Johnson

=Doug Johnson= Web Page [|Johnson] Johnson's Blog [|Johnson]

Doug Johnson is the director of media and technology for the Mankato public schools. He has worked as a media specialist in both a secondary setting and elementary setting. He worked as a K-8 media specialist for five years in Saudi Arabia and has been an adjunct professor in library media education for sixteen years. He has written four books and many articles on schools and technology. He has also given over 150 keynote speeches at local, state, and national conferences. He often speaks of the "net generation" and how students today do so many things with social networking and schools are trying to catch up. He talks about how students interact with each other through technology and have created a world of online social interactions. In his artical Connections for Learning: Schools and the Educational use of Social Networking he says, " Social networking and social media motivate students to learn indpendently, primarily outside of the school day. They construct their own learning tasks, activities, knowledge, and understanding." Many of his books are written as a guide for educators to understand the importance of teaching students ethics and morals when using technology and to show educators technology is not something to fear.

I agree with Johnson that students have a whole new way to interact with eachother through programs like facebook and twitter. I think schools should be focusing more on how they can create an environment in which students can relate to one another in a way they are comfortable. For some students I think using something like web 2.0 can be the creative outlet they need to help them be successful.(KG)

Mr. Johnson s also involved with "Creative Commons", a non profit corporation dedicated to making it easier for people to share and build upon the work of others, consistent with the rules of copyright.st

I think that Doug Johnson is correct in pointing out that schools need to keep pace with students as far as networking through the use of technology. Students live outside of school time constantly surrounding themselves with new forms of social interaction. If schools can relate classroom academics to more familiar technology, students would enjoy this and it would capture their attention. BG

I liked the article entitled [|Are Libraries Heading Toward Extinction]. The libraries that will continue to thrive will be those which meet needs that can not be met by the internet:
 * 1**. **By providing a physical comfort that the Internet does not.**
 * 2. By providing expertise an Internet user may not have.**
 * 3. By providing “high touch” experiences to offset the “high tech” environments.**
 * 4. By recognizing and using the Internet to compliment one’s mission.** JD

In his blog, Johnson states: //My advice to all LMSs beginning new jobs is based on **Johnson’s Three Commandments of a Successful Library Program**:// I think number three is an outstanding point. There is a tendency for those who are technically in the know to not want to share the inside scoop. Librarians need to realize that the more that are in on what we do technologically, the more success and longevity we will have. EH
 * 1) //Thou shall develop shared ownership of the library and all it contains.//
 * 2) //Thou shall have written annual objectives tied directly to school and curricular goals and bend all thy efforts toward achieving them.//
 * 3) //Thou shall take thy light out from under thy damn bushel and share with others all the wonders thou dost perform.//

I've really enjoyed reading about Doug Johnson. Thanks to everyone who posted! The rules to keep libraries alive and the three commandments are good to keep in the front of your mind as a Library Media Specialist. In regards to commandment three, it has been my experience that some people want to share all the cool tips learned to help others do things more efficiently, while others hold on to those tips to prove they are invaluable to the school. To those worried about proving their worth in their job I say, "You should be more worried about the students and maybe you'll realize that you are invaluable." CMS

Johnson has a lot to say and a lot to asorb. He seems to have the experience to back up his ideas. I would like to remember his quote about quality libraries needing a quality librarian. He speaks of being welcoming to students and creating an atmoshpere that will make students feel comfortable. Librarians in general, need to be more welcoming and less like a dictator. Our students don't always desire to come to the library and I would like to change that. I like the quote about the student who said the internet is like the librarian except it doesn't have bad breath or a bad attitude. That is something to remember! DM

I perused Doug's website and was immediate drawn to the link for handouts (like any teacher I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting material!). I followed another link to the workshop section on his wiki. Wow! I loved how he had resources for both building the quality of your library media center, to teaching, to fun stuff (""). He had suggestions I'd never know about (like filters through PowerPoint, something that could be done in most schools!). I was also astounded by all of his articles. I found "Lessons School Librarians Teach Others" especially meaningful. I would love to go to a workshop with him. CNR

I enjoyed reading one of Johnson's favorite quote's called "A Day of Ordinary (Library) Miracles." I think everything he listed is something we strive to make happen in the libraries. I think these things help motivate us to try even harder each and every day to make a difference in the lives of others. It's also very rewarding when others show that they appreciate the librarians.
 * I wish you a day of ordinary (library) miracles and little things to rejoice in.**

Eight hands that go up to request the title you've just book talked. A computer that goes for an entire day without crashing. A less-than-successful baking experiment taken to the teachers lounge, gratefully eaten before 10 am. A child asking for another book "just like this one." A software installation that does not cause another program to crash. A parking spot close to the school door. The principal saying a sincere thank-you. An unexpected larger amount on your paycheck or a smaller amount on your mortgage payment. A new book just published by your favorite author. A student who is actually concerned about the quality of his work. A dozen doughnuts as "thanks" for service above and beyond the call. A quick and pleasant response from a technician. A kid who wants to help you. A human voice on the phone when you expected a recording. A student who wants to become a librarian when she grows up. A chance to show a tech-tip to a teacher who thinks you are a "guru." A library with windows and sunbeams in the winter. A request to use the library for a meeting because " it is the nicest room in the school." A smile of accomplishment from a student who shows you how to do something on the computer. A quickly-answered reference question asked by a teacher. A library aid you like and who likes you. A student so absorbed in a book, he doesn't hear the bell ring. A call from a parent about a lost book found while cleaning. A student who wants to hold your hand. Students who give genuine praise to each other. A small space of time to read for pleasure! MP

I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments regarding Mr. Johnson. I obviously need to spend more time exploring his presentations, workshops and handouts. I appreciate the fact that he is a "real" library/media person who works in the field as a Director of Media and Technology. I would like to spend more time on his Blue Skunk Blog where he practices what he preaches by sharing his extensive knowledge with others. CW