GWR New Media Training Feedback

In March, 24 youth services librarians convened in Green Lake, WI for an intense two-day training on new media--the ever-evolving software (e.g. apps) and hardware (e.g. tablets) that are radically influencing the childhood experience.  You can read more about the Growing Wisconsin Readers New Media Training here: http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/pld/pdf/NMT_description.pdf

NFLS participants were Lara Lakari of the Stephenson Public Library in Marinette, Katie Guzek of Brown County Library and Beth Lokken of Door County Library.  

Lara Lakari shared more about this about the training:

Attending the GWR New Media Training helped me understand the need for libraries to be part of the conversation when it comes to tablet use with children.  We need to be able to model appropriate use and recommend apps that have been evaluated for their support of the ECRR (Every Child Ready to Read) components: singing, talking, reading, writing, playing, and STEM.  We also can provide equal access to such opportunities.  

I have already started discussions with parents, caregivers, board members, and our staff.  I will be doing a presentation utilizing one of the apps we learned about at our all staff meeting next Friday to share these ideas.  My director and I are also working on a development plan that will allow us to acquire more iPads for use here at the main branch and at our smaller branches.