Media Center no more! Clearwater Middle School in Waconia has transformed its library into a vibrant and flexible learning commons that fosters creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and independence. This session will cover the basics of seeking grant funding for libraries and will walk participants step-by-step through the grant process, from writing a needs assessment, to purchasing and using technology, as well as curriculum writing and assessment tools. Participants will leave with a toolkit full of ready-to-use ideas and templates to jumpstart innovation in their own library spaces.
The Digital Learning & Leadership Initiative in Waconia is in its second year, having moved from an elementary grant award in 2015 to a middle school grant in 2016. Both grants have leveraged new mobile technology including Chromebooks, MacBooks, iPads and collaboration stations to support digital literacy, personalized learning, and media creation initiatives. Program development to be discussed includes the creation of student leadership groups including Tech Squad and Library Squad, as well as media groups including coding club, book club and Minecraft EDU club. Staff training and community collaboration initiatives will also be shared.
