Hi all! To wrap up my LIBS 602 class, I was tasked with creating a final portfolio presentation that focuses on a few Web 2.0 tools. I decided to choose one tool from each of the following categories: images, audio, video, and QR codes. To see my Haiku Deck presentation (sans the script), click the following: Navigating Technology Trends
Monday, August 1, 2016
Staying Current
With frequent
improvements in technology and new approaches to student learning, it is
important for librarians to be up to date with the latest trends in
education. Below are three websites I found useful from the AASL Best Websites
for Teaching and Learning in 2016.
Photos for Class
This site is extremely easy to navigate. Simply enter a search keyword and an array of images appear for public use. Once the image is downloaded it shows a citation professionally attached to the bottom of a photo. Photos for Class is an excellent site to suggest to students to find images for presentations and video slideshows. Librarians can use this site to reinforce the importance of citations and giving credit to photographs – something students often overlook.
Trello
This is a free organization tool that allows users to create task lists, monitor things that are currently being worked on, and viewing tasks that have been completed. It is an excellent tool to organize responsibilities when working in groups as each person can access the task cards, add comments and suggestions to others’ tasks, and sign off on completed tasks to inform the group you approve of the work that has been done. Email notifications can be sent so you know when group members have accomplished tasks or on what they are currently working. Checklists and due dates can also be added to task cards. I can see this tool being useful for students when working collaboratively on a project, teachers who team teach and collaborate on lessons, or librarians and teachers who work closely together.
Smithsonian Tween Tribune
Students can stay up to date with current events on this site. Articles are categorized by topic, grade, and even lexile levels. Teachers with accounts have access to features such as Monday morning newsletters, lesson plans, and more. Articles can be differentiated by lexile level so all students have access to understanding content. Students can take comprehension quizzes for each article and can add comments (which are moderated by the teacher). Use this site in classrooms to engage students in current events and varying viewpoints. Librarians are a good resource for helping student find further information on topics discussed.
I have also previewed several librarian blogs and quickly fell in love with Jennifer LaGarde's Adventures of Library Girl. What draws me to her blog is her clear purpose and her apparent passion for literature, best practices, and children. Her blog posts are witty, entertaining, and informative. Her suggestions and stories are useful to emerging and experienced librarians alike. She regularly addresses strategies for empowering learners, building relationships, and championing reading. For instance, she highlights ways in which a librarian may encourage students to tell their own story, provides anecdotes to convince librarians to continue reading aloud to students, and offers several steps to creating interactive and intriguing book displays. LaGarde’s compassion for children and sparking excitement in reading is obvious in her words. She cares for her students and wants her ideas
to reach beyond her own district. She wants to influence a global
community of readers and encourage librarians to embrace each child’s story.
Jennifer LaGarde is the only author of this blog but she shares the lead
of a young adult book club on Twitter called #2jennsbookclub.
Photos for Class
This site is extremely easy to navigate. Simply enter a search keyword and an array of images appear for public use. Once the image is downloaded it shows a citation professionally attached to the bottom of a photo. Photos for Class is an excellent site to suggest to students to find images for presentations and video slideshows. Librarians can use this site to reinforce the importance of citations and giving credit to photographs – something students often overlook.
Trello
This is a free organization tool that allows users to create task lists, monitor things that are currently being worked on, and viewing tasks that have been completed. It is an excellent tool to organize responsibilities when working in groups as each person can access the task cards, add comments and suggestions to others’ tasks, and sign off on completed tasks to inform the group you approve of the work that has been done. Email notifications can be sent so you know when group members have accomplished tasks or on what they are currently working. Checklists and due dates can also be added to task cards. I can see this tool being useful for students when working collaboratively on a project, teachers who team teach and collaborate on lessons, or librarians and teachers who work closely together.
