Banding and online identity

This is not my first attempt at blogging.  I started one some years ago when I worked in another position.  Back then, many school divisions blocked blogging sites and many of my intended readers could not access my posts from school. Hopefully that is no longer the case.  That blog reflected the work I was doing to connect the state standards of learning to the role of the school librarian.  The emphasis was on linking librarians and academic achievement.  While I still believe that conversations about that topic are important, the blog has fallen by the wayside.  It is my hope that this blog will be a springboard for conversation about not only our role connecting 'test result' to libraries but connecting libraries to learning. 

My online identify is easy to find. If you do a search on my name, Charlie Makela, you will find lots and lots of hits. The hits fall into a couple of major areas: my work while at the Va Department of Education, my work with the Virginia Educational Media Association, and my current position in Arlington public schools.  One of the more interesting hits is where a group challenged the school division's decision to deny a request from an organization to accept materials.  (Long story--).  I actually have a Google alert to monitor where my name appears!

I really debated over my user name.  It is different than my Twitter name, Ctp52 which says absolutely nothing about me or who I am, or my Facebook page which is strictly personal.  I have begun to think about those things after reading the other posts from the 23cpd project.  But the user name is an outgrowth of a philosophy that I have about life.  The winhope part of the name represents my attitude towards life in general and what I hope to bring to others.  It stands for 'walk in hope'.  My online identity is to be a supporter, an encourager for all who are working every day to make a difference for both students and teachers.  It may sound corny but I believe that we don't get enough moral support so my goal is to be a source of encouragement and a listening ear. 

The blog name, Coming Together in the Library is my mantra, my passion, Libraries are truly where it all comes together!  I don't think I need to go into detail here about that.

Quick Response Codes

     I have been curious as to how QR Codes can be used in an educational setting.  I understand their use in commercial apps but am wondering how do I bring them into my library programs.  
One of my high school librarians created one for her school's library Web page and using analytics kept track of hits and only had two!  One was from the school's technology coordinator.  So I guess that means that we need to educate our users--but before that, I think we need to determine if the tool has a place or is it just a fun gizmo.  
    We have a mobile app for our online catalog but I am not sure how many people are using it.  I am curious ---anybody out there want to share how they are using QR codes?
 



Here a QR Code for my blog

Ramblings

I have been fortunate to have been connected to libraries and to technology all of my career.  I began with a Apple computer back in the early 1980's.  I was so excited about the possibilities of creating overdue lists!  I quickly transitioned to a newer computer called a TRS-80 and thought that life could not get any better.  Fast forward to last night where I had a Mac Book Pro, a Dell laptop and my iPad 2 open in front of me, each one being used for a different task.  

I read about this project through my Google Reader and thought that this might be a way to refresh and build my skills and to learn from others about how to position my library program for continued success.

I began my career as a school librarian working in grades 7-12.  I worked in the schools for 24 years before beginning a new job as the specialist for school libraries for the Virginia Department of Education.  I held that position for 8 years.  I began my current position in 2006, as the supervisor for libraries for Arlington (VA) Public Schools.  I have 35 schools that are well funded and supported, for which I am very grateful.

I look forward to working through this project in the months to come.