Videos and QR Codes in the Library

The Unquiet Library

 https://www.youtube.com/user/theunquietlibrary/videos 

Helpful:          Video Tutorial How to Embed a Prezi Presentation in Wikispaces
                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P9vSSiEHLo

Enjoyable:     The Importance of Choice for Igniting Student Passion and                                                                  Learning Through Research Projects
                          https://youtu.be/OZUTsyfY8m4

Pikesville HS Library

https://www.youtube.com/user/pikesvillehslibrary/videos

Helpful:  2014-15 Course Advisement  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3MuhcD2y_c

            

Enjoyable:   Hip Hop Day @ The Panthers Library 

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3iihdaYAf0

BBMS Media

https://www.youtube.com/user/bbmsmedia/videos

Helpful:  Online Career Resources  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ9CxZfOFGw

Enjoyable:  Twilight Overdue  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05UVqAe5l_w

Animoto

Book trailers are great ideas to get students engaged in their books.  They provide an opportunity for critical thinking while allowing them to express themselves creatively.  Animoto is a great resource for students to use when making book trailers.  

For my book trailer, I chose one of my favorite books, The One and Only Ivan.  Ivan is an easygoing gorilla that lives at the Big Top Mall and Video Arcade.  He becomes accustomed to humans by watching them through the glass walls of his domain.  

Ivan loves to watch TV shows and to be with his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog.  Ivan also loves to express himself through art.  

Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from his family, and she makes Ivan see their home - and his art - through new eyes.  When Stella dies, Ivan makes a promise to her to help find freedom for Ruby.  When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it is up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.  

You can find my book trailer here:  

QR codes are another great tool for the classroom.  They provide students and easy way to access more resources related to a subject.  They can contain text, links, and much more.  QR codes are safe to use and promote independence for students.  There are so many ways to implement QR codes in education.

• read louds
• websites for research
• direction for an assignment
• pathfinders
• book trailers
• scavenger hunts
• checking and reflecting on answers
• videos
• early finisher projects

These are just some examples of ways to use QR codes!!

Screencasts

Screencasting is a way to record a video of your computer screen.  It is a great tool to record lessons, presentations, and tutorials.  You can use your webcam to customize your video.  They are easy to make and can be easily shared. 

Loom was my favorite to use.  I felt that it was the most user-friendly.  It is free and you can create an account through your google drive.  I love this because it will put your videos into your drive making it even easier to share.  All you have to do is download the extension and you are able to begin your videos.  Loom has some amazing features.  You are able to record videos or your screen, webcam, or both.  Once you record your video, you can edit the size by cutting out parts you don't need.  There are also drawing tools and emoji tools.  With the free account, there is a five minute limit, however, with an educator account you can record videos up to thirty-five minutes long.  As I was learning about this and recording my practice video, I was planning out all of the different ways that I could use this screencast in the classroom.  I can't wait to explore even more and practice using the features.

https://www.loom.com/share/b764fabb59104bd7ad6341ee7002ccc9

Screencastify is another way to create videos using your screen and webcam.  Like Loom, you can sign in through your Google Drive and use the extension to begin recording.  It is free as long as your videos are under five minutes.  Screencastify also offers excellent features.  You are able to trim your videos and easily share them.  It also has a new feature called Interactive Questions.  This allows you to engage and assess students by adding questions during your video.  Students are able to get immediate feedback.  There is also an Analytics feature that allows you to view student engagement by listing everyone who has watched the video.  It will also tell you the number of views your video has had.

https://watch.screencastify.com/v/NNxRC0lYDV4lQHcjoyE1

Infographics

An infographic is a way to design a striking, engaging visual to communicate information clearly.  It is a graphic visual representation of information and data.  You are able to create charts, online reports, and interactive maps.  

Infogram

This is a great resource to use when designing and sharing infographics.  It allows you to have the power to visualize and share data in only minutes.  It seems fairly easy to use and includes features such as charts, graphs, and maps.  The site offers a variety of templates to choose from or the opportunity to customize your own from a blank template.  It also allows you to add users for collaboration.  

https://infogram.com/app/#/library

Easelly

Another resource for creating infographics is Easeilly.  Its mission is to allow anyone to present information in a visual and appealing way.  On this site you have the option to start from a blank template or a template already created.  I liked how this site had an option for teachers, businesses, and students.  It even has a downloadable book full of student activities.  Easelly also allows you to create or join a group to collaborate with others.  

https://www.easel.ly/

Piktochart

Piktochart is a site that allows its users to create infographics.  This is the one I chose to use.  I felt that this one was the most user friendly.  I was able to pick a template that matched the information I wanted to present.  From there, it was easy to edit it and input my data.  This site allows you to add charts, maps, and pictures.  I was also able to customize the background, use the graphics library, and add designs.  This site also allows you to add users for collaboration and is easy to share with others.  

https://create.piktochart.com/teams/25796121/dashboard

For my infographic, I chose to research about the rise of teen depression, especially in girls.  Having daughters of my own, I felt that it is important information for people to read.  By using the infographic, it allows me to get the reader's attention to present critical information in a creative and appealing way.  I can’t wait to make more or even try them in my classroom with my students.

https://create.piktochart.com/output/56231545-depression-in-teens

Source of Article:

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/07/12/a-growing-number-of-american-teenagers-particularly-girls-are-facing-depression/

 Social Media in the Library

Social media can be used as an essential tool for professional growth, curriculum planning, and student engagement.  There are endless educational opportunities offered by social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  It is also a great tool to build community within the library.  Through social media, you are able to connect to students inside and outside of the school, families, and the community.  However, it is important to realize that not all social media is createed equal.

