This course class is specifically for Paraeducators who have successfully completed the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate program. It is appropriate for relicensure credit for Paraeducators media aides, computer lab aides, clerks and some secretaries who desire further skill development with working with school libraries, literacy initiatives and technology in support of curriculum. The class will be a combination of lecture, discussion, group activities, conducting exercises, practicing techniques and presentations and will be a combination of face-to-face meetings and Moodle online content (with support for those that have not completed course work online).

The course covers an in-depth understanding of how libraries serve as resources and how teachers make productive use of them, following research based best practices. The gathering, maintenance and use of data will be taught. Participants will work hands-on with equipment and software so as to be able to actually incorporate technology into a student´s education plan. The course strives to bring about alternative and updated approaches to appropriate instructional procedures including the latest in assistive software and approaches to learning. The course reinforces that the 21st Century School Library/Media Center does not function as it has in the past and that the Paraeducator’s role is often a driving force in a successful School Library/Media Center program.

This course can be used as the 3 credits needed to renew the paraeducator license AND to add the Area of Concentration/School Library Media.