It was so exciting to attend the TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) conference this year - in person. I did the online version last year and enjoyed it, but this year felt so normal. After a couple of years of pandemic fun, I'll take a bit of normal.
I presented a poster session with our district lead, Pam Pinkerton. I think that went really well. We talked about the importance of keeping usage statistics in your library as they tell the story of what you do. I am always amazed at how many librarians don't keep stats. I think it is a great way to start those conversations and to know what is working and what is not.
Here is our presentation, What's Your Story? Using Data to Promote your Library, which will be repeated at TLA in April 2022.
I also attended many worthwhile sessions. Here were some of my favorites.
I enjoyed this session and another called "
PD They will Love" because both talked about their Potty PD examples, and I am always looking for another perspective. After going to these sessions, I did change up my template quite a bit. Here is a before and after sample if you want to compare. I just love those relevant sessions where I can use the information right away.
These presenters were highly entertaining. Their session was fast-paced and relevant. One of my favorite tips was setting all of your questions to require an answer in a Google Form. Once you set it for one form, it will carry over into all forms created after that. I hate when I create a Google Form and forget to make the question required. Now, it's all good. If you are interested, click on the presentation. It will walk you through the process. It's a time-saver for sure.
I really enjoyed the diversity of ideas with this session. It truly was both for elementary and secondary. One of the best tips I absorbed was teacher BINGO for the announcements. Since I do the announcements for my school, this was an easy activity to do. For March, I am designing a Women's History Month BINGO. I end each day's announcements with a "fact of the day." I already have the facts of the day created for March. So all I need to do is transfer those into BINGO boards. The first 5 teachers who BINGO will receive a large Sonic drink. All other BINGOs after that receive a tasty snack. Crossing my fingers! We'll see how this goes.
Have a great day!