  Facebook

 When exploring Facebook, I was able to notice that librarians utilize Facebook in a variety ways.  Librarians are able to post pictures of their library.  This can include new books that have arrived, the library setup, and new decor.  They also posted pictures of students in the library, students reading, and students participating in library events or activities.  Librarians also are able to post about upcoming events, library quotes or memes, and fun pictures such as gifts or reading t-shirts.

Advantages and Disadvantages

    When using Facebook, it can come with both advantages and disadvantages.  A benefit of Facebook is that it is a great opportunity to connect to students, families, and the community.  It allows for collaboration and to communicate both inside and outside of the school.  The use of Facebook keeps students engaed outside of the classroom.  It can be a way for students to demonstrate their skills and express themselves, as well as become an active participant in their learning.  Facebook is a way for students, teachers, and librarians to share thier resources and to show off what is going on in the classroom, library, or the school.  It is a great way to advertise fundraisers and events such as book fairs or Read for a Better Life.  Facebook can be used as a research tool as well.  Educators and students can join educational groups and connect with experts.  You are able to follow these groups to get useful content and get help.

    While Facebook can provide many benefits in providing information and learning, it is important to understand and prepare for its disadvantages.  First, the use of Facebook and other social media apps can become addicting for its users-both students and adults.  There are many features such as chatting, stories, and newsfeeds that may make a user want to spend more time on that app.  Students can also be accidentally exposed to vulgarity  and/or subjected to cyber bullying.  In addition using Facebook could lead to violations with student privacy.  It is important to be aware of parents' privacy requirements for their child before posting.  

    While it is important to understand the disadvantages in using Facebook in the library, the benefits are great.  It is a great way to collaborate, communicate, and connect with each student and the community when advertising the library.

Twitter

 Twitter is another great social media tool to use in education that allows for professional development and networking opportunities.  In a few short sentences, you are able relay a message or an announcement to your followers.  You can also provide links for useful resources to both students and families.  Twitter is also a great place to tweet details about fundraiser or contests.  Like Facebook, it is important to know that Twitter can become addictive to users, there is a possiblilty of becoming indundated with bad news, and overwhelmed with tweeted updates.  I have to admit, I have not used Twitter before, so there are many features for me to still learn.  However, upon exploring Twitter and the ed leaders, I was able to see the benefits of its use.  One of the leaders in education that I followed was John Schu, @MrSchuReads.  One of his tweets is about a book that he has been working on titled This is a School.

https://twitter.com/MrSchuReads/status/1306970014910619648?s=20 Some of his other tweets include pictures of books that he purchases, networking opportunites, and Scholastic Book Fair tours. Another leader in education that I followed was Kathy Schrock, @kathyschrock. Some ways that she uses her Twitter is to tweet about professional development opportunites, as well as sharing podcasts:

https://twitter.com/kathyschrock/status/1432295002365906946?s=20 The Daring Librarian, @GwynethJones, is another great educator leader to follow. She uses her Twitter to tweet about her life both personally and professionally. This is a great account to follow for inspirations in creativity, resourceful articles, and just for a laugh. As I said before, I have a lot to learn about Twitter, but I do know this is a great tool to use to connect, collaborate, and grow!

Instagram

 Instagram is another popular social networking tool.  This app is utilized a lot by teens.  Having two daughters of my own, this is there go to.  Instagram can be very effective when using it as an education tool.  However, just like other social media apps, there are both advantages and disadvantages.  An advantage in using Instagram is that is another tool to communicate and collaborate.  Instagram includes visual features to allow for you to share images or videos with your followers.  Librarians can easitly post pictures that include filtering tools.  You can also create highlights to advertise important events, announcements, or videos.  When integrating Instagram into education, students will gain networking opportunities, learn good communication skills, and collaborate with peers.  It is also important to consider the disadvantages.  Like other social media sites, Instagram can become highly addictive and lead to cyber bullying or expose to vulger.  Also, the copyright of photos can be easily lost leading to other users reposting your images or videos without permission.  Even with these disadvantages, Instagram can be a highly effective tool in education, especially when promoting your library.  Here is a link to my Instagram (a work in progress) https://www.instagram.com/jrankin05/

