Competency 4: RSS

Searching for an RSS feed was a challenge. This week we are discussing natural language vs controlled for information representation and retrieval. I experienced some difficulties with natural language as I tried to attempt using my own word choices in locating an RSS feed that would fall under the topic of Elementary Libraries or Accelerated Reader. I must have typed in over a dozen different ways of using those topic words in both Yahoo and Google. I finally found LIBWorm with the subject of Library Schools. It has several articles on School Libraries and even one titled "The Curse of Controlled Vocabulary." I am looking forward to seeing how this RSS feed will update itself throughout this semester.

Module 3: Podcast Search

The competency for Module three is to find a podcast. My quest for this search took some time but I finally found one that I felt offered some valuable information about Accelerated Reader. It is a podcast power point presentation. The authors name is Linda Sears. She works as a Library Media Specialist for Oak Mountain Intermediate School. I chose to use Sears podcast because it provides a summary of what Accelerated Reader is about and how parents can help manage and encourage their children to read with this program. Although the podcast is geared for parents, it is also helpful for anyone who is unfamiliar with the program.

"The Blog URL is:http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/lsears

I found this site using Blogsearch.

Module 2 Blog Search: Accelerated Reader

My assignment for this competency is to find a blog related to my area of interest. In my quest for this search, I found a blog submitted by Kari Weathers. She is a Kindergarten teacher from Loretto, Tennessee, who blogs for Families.com. In this blog she details aspects of the Accelerated Reading program while also making some personal comments of her own about the program.

Here are a few quotes from Weathers blog: "Accelerated Reader is an individualized reading program designed to promote student interest in reading." Weathers mentions: " There is an extensive group of research that confirms that Accelerated Reader program is effective." She also explains that: "Students that did not enjoy reading had motivation to read."

The Blog URL is:
http://education.families.com/blog/accelerated-reader-program
I found this site using Google Blog Search.

Focus

This blog is established for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of 5013-22, ISAR. I will be posting my competencies here during the semester term via this blog. My focus will be on Elementary Library service and how programs such as Reading Renaissance and Accelerated Reader are used to encourage student reading.