ETEC Self-Assessment ​Candidate’s Name: Sharon Nicholls

Directions: Assess degree to which you the candidate demonstrate the following competencies
using the following ranking:
A. Satisfactorily performs competency independently
B. Performs competency with assistance or supervision
C. Has studied and understands competency but needs to practice it
D. Needs to learn and practice competency.

Example:
Analyze the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to effectively administer and implement an
educational technology or library program within an organization:
The management class helped me locate local policies, which I use. However, I don’t have any for
electronic resources so I’d like to find out about that. I use the curriculum handbook to help me,
and see what gaps occur when class assignments come in. I haven’t had time to look at emerging
technology, and my school doesn’t have the money for it. I try to involve the school community in
collection development, but don’t get lots of input; I’d like to know what would be effective.

1. Apply knowledge and skills from coursework to work settings: A

One thing that I have really enjoyed about the program is that there have been so many
practical applications and learnings that I have been able to use in my middle school
library. For example, in my ​Reading for Pleasure ​class, we were required to read from a large
variety of genres and write book reviews on GoodReads. We learned about digital libraries
and how important it is for students to have access to vetted research as opposed to sources
simply found on the internet that can sometimes contain false information. In addition, I
learned about and created my own collection development that I immediately put to use last
year by placing a large book order for my library.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of various and complex processes involved in the

successful development, implementation and practice of educational technologies: C
In most of my classes at CSULB, students have been asked to use technology to produce
assignments in a creative way. While I still have much to learn, I know that I have learned a
great deal about the many online tools that are available to teachers and students to assist
students with using technology to complete assignments. I have learned how to do a
screencast, a podcast, and how to create a website. I am currently in the the process of
creating a website for my school library that I plan to add as a link to my school website. I
have been introduced to these tools and I hope to use them regularly and improve my skills

3. Explain the role of educational technology and media information within a specific
organization: A
I have learned through this program that the promotion of educational technology and media
information is vital in schools today as districts across the country are striving to engage
students in 21st century learning and preparing them for a future in university and the
workforce. Students understanding how to use the tools available to them is no longer an
option, rather, it is a requirement. While I have learned many things in the program, I am still
working on implementing work in media literacy with students at my school. I have been able
to do some work with my journalism students, two parent workshops on media literacy and
fake news, and am collaborating with LAPL librarian on writing a grant for a media literacy
program to be implemented this Spring and next Fall. With respect to educational technology,
this is one area that I would like to expand in my instructional practice with students at my
school by providing more access and instruction in higher level technology skills.

4. Analyze the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to effectively administer and
implement an educational technology or library program within an organization: A
In my school library, I know that one of the most important skills to run a successful library
program is that I need to know how to use Destiny, our school library management system.
As I am new to working in a school library, I quickly learned the basics about how to circulate
the books and I had done some cataloging. However, through my cataloging course, I learned
about the many features of Destiny and was able to compare it to other systems. I had the
opportunity to fully explore the many ways students and teachers can use Destiny to do
research.

5. Collaborate with personnel within an organization: A

Throughout the program at CSULB, collaboration was an important element in all of my
classes. I learned how to use Google Applications with proficiency while collaborating on
documents and presentations oftentimes using Google Hangouts to video conference with
classmates. I have taken some of these skills to my workplace as I collaborate often with
several colleagues at my school. I work closely with the Title I and literacy coach in order to
coordinate literacy events for parents. I also work with staff from nonprofits Communities in
Schools and Promesa Boyle Heights. Last week, we organized ​Read Across America Week​.
In addition, I work with these entities on campus to work on other literacy initiatives such as a
student book club that meets weekly, a parent book club, and monthly #LoveYourLibrary
events. I also collaborate with my assistant and journalism students in order to create the
school newspaper called ​The Siren​. I enjoy collaborating with others because it is great to
see the exciting results when individuals bring their different strengths and talent to the table
to work for the benefit of our students.

6. Apply ethnographic research techniques to investigate an issue related to the use of

educational technology and information: B

In ETEC 525 I used some ethnographic research methods to investigate how wide the digital
divide was at my school library. In addition, I also did ethnographic research in ETEC 540
when interviewing teachers at my school about the diffusion of technology takes place at my
school. Both experiences allowed me to understand more deeply the problems that students
and teachers face with respect to technology. This understanding has allowed me to more
fully understand the student population at my school and the roles of the teachers and how
they use technology and learn new skills.

Additional outcomes for Teacher Librarians:

7. Promote reading for learning, personal growth and enjoyment. A

I promote reading across the collection by creating book displays for my library and changing
them regularly according to theme of the month. During my Reading for Pleasure class, we
were instructed to create a book display and were given many ideas how to promote reading
with our students. When adding books to my collection, I am careful to read reviews that point
to books that are popular among middle school students. As we have a high population of
students that read at fourth grade level, I look for books that are high interest low level
reading. I also organize monthly author visits or show film that highlights the monthly theme in
my library. This month we will celebrate Women’s Month by showing the film ​The
Breadwinner​. We chose this film because several classes are reading the book,​ I Am Malala
and because I have the ​Breadwinner​ series available to student in the library. Another way I
am working to promote reading is that I am working to read the books in my collection
because I know this is the most powerful way to recommend books to students. As I am still
in my program, it is difficult to read as much as I like, but am committed to do more once I
complete my librarianship credential.

8. Organize collections according to standard library cataloging and classification

principles. C

I took an online cataloging course with Dr. Farmer last summer. The class was a little
challenging for me to follow as I am not accustomed to online courses. This would be one
class that I know I should have taken face to face. I have cataloged many books over the past
few years, but must admit that this is not my strength. I find I am so busy with library activities
that I am keenly aware that this is the one task that I procrastinate. I will work with Jimna
Carbone to catalog one day during my fieldwork in order to review the steps so that I can feel
more at ease with the process.