Library Blogs and Feed Readers

Feed Readers

A feed reader is a convenient way to organize and read your favorite blogs in one place.  There are a variety of different feed readers that are available to you.  One of the most popular is Feedly.  In addition to providing one place to store your blogs, Feedly offers additonal features such as sharing content with your team, creating notes, and a power search feature.  It also has a research assistant, called Leo, which reads and analyzes information to ensure that your feed remains clutter free. The feed reader does offer a free version as well as an updated version you can pay for.  Another feed reader is called InfoReader.  This feed reader allows you to read content on the internet, IOS, and an Android.  You are also able to create offline folders so that you can access information whenever you want.  Newsblur is another popular feed reader.  This also works on the web, Ipad, Iphone, and an Android.  A unique feature that NewsBlur provides is that when you want to read articles from the web, it maintains the style of the original site.  This feed reader also helps you to organize your content with categories and tags.  Feedreader Online is also a feed reader that many people go to.  It is free and easy to use, but also has many advanced features for finding the content you desire.  Feeder is a feed reader that tracks you online sources and categorizes them into easy to read groups.  This feed reader has features such as a push notifications, advanced filtering options, and mobile device enhancements.  It also comes witha  Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge extension.  When looking the right feed reader, you may opt to use Good News.  It is another free option for your personal news stream.  It also comes with twelve different visual styles to accomodate your personal preference of how you get your news.  Last but not least, Flow Reader is another preferred feed reader.  It allows you to combine both your blog feeds and your social media feeds so that you can tap into your love for online reading and social networking all at once.  There are many different feed readers out there to consider.  Once you pick one that is thre right fit for you, your feed reader will be the perfect place to organize your blogs, news articles, and much more in one convenient place.

Blogging

 After exploring the different feed readers, I chose to use Feedly.  I chose Feedly because of its ease.  I had an easier time setting it up and seaching for blogs.  It was also easy to add blogs for me to follow.  In addition, I like that you can share your reader with teammates that allows for more collaboration.  I also preferred Feedly because I was able to personalize it to match my organizational style.

Top 5 School Library Blogs

1. A Fuse #8 Production

This blog is written by Betsy Bird who is currently Evanston Public Library Manager.  She has also served on Newbery and written for Horn Book.  This blog is a great place to find book reviews, librarian review, and top books to assist in developing a library collection.

https://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/

2. The Daring Librarian

This is an award-winning blog by Gwyneth Jones who is a Google certified innovator and on of the fifty International Mover and Shakers 20111 by Library Journal Magazine.  She is also one of the 15 Librarians to Follow on Intagram by Scholastic.  This is a great blog full of resources and innovative ideas on using technology in educaton.

https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/

3. Good Comics for Kids

This is a blog written by a group of librarians, parents, and writers who reports about kids' comics through a mix of news, reviews, interview, and previews.  Graphic novels are overwhelmingly becoming a favorite format to read among readers.  This blog is a great place to go for credible recommendations when building a graphic novel collection for the library.

https://blogs.slj.com/goodcomicsforkids/

4. The Classroom Bookshelf

The mission of this blog is to reveiw the most recent works of children's and young adult literature and to provide educators with a variety of ideas and resources to help build a strong library collection.  The blog provides award winning book lists and book reviews for books that include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and picture books.

https://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/category/classroom-curricular-ideas/

5. Watch.Connect. Read

This blog allows you to explore children's literature through interviews and book trailers.  John Schu lectures at Rutgers University and is the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic.  Because book trailers are an effective way to connect readers with books, this is a valuable resource as a librarian.

http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/

Tumblr Link:

https://www.tumblr.com/blog/rankinlovestoread

Redesigning Learning Spaces

The Impact of Student and Technology Centered Learning Spaces

Due to the growing implementation of technology, classroom learning spaces are being redesigned to a more student-centered approach rather than a teacher-centered approach.  Less and less we are seeing desks set in rows, but a more modular design that is arranged in a way that will support collaboration, self-directed learning, and active learning.  This design will also support the new ways of teaching, learning, and the use of technology.  Students are enabled to have informal discussion and a way to demontrate understanding to peers.  

Flexible seating is also a part of the redesign of learning space.  Incorporating technology also impacts the design of learning spaces.  Blended learning allows for small collaborative groups and hands-on learning experiences, as well as access for individuals to work on technology devices.  

A goal in education is for students to become independent and responsible learners who knows how to collaborate with others.  This typle of learning space promotes that active learning and to practice multiliteracies.  When supported by digital tools and flexible learning spaces, multiliteracies can be use to close the gaps of teacher driver instruction to a more assessment based, student centered approach that is more authentic and purpose driven.

Sources:

Hod, Y., Yaari, C., & Eberle, J. (2019). Taking responsibility to support knowledge building: A constructive entanglement of spaces and ideas. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(5), 2129–2143. https://doi-org.ezproxy.shsu.edu/10.1111/bjet.12801

Thibaut, P., & Curwood, J. S. (2018). Multiliteracies in Practice: Integrating Multimodal Production Across the Curriculum. Theory Into Practice, 57(1), 48–55. https://doi-org.ezproxy.shsu.edu/10.1080/00405841.2017.1392202

NMC/cosn horizon report > 2017 K–12 edition. (n.d.). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED588803.pdf.