An Introduction to Me
A Photo of Me!
Image Source: Personal Photos of Lizzy Prain
Hello new readers! My name is Elizabeth Prain, or just Lizzy
for short, as my friends and family call me. Greetings and welcome to my blog!
Within this blog, over the next several weeks, you shall find my writings regarding the impact and influence of technology as a tool in the modern age, specifically
as how it relates to educational purposes and public resources. I am very
excited to document through this blog my experiences with technology, and to
share with you my educational journey in learning more about the integration of
technology into classroom learning and library services. I hope readers that
you enjoy following alongside my various reflections, assessments and musings
here within this very blog in the upcoming weeks.
In regards to my current role, I am a graduate student
studying for my Master’s in Library and Information Science, otherwise known as
MLIS. It has been challenging, but nonetheless, a very exciting experience, especially as I draw closer to earning my degree! At the time of writing, I am within in my
second year of university; my dream is to become a public librarian within my
community after completing my university education. Ever since I was young, I
have had a great love of reading books, and have many great memories of
visiting my local library. I feel that library services provide a vital role as
an institution in society with resources that can significantly impact an individual’s
life, such as it did for myself. As a child I was often sick and reading books
was one of the few activities I could do as a child without the risk of affecting
my health. I want to become a librarian to help spread that same love of
literature and to help provide the institutional services to others in the
community, creating a welcoming, safe space for people from all walks of life
who want and rely on the resources of the public library.
When I am not in classes, I enjoy recreational reading, my most favorite book is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, I simply adore the moving story of Victor Frankenstein and his undead son, Creature, I must have re-read it at least over dozen times since high school! My favorite genres of literature are gothic horror, romance, high-fantasy, and science-fiction. As an undergraduate student, I discovered a love of graphic novels as well, and I am currently reading Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe, a graphic novel retelling the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, the Gods of the Underworld. When not studying or reading, I enjoy spending time with my family, doing photography projects with my camera, and taking care of my puppy dog, who I love with my whole heart. I also enjoy watching TV comedies, with Bob’s Burgers, The Big Bang Theory and The Office being my most favorite series. My favorite movies are Beetlejuice, Venom, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Moana and The Incredibles.
A Picture of My Dog! Isn't He Cute?
Image Source: Personal Photos of Lizzy Prain
My Relationship with Technology
Like many other university students I presume, technology is greatly integrated into my daily life, for both university and recreational purposes. A fact about me is that I am blind in one eye and have very limited field of vision in the other eye, and have been all my life, due to being born prematurely. Because of my disability, I have relied on technology significantly in my education from childhood to adulthood. I use touchscreens which allow me to expand sentences when reading in class or browsing the web. Modern technology is very useful to me as an individual, as it makes reading and writing for class assignments an easier process for me as a student than it would be otherwise. I enjoy using the internet recreationally for watching cute animal videos or scrolling through social media and connecting with friends on platforms such as Facebook or Twitter for example, as well as reading e-books on my phone or laptop in my downtime. I try not to spend too much time online, but that can be bit of a struggle when living in the digital age! I am very thankful for the aid that technology plays in my educational journey, while also trying my best not to scroll endlessly in my spare time!
Looking Ahead:
Nice to meet you Lizzy!
ReplyDeleteI, too, am in the MLIS and rolling along, hoping to be a school librarian some day. Thanks for the recommendation of Smythe's Lore Olympus--my students (and I) love graphic novels. What ages might enjoy it? I am currently reading the graphic novel version of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book.
It is useful for me to read how modern technology has been a help to you. I tend to be wary of tech and I know i need to get over that attitude. I want students to read physical books, but I also realize that much of their social, educational, and entertainment lives are spent on line and I want to find ways to incorporate the love of reading with this reality.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts,
M
Hello Maria, it's nice to meet you! I wish you the best of luck on your own journey to getting a MLIS. After reading your blog, I can see you have a clear passion and love for library work , I think you'll be a wonderful school librarian in the near future! Regarding books, I really love graphic novels too! Lore Olympus is one of my personal favorite book series. The age rating is pg-13 and up. It's a really good story with fun humor, well-written characters and thoughtful themes revolving around Greek mythology, but has some adult content that parents and guardians may want to read first before giving to their kids. The focus of the story is on the character of Queen Persephone and her marriage to King Hades, they have a sweet, loving relationship, but the book also discusses adult situations and challenges, such as Persephone struggling with being respected as an independent adult by her protective mother. I think older kids in middle school and high school would enjoy the book, but I recommend you giving Lore Olympus a look first and making a judgment call.
DeleteThe Graveyard Book looks really interesting, I hope you enjoy it! I haven't read it myself, but Neil Gaiman is an incredible author. I also think it's wonderful you want to learn new tech for your kids, knowing how vital technology is in their daily lives. I also am wary with new tech, as I tend to stick with apps and programs I'm use to, but I'm working on overcoming my own attitude in order to learn more and use those skills in my future librarian work to help others!
Thank you for your nice message, Maria and I look forward to seeing you in class this fall!
Oh and most importantly, yes, your puppy is indeed adorable! What's his name?
ReplyDeleteHi Maria!
DeleteMy puppy's name is Teddy! He's a sweet, silly dog, and thank you for asking about him. I love him very much!
It's nice to meet you as well, Professor Nicole, and thank you for the kind words. I promise to do my best in your class and look foward to the lesson plans in the upcoming weeks.
ReplyDelete