Here's a great feature by Natasha Wanchek over at THE Journal about trends in school libraries. It's definitely worth the read.
Technology Trends
Library 2.0: Enter the Teacher Librarian Enthusiast
"What will the new school library look like? In this first installment of our two-part library tech series, we explore the evolution of the school library--and the school librarian--and look to the opportunities that await once some basic challenges are overcome."
More
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Favorite Web Apps for Educators
What are my top 5 favorite online apps for educators? This is a very tough question. I think I'll base this on my daily habits and use of online apps as an educator. This means that there might be some FANTASTIC apps out there that could be used to transform a lesson, but I'm just going to list the apps that transform my teaching abilities.
In no particular order:
1. GoogleReader for RSS: I'm subscribed to some pretty awesome blogs and news sites so my Google Reader keeps me up to date on the latest and greatest Web apps and education news. Well, the news isn't always so great these days.
2. Gmail: Email is the best collaboration tool out there! No question! 24/7 access to your co-teacher.
3. Wikispaces: Because updating a school library Web site is still not as simple as it can/should be, many schools are adapting to the use of Wikis. Why not, right? It's a place to share links, text, photos, news and more - all in a timely manner. Plus Wikis are a great collaboration tool and are easy enough for high school students to edit themselves.
4. Del.icio.us: Because I need virