Description: 
What if your library media center could be as engaging and addictive as Candy Crush or Minecraft? In this workshop, discover how to flip the media program and make “fun the new responsible” by applying game mechanics to non-game processes in your media program. We will explore how we can use game mechanics to facilitate more engaging and inspiring learning experiences for our students. Learn how to design tasks, stimulate and retain interest, monitor positive attitudes and provide a nurturing environment.  View successful example implementations of gamification in a media center program and discuss outcomes.  During this hands-on session we will employ game mechanics so that the participants may engage in a gamified experience.  Learn your game personality and create engagement to develop “the strongest players on the server,” the autonomous learner.


Presented at FAME Annual Conference in Orlando, FL in October 2014.
Presented to Osceola County Media Specialists District Meeting on October 22, 2014.

Session Description:
In a time of budget cuts and smaller staffs, how can we promote reading in our schools?  How do we enlist the help of teachers and give them the tools necessary to be successful?  Learn about a successful professional development program for teachers entitled, "Authors, Books, and Coffee" that turned participating teachers into an effective Reader's Advisory Group.  A sample session will be provided with links to a website with the materials of the program available online.  In addition, examples of follow up support will be discussed.  Testimonials of teacher participants who modified their style of reading motivation and book talking based on this program will also be shared.  

Presented at FAME Annual Conference in Orlando, FL November 2013.
Presented to Indian River Media Specialists on March 31, 2016.