Smithsonian Tween Tribune
Students can stay up to date with current events on this site. Articles are categorized by topic, grade, and even lexile levels. Teachers with accounts have access to features such as Monday morning newsletters, lesson plans, and more. Articles can be differentiated by lexile level so all students have access to understanding content. Students can take comprehension quizzes for each article and can add comments (which are moderated by the teacher). Use this site in classrooms to engage students in current events and varying viewpoints. Librarians are a good resource for helping student find further information on topics discussed.
I have also previewed several librarian blogs and quickly fell in love with Jennifer LaGarde's Adventures of Library Girl. What draws me to her blog is her clear purpose and her apparent passion for literature, best practices, and children. Her blog posts are witty, entertaining, and informative. Her suggestions and stories are useful to emerging and experienced librarians alike. She regularly addresses strategies for empowering learners, building relationships, and championing reading. For instance, she highlights ways in which a librarian may encourage students to tell their own story, provides anecdotes to convince librarians to continue reading aloud to students, and offers several steps to creating interactive and intriguing book displays. LaGarde’s compassion for children and sparking excitement in reading is obvious in her words. She cares for her students and wants her
Sunday, July 17, 2016
QR Codes and Augmented Reality
QR codes are a nifty
way to access digital information without typing (or mistyping) a
url. Obviously it is silly to have a QR code on a website, or in this
case, a blog, as it acts exactly like a hyperlink. However, place a QR
code in a classroom, hallway, museum, or office, and now you have provided a
gateway to digital information with the simple use of a cellphone.
Teachers could project a QR code during open house for parents to access and save contact information, a class calendar, or a syllabus. Teachers can use QR codes that link to answer keys, extension activities, and various content for station-designed lesson, thereby building student independence and differentiated instruction. I visualize a library being scattered with QR codes throughout the space. One could link to a library map to help students navigate through the shelves (without looking too lost upon their first few times visiting). Another could link to booklists for various required projects. Perhaps even a document including tips on using the databases. Below I created a QR code that links to a Google Form for submitting questions, suggestions, and comments about the library. I would advertise this in a few places around the library.
Augmented reality (AR) involves linking things we see in our tangible world with digital information. Simply put, information, videos, and audio will become available to you after holding up your cellphone or tablet to capture an image around you. Imagine walking the town and trying to decide on a restaurant. Simply hold up your phone to capture an image of a locale and you could be provided with a menu, reviews, events, and operating hours. Capture an image of a pair of shoes you would like to buy, and an AR app will compare prices of the same shoes at different locations. Learning about the world around us has never been so easy or immediate. With an augmented reality app like Aurasma, classroom teachers can create their own "auras" that transform a simple image into an interactive and engaging experience. A poster of the Mona Lisa could prompt a video about Leonardo da Vinci or the golden ratio. Science teachers can use AR in the classroom so students can virtually manipulate molecules or elements. The yearbook staff could offer students the opportunity to create "auras" when their school picture is captured. The auras could include a clip from a song that reminds them of the year, an audio file highlighting events from the year, or even a slideshow of other pictures. Within the library I envision students viewing book trailers when capturing the cover of books. AR is one of the coolest technologies that can be used to engage students!
Teachers could project a QR code during open house for parents to access and save contact information, a class calendar, or a syllabus. Teachers can use QR codes that link to answer keys, extension activities, and various content for station-designed lesson, thereby building student independence and differentiated instruction. I visualize a library being scattered with QR codes throughout the space. One could link to a library map to help students navigate through the shelves (without looking too lost upon their first few times visiting). Another could link to booklists for various required projects. Perhaps even a document including tips on using the databases. Below I created a QR code that links to a Google Form for submitting questions, suggestions, and comments about the library. I would advertise this in a few places around the library.
Augmented reality (AR) involves linking things we see in our tangible world with digital information. Simply put, information, videos, and audio will become available to you after holding up your cellphone or tablet to capture an image around you. Imagine walking the town and trying to decide on a restaurant. Simply hold up your phone to capture an image of a locale and you could be provided with a menu, reviews, events, and operating hours. Capture an image of a pair of shoes you would like to buy, and an AR app will compare prices of the same shoes at different locations. Learning about the world around us has never been so easy or immediate. With an augmented reality app like Aurasma, classroom teachers can create their own "auras" that transform a simple image into an interactive and engaging experience. A poster of the Mona Lisa could prompt a video about Leonardo da Vinci or the golden ratio. Science teachers can use AR in the classroom so students can virtually manipulate molecules or elements. The yearbook staff could offer students the opportunity to create "auras" when their school picture is captured. The auras could include a clip from a song that reminds them of the year, an audio file highlighting events from the year, or even a slideshow of other pictures. Within the library I envision students viewing book trailers when capturing the cover of books. AR is one of the coolest technologies that can be used to engage students!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Presentation Tools and Digital Storytelling
I remember when I first learned to use powerpoint and the rush of excitement when I completed my first slide. As a student I felt like a professional, creating presentations with beautiful transitions and formats, and always getting a kick out of my text flying or spinning or blinking into view. Now, as a teacher/librarian, I am exasperated with powerpoint. The backgrounds are outdated and I always seem to spend so much time adjusting text boxes and trying to get the slides to look just right. Isn't there a tool that is easier to use but still provides that professional appeal powerpoint once conveyed? With the enormous array of online cloud-based presentation tools available, I wanted to find a couple that could be learned in a matter of minutes but still provide the essential elements of presentation design as outlined by Garr Reynolds.
Enter Haiku Deck and Buncee.
Presenters can create clean and professional presentations easily in Haiku Deck. From the easy navigation on the left, simply select a slide type, complete a quick search for Creative Commons images for a background, decide on a layout, and then insert your text. Bam, you just created your first slide. Need a little more guidance? Select a font/theme from the top. Sharing the presentation is just as easy via twitter, email, facebook, or embedding on a website or blog. However, you will need a Haiku Deck Pro account in order to export to pdf or *sigh* powerpoint. I suppose that is a nice feature if you have sketchy internet and want to ensure your presentation can be accessed. One thing the presentations do lack is the fancy transition feature. But who needs it when your slides are this beautiful?
After creating a free educators account in Buncee, you will see the initial setup of your first slide is simple. Click in one circle to add a background. Choose from thousands of photos, solid background colors, or upload your own image (cited of course). Decide to apply the background to one or all slides. You can always edit or duplicate slides later. Click in the remaining circle to add a feature such as text, animation, videos, and drawing tools. Share your presentation with a link, embed code, via email, or social media. You can also decide if you want your presentation to be public to the entire Buncee community. While Buncee is not as easy and quick to create presentations as Haiku Deck, the presentations will still be of high quality and created a tad more efficiently than using powerpoint.
Happy presenting, all!
Enter Haiku Deck and Buncee.
Presenters can create clean and professional presentations easily in Haiku Deck. From the easy navigation on the left, simply select a slide type, complete a quick search for Creative Commons images for a background, decide on a layout, and then insert your text. Bam, you just created your first slide. Need a little more guidance? Select a font/theme from the top. Sharing the presentation is just as easy via twitter, email, facebook, or embedding on a website or blog. However, you will need a Haiku Deck Pro account in order to export to pdf or *sigh* powerpoint. I suppose that is a nice feature if you have sketchy internet and want to ensure your presentation can be accessed. One thing the presentations do lack is the fancy transition feature. But who needs it when your slides are this beautiful?
After creating a free educators account in Buncee, you will see the initial setup of your first slide is simple. Click in one circle to add a background. Choose from thousands of photos, solid background colors, or upload your own image (cited of course). Decide to apply the background to one or all slides. You can always edit or duplicate slides later. Click in the remaining circle to add a feature such as text, animation, videos, and drawing tools. Share your presentation with a link, embed code, via email, or social media. You can also decide if you want your presentation to be public to the entire Buncee community. While Buncee is not as easy and quick to create presentations as Haiku Deck, the presentations will still be of high quality and created a tad more efficiently than using powerpoint.
Happy presenting, all!
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Completing the Trifecta ... a.k.a. Videos in the Classroom
Two posts in this blog have touched on using image editing tools and audio tools in the classroom. A natural progression would be to discuss video tools. The following are a few online tools with which I have experimented.
PowToon
This video tool comes fully equipped with pre-made templates that can easily be edited and updated for your needs. I did not attempt to create one from scratch, but the editing features are similar if you want to make a video all on your own. Music is available to accompany the videos. Check out one I made quickly for a Library Assistant Commercial. I could see students using this as an easy presentation tool and teachers using it to promote their classes for an electives fair. Guidance counselors could create Powtoon videos with steps for scheduling classes and librarians could use it for promoting books and events.
Animoto
I made this video a while back during an electives fair. It is a little longer than permitted for the free membership, but I was able to edit and extend the length with a free educators membership. It is definitely worth it! Animoto uses an audio slideshow format for videos. I have seen teachers use it to highlight a few pictures from a field trip or engaging activity. Students have used animoto in class to create commercials for marketing classes and campaign advertisements for government classes.
Pixiclip
Think of this tool as an online whiteboard. This is a fantastic tool for recording instructions or notes that need to be posted for students who have missed class. You can record your voice and/or a video of yourself as you speak (it pops up in the top left corner of the screen). The rest of the whiteboard is still available to fill with notes, diagrams, or any reminders you want jotted down as you speak. I know many mathematics teachers in my school who post notes online for students to refer to later, or need to access from an absence. Pixiclip allows the teacher to present the notes to class in real time, as well as record it for students not present.
PowToon
This video tool comes fully equipped with pre-made templates that can easily be edited and updated for your needs. I did not attempt to create one from scratch, but the editing features are similar if you want to make a video all on your own. Music is available to accompany the videos. Check out one I made quickly for a Library Assistant Commercial. I could see students using this as an easy presentation tool and teachers using it to promote their classes for an electives fair. Guidance counselors could create Powtoon videos with steps for scheduling classes and librarians could use it for promoting books and events.
Animoto
I made this video a while back during an electives fair. It is a little longer than permitted for the free membership, but I was able to edit and extend the length with a free educators membership. It is definitely worth it! Animoto uses an audio slideshow format for videos. I have seen teachers use it to highlight a few pictures from a field trip or engaging activity. Students have used animoto in class to create commercials for marketing classes and campaign advertisements for government classes.
Pixiclip
Think of this tool as an online whiteboard. This is a fantastic tool for recording instructions or notes that need to be posted for students who have missed class. You can record your voice and/or a video of yourself as you speak (it pops up in the top left corner of the screen). The rest of the whiteboard is still available to fill with notes, diagrams, or any reminders you want jotted down as you speak. I know many mathematics teachers in my school who post notes online for students to refer to later, or need to access from an absence. Pixiclip allows the teacher to present the notes to class in real time, as well as record it for students not present.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Weebly Websites
Creating an inviting, engaging, and helpful library website is tough work. Luckily there are a number of fantastic sites already available from which I can draw inspiration.
I searched for various library weebly sites and instantly decided to check out the McKinney High School Learning Commons library site. Afterall, the space is called a learning commons instead of a library! The site is sleek, professional, and well-organized. A slideshow of photos on the homepage displays images of thelibrary learning commons and students at work, as well as their extensive mission statement. There is a location for "book requests" where students and staff can request resources for the learning commons to consider acquiring. Students and parents will find the required reading lists organized in one place on this site. Students and teachers can enhance their assignments and lessons with the array of technology tools listed for presentations, digital storytelling, screen casting, online posters, and image sources.
The North East High School Media Center website is another site that exemplifies professionalism in appearance and effectiveness in content. I adore the homepage and find it inviting and engaging. The navigation bar at the top includes a number of typical resources found on most library webpages. The "library news" page highlights popular events and activities that have occurred or will occur. In particular, I am fond of the photos of their "celebration of banned books week" (though I find that title puzzling). A unique feature I have found on this site is an exit card. The one here simply asks about which resources were helpful and databases/websites that the user likes best. Perhaps this could be adjusted to an answer garden for others to see responses (of course monitoring appropriate responses would be a must!)
Both of the websites listed above were created with Weebly. I plan on using this website creation tool for my own library/learningcommons/media center site as it is user-friendly and provides a variety of design options. I hope to incorporate several components that the above sites have used, in addition to a curation tools and smore flyers.
I searched for various library weebly sites and instantly decided to check out the McKinney High School Learning Commons library site. Afterall, the space is called a learning commons instead of a library! The site is sleek, professional, and well-organized. A slideshow of photos on the homepage displays images of the
The North East High School Media Center website is another site that exemplifies professionalism in appearance and effectiveness in content. I adore the homepage and find it inviting and engaging. The navigation bar at the top includes a number of typical resources found on most library webpages. The "library news" page highlights popular events and activities that have occurred or will occur. In particular, I am fond of the photos of their "celebration of banned books week" (though I find that title puzzling). A unique feature I have found on this site is an exit card. The one here simply asks about which resources were helpful and databases/websites that the user likes best. Perhaps this could be adjusted to an answer garden for others to see responses (of course monitoring appropriate responses would be a must!)
Both of the websites listed above were created with Weebly. I plan on using this website creation tool for my own library/learningcommons/media center site as it is user-friendly and provides a variety of design options. I hope to incorporate several components that the above sites have used, in addition to a curation tools and smore flyers.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Awesome Audio!
There are a number of simple and fun audio tools available on the internet ... for free!
Clyp
This tool is incredibly easy to use. You can simply upload audio (music, soundbyte, speech, etc.) as well as record audio. No account is required to upload a clyp, but an account could be useful if you would like to archive and save clyps. The account is free. Clyp would be a user-friendly tool for students to record podcasts (see my previous post about using podcasts in the classroom).
Voki
This audio tool allows the user to create a cartoon avatar, with many options for accessories, background, and of course adding in a voice! There is also an ad-free version for educators. Students will enjoy creating their own avatars and making them a part of presentations, webpages, and blogs. The avatars can be sent via email as a greeting or invitation. Tweet your avatar to distribute announcements or embed it into Blackboard announcements.
Blabberize
This audio tool is probably one of my favorites. Upload a picture, trace the mouth, and give it a voice! You will need to create an account to use the tool, but it is free and very easy to use. The images can be embedded into blogs, such as the one I created below. I can imagine students have great fun creating audio comic strips that depict favorite scenes from a book, movie, or a moment in history. The images can be placed into presentations to recite important quotes from a book. Use an image on school announcements to advertise a club or event.
Clyp
This tool is incredibly easy to use. You can simply upload audio (music, soundbyte, speech, etc.) as well as record audio. No account is required to upload a clyp, but an account could be useful if you would like to archive and save clyps. The account is free. Clyp would be a user-friendly tool for students to record podcasts (see my previous post about using podcasts in the classroom).
This audio tool allows the user to create a cartoon avatar, with many options for accessories, background, and of course adding in a voice! There is also an ad-free version for educators. Students will enjoy creating their own avatars and making them a part of presentations, webpages, and blogs. The avatars can be sent via email as a greeting or invitation. Tweet your avatar to distribute announcements or embed it into Blackboard announcements.
Blabberize
This audio tool is probably one of my favorites. Upload a picture, trace the mouth, and give it a voice! You will need to create an account to use the tool, but it is free and very easy to use. The images can be embedded into blogs, such as the one I created below. I can imagine students have great fun creating audio comic strips that depict favorite scenes from a book, movie, or a moment in history. The images can be placed into presentations to recite important quotes from a book. Use an image on school announcements to advertise a club or event.
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