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Marketing & CCLS
Although the Common Core is here to stay at least for now it is more important that every for librarians to continue to market themselves. We have Common Core and inquiry-based learning written across out foreheads. AASL’s Standards for the 21st Century Learner was in effect long before Common Core was a glimmer in the distance. I have found it effective to use the students who have ownership of the library. I have created videos about how the students use the library for the school board. I also attend as many professional developments with the teachers that I am able so I can talk in their language. In New York…
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Google Shortcuts
Google Shortcuts (PDF) Google has created lots of shortcuts to help us search more effectively. It has also included a research tool within Google Docs that has me giddy with glee. It can autocite resources using MLA, Chicago, and APA. Although it is not entirely accurate it is a good first step in trying to help students remember to source. All of the information needed to source the information appears within the document once a cite button is pressed within the Research Window. Above you will see the PDF I created on some of the shortcuts and helpful hits that I have come across in the past few months. I thought…
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Apple vs. Android
So I was reading a blog that did a nice job laying out public opinion on the Apple vs. Android discussion. Should schools get iPads or Android Tablets? Which is the best solution? One of the big concerns with Apple is the way they are marketing the iPad. Users seems to be looking for a netbook replacement. They want to be able to hook in their peripherals. They want USB, HDMI, & SD Card ports, not to mention the limits of Google Apps on iPads. Android allows users to use Flash and other popular tools. Though with the transition to HTML5, maybe Flash will not be such a big deal…
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HTML & CSS CodeAcademy
Students are always asking me how to code HTML and CSS. In the past there are very few places to send them to go step by step in understanding how it all works. Thankfully this has changed with the recent update to CodeAcademy. CodeAcademy is an interactive site designed to help people understand and create HTML, CSS, and much much more (including Coding Java). I am so excited to share this site with my students. Thanks Technology for Teachers for pointing out the update in the site. I can see myself using this site to brush up on some basics and beyond. The lessons in basic HTML really break down…
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Meograph: Timeline Creator
Timelines are a staple in social studies and ela. They help students keep track of dates and facts. I have been searching for a good online-timeline creator for a while. I have tried Dipity which is good but I find that it is very slow to load and is limited to the number you can create and information mediums. So I searched and searched for an alternative and lo and behold I found Meograph. Not only is it free (YAY!) it can embed videos, text, audio, and uses Google Maps. I was in heaven. I did this with a class and it went smoothly. Well almost smoothly (internet went down…
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Livebinders
Quite awhile ago I talked about how I found the livebinders site a bit clunky. Well I must revise my statement because the site has worked very well for several research projects I have been doing. It is so nice to be able to embed websites within one website. This is extremely helpful with databases because no one can ever find the sheet with the passwords. We want students, staff, and parents to access and utilize the resources we sink tons of money into. They are fabulous resources and anything I can do to increase use and accessibility is key. In terms of how I have been using the product.…
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Wii in the Classroom
So, I have been using the Wii in my library for the past 4 days and it has gone well. I must say my favorite games are those which are multiplayer and the students either collaborate or compete against each other. In Just Dance 2 — I have 4 controllers and students try to copy the hand movements of the on-screen dancer. The person who does this most like the on-screen dancer is the winner. What is really great is that students are not waiting to use a controller. They are just enjoying the dancing, and following the moves without the need to use a controller. This has happened in…
