Adobe Express in Action: The Librarian's Toolkit for Empowering Creators

Purpose & objective

Purpose
The primary purpose of this session is to arm library media specialists with the knowledge and tools necessary to harness Adobe Express as a multi-faceted instrument for empowering students, establishing effective partnerships with educators, and amplifying the reach of library initiatives.

Participant Outcomes
Empowering Students: Participants will understand how to use Adobe Express for student projects that enhance creative communication skills. They will walk away with project templates and guidelines.
Instructional Partnerships: Attendees will be skilled in leveraging Adobe Express to initiate and sustain collaborations with teachers for enhanced learning experiences. They will receive a roadmap for facilitating these relationships.
Amplifying Library Reach: Participants will acquire methods for using Adobe Express to create visually striking promotional materials for library programming, raising awareness and participation rates.

Educational Challenge Addressed
Tech Integration: One common challenge faced in schools is the effective integration of technology tools in a way that complements curriculum and boosts student engagement. This session aims to make this integration seamless by utilizing Adobe Express as a versatile tool in library settings.

Technology Intervention
Adobe Express: While Adobe Express is generally well-known, its diverse utility in a library setting is less so. This platform offers a wide array of features from video editing to graphic design, all of which will be explored in depth.

Models Employed
Project-Based Learning (PBL): We'll look at how Adobe Express can be integrated into PBL models for fostering hands-on, experiential learning.
Instructional Activities Employed

Collaborative Planning Session Simulation: Attendees will engage in a simulated collaborative planning session to practice effective use of Adobe Express in pedagogical planning.

Evidence of Success
Case Studies: Real-world examples from different grade bands will be shared to demonstrate the positive impact of Adobe Express integration in school libraries, including improved student engagement metrics and educator collaboration rates.

By the end of the session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how Adobe Express can be a game-changer in the context of modern school libraries, along with actionable strategies and materials for immediate implementation.

Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)
Content: Introduction to Adobe Express and its relevance in the modern library setting.
Process: Icebreaker question related to current technology use in participants' libraries.

Empowering Students as Creative Communicators (15 minutes)
Content: Deep dive into how Adobe Express can be used to facilitate student projects, enhance creativity, and meet ISTE Standard 1.6.
Process:
Quick Poll: Types of student projects currently used in participants' libraries.
Mini-Workshop: Participants will explore Adobe Express features via guided tasks on their devices.

Building Instructional Partnerships (15 minutes)
Content: Strategies for using Adobe Express to initiate and sustain collaborations with educators, aligning with ISTE Standard 4.3.
Process:
Breakout Rooms: Participants will simulate a collaborative planning session, role-playing as library media specialists and teachers.
Group Sharing: Brief sharing of the most innovative collaboration ideas generated.

Amplifying Library Programs and Services (10 minutes)
Content: How to use Adobe Express to create promotional materials for library initiatives.
Process:
Lightning Round: Participants will have 2 minutes to sketch a quick promotional design idea on paper or their device.
Gallery Walk: Virtual sharing of design sketches via screen share.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies (10 minutes)
Content: Presentation of case studies demonstrating Adobe Express' impact across different grade bands.
Process:
Interactive Slideshow: Featuring videos and testimonials.
Q&A: Time for audience members to ask specific questions related to the case studies.

Conclusion and Takeaways (5 minutes)
Content: Summary of key points, unveiling of downloadable resources (project templates, roadmaps, etc.).
Process:
Final Poll: One thing participants plan to implement as a result of attending.
Farewell: A send-off that reiterates the power of Adobe Express as a tool for modern librarians.

Supporting research

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2023-04-03-the-role-of-technology-in-personalized-learning

https://www.adobe.com/about-adobe/corporate-responsibility/creativity-for-all.html#:~:text=Through%20Adobe%20Express%20for%20Education,them%20start%20their%20creative%20journeys.

https://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/best - Adobe Express listed as one of the best tools for librarians in 2023