Living in Melbourne, Australia, I currently work with senior students as a Teacher Librarian in a large co-educational school. Over the last 20+ years I’ve worked in a variety of school libraries indulging in my passion of connecting students and staff with the world of literature. Recent explorations of all things related to the web has ignited in me a new passion and thirst for knowledge. In between constantly exploring, discovering, and experimenting, I often, enthusiastically, share and encourage others to join with me on my learning journey!
Reflecting the evolving story of my learning journey, this blog was begun in April 2010, when enrolled in the VicPLN program – a mentored 12 week online course aimed at developing Web 2.0 skills. Now run through the State Library of Victoria, the online program, Personal Learning Network, is highly recommended as a way of developing and expanding technology skills. Blogging about my learning journey has provided me with a space to reflect on experiences and discoveries unearthed in cyberspace. Join me on my journey so that we can all learn and grow together.
Beliefs:
- Social Networking has altered the path of society: the way we behave, learn and interact with each other.
- Students of the 21st Century are digital natives who use mobile web based technology on a daily basis.
- To retain relevancy in the eyes of our students this technology must be embraced and harnessed by educators.
- Taking a risk – discarding fear, inhibitions and hesitation – to embrace the new, leads to previously unimagined feelings of exhilatation and satisfaction.
Professional Aspirations:
- To inspire students to read, read and read some more.
- To continue my personal learning journey of all things web based.
- To ignite in other educators my enthusiasm and passion for continued learning.
Publications:
Ponderings of a PLN’er in FYI: Journal of the School Library Association of Victoria. Vol. 14, Number 4, Spring 2010
Twittering to my heart’s content in FYI: Journal of the School Library Association of Victoria. Vol. 15, Number 1, Summer 2011
Twittering to my heart’s content reprinted in ASLA (Australian School Library Association of Australia) NSW. Winter 2011
The Power of Twitter in TLN (Teacher Learning Network) Journal Vol. 18 No. 1 May 2011
Social Networking to Publicize Books on Bright Ideas: Blog of the School Library Association of Victoria. June 8, 2011
10 reasons why Google can’t replace learning in Connections Issue 78 August 2011
What’s a good book to read Miss? Guest blog on Bright Ideas: Blog by the School Library Association of Victoria and State Library of Victoria. Published in two parts: Part 1: What’s a good book to read Miss? and Part 2: Any more good books Miss?
If you don’t have a PLN, you don’t know what you’re missing! in Connections Issue 80 February 2012
Featured post: instaGrok Featured blog post on Bright Ideas: Blog by the School Library Association of Victoria and the State Library of Victoria. April 26, 2012
Of note:
- Listed in Top 50 Education Tweets of 2011 was a tweet of a NovaNews blog post: 10 Learning Paradigms that can be implemented by Teacher Librarians
- Interviewed for a feature article: PD News: Presenting, give it a go! in Australian Teacher Magazine. March 2012
- Requested in April 2012 by the editor of Bright Ideas to become a regular contributor.
Availability for Presentations:
Available to present or consult on a range of topics such as those listed here. Contact me directly to discuss your interest.
- It’s never too late ….. Learning is a lifelong journey!
- Connect, communicate, collaborate: Develop your Personal Learning Network (PLN) today!
- Social Networking ….. A powerful professional tool!
- Web 2.0 – Easy tools to learn and use in the classroom tomorrow!
- Online learning ….. The best thing since sliced bread!
- The world at your fingertips: Use Library Resources to help achieve your teaching goals.
- Get them reading! Using Literature Circles in the classroom.
- Creating a reading community ….. Ideas to implement.
- To blog or not to blog? Blogging and sharing with a worldwide audience.
- The ins and outs of Literary Festivals: Putting a Literary Festival together for your school community.
- The joy of learning in the 21st Century: Our online world.
- Developing an online presence – your digital footprint: It’s not as hard as it sounds!
Presentations given:
- 2012:
It’s never too late …… Learning is a lifelong journey! Presentation at Technology in the Classroom: Conference for Casual Relief Teachers. April 12th, 2012Web 2.0 Toolbox: easy to learn ….. Easy to use!
Presentation at Teacher Learning Network: ‘Thursday’s with TLN.” September 13th, 2012
- 2011:
Web 2.0 for you too! Presentation at Casual Relief Teachers Conference: IT in the classroom. July 13th 2011Social Networking to publicise books
Presentation at School Library Association of Victoria Conference: Creative Communication: A conference for library technicians and assistants. May 9th 2011
Contact:
Twitter: @novanews19
Email: bev.novak@gmail.com
Google+ Bev Novak
LinkedIn: Bev Novak
Hi Bev
I really like the way you have included your Beliefs and Professional Aspirations – your passion shines through!
I’m looking forward to reading your article in FYI when it comes out.
Kim
Thanks so much for your kind words Kim.
Hi Bev…well done with your “About Me” spring clean (summer clean really). I’ts good to include your beliefs and aspirations, might consider addiding a few to mine now. Thanks for the inspiration:)
If the truth be known, I keep peeking at your blog frequently for inspiration!
Hi Bev you have created an excellent resource here I have added your link to my PLN for my network. Keep up the great work.
Junita Lyon
Thanks so much for your kind words Junita. I admire the work you have been doing on the Australia Series and the camaraderie that you extend to us all. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment.
Hi – just found you via Twitter. Looking forward to delving in to your articles over the next few days. This looks like a great resource. Thanks!
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the read!!