My Tool of Choice

The year 2020 brought many unexpected experiences. The year 2021 will be shaped by what I learned in 2020 along with an extra dose of bravery (my word for 2020) and purposeful time to pause (my word for 2021).

To recap, in 2020, I birthed a book, The School Librarian's Technology Playbook: Innovative Strategies to Inspire Teachers and Learners, published by ABC-CLIO. I supported teachers in the transition to virtual learning. I authored distance learning guidelines for faculty and for families. I became a student again participating in an online course entitled Reimagining School. I rediscovered downtime and all the great things that can come from that: creativity, freedom, daydreaming, exploring, whimsy, to name a few. I read more books than I could have ever imagined, many of which helped me process and navigate all the tumult happening around me. I learned how to be more compassionate with less judgment and more acceptance. 

I also discovered and rediscovered amazing tech tools. If I were to present an MVT award, it would have to go to Canva. It was my go-to tool for personal and professional creative expression. A list of some of my favorite creations in Canva (in no particular order):

• Information Ninja Copyright Workshop for 5th Graders

• I voted at The Davis Academy election stickers

• Instagram quotes from my recent book

• Digital posters to serve as Zoom etiquette reminders

• Digital flyers to brag on our school library

• Promotional materials for upcoming author visits

• Advertisements for professional development

• Fun banners to add to leadership applications created in Google Forms

If you have not discovered the power of Canva yet, it is worth the time. In fact, just today I realized that using Canva has allowed me to be more proficient in other design applications and has inspired me to give new tools a try. I am committed to becoming savvier with Adobe Photoshop and this morning, I learned how to design fun mailing labels via Avery.com's design platform. Canva has been a winning tool to tap into creative endeavors while also inspiring me to have the confidence to explore other professional tools. 

While we are still early into 2021, so far I have discovered how to take bigger and bolder risks because of the momentum for being brave for which 2020 allowed me to lay the foundation. I have taken on a role as a guest lecturer at the University of Washington's School of Information, which has allowed me to design an engaging virtual course for MLIS students. In doing so, I have expanded my professional network, gained new skills, and built meaningful relationships with a new group of students. I am continuing to facilitate online learning opportunities throughout spring and into the summer while also learning from other library technology leaders. I continue to learn from my amazing team at The Davis Academy, all of which challenge and inspire me to grow and learn. 

While very little has been easy, most has been worth it. When I reflect back on the big things (living through a pandemic and supporting distance learning), and the little things (dabbling in new tech tools), I can appreciate the journey. I am optimistic about the impending warmer weather, the expansion of the vaccine rollout, and the opportunities to lean into technology use in new and different ways, and exploring the myriad of tools that will come with that process. What tool would you award MVT? Comment below!