some of my conference session highlights are the following:

Bring on the Tech Tools – I learned about Animoto, Jing, Weebly, and eduCanon. These sites allow students and teachers to create book trailers, math journals with maps & artifacts, websites, and interactive videos.

Take 5 – I learned how 5 minutes of text, tips, and technology shared with teachers at faculty meetings can revolutionize your library program.

Making the 2014 Elementary Connection: What’s New in Children’s Literature that Correlates with the K-5 SOLs? – I learned about 2014 children’s book titles and their curricular connection to the VA SOLs. There are many new titles that I plan to purchase and add to my library collection that teachers can begin utilizing immediately.

For the Love of Technology – I learned about many tech tools including Haiku Deck and Prezi, presentation tools; Thinglink, a tool that brings images to life; Powtoon, a tool for presenting animated videos and presentations; SLIPP, a content messaging app for iPhone users at can be used for reminders, upcoming events, and review of materials; and Blogger, a free tool from Google that allows users to create blogs.

Family Reading Night: From Hot Mess to Sweet Success – I learned how to start and maintain a successful Family Reading Night once a month. The presenter shared her ideas and resources and how the reading night has reenergized her library program.

This conference has invigorated me and will allow me to continue the use of instructional technology to engage students and teachers, improve learning through the school library, strengthen both teacher and student connections, have dynamic and meaningful learning experiences for all, and encourage students to become critical thinkers and enthusiastic readers. I can’t wait to put my new knowledge to work.