Are Ye-ew [sic] Using the Ri-ight [sic] Tools to Leverage Collaboration?

This article discusses how school librarians can exploit Web tools to leverage teacher collaboration. Start by mapping the functions of specific tools against curricular goals and the methods that each teacher favors. Do it in a Word table or an Excel spreadsheet. Some tools synchronize with the linear sequential thinkers whose assignments live right at the bottom of the Bloom's Taxonomy. Certain teachers favor the Wal-Mart approach, where you line up the resources and leave. Other teachers believe they are teaming with you when they return their library books on time. And maybe your principal has one guiding rule for professional development: no cost. Occasionally you will be lucky and identify a kindred spirit who is thrilled with a student's unexpected achievement, is curious at just about everything, and stays in the library during a prep period to help you teach the class. Your thoughtful selection of the right free or inexpensive technology pool will pry open that collaboration door or nail that two-by-four to support a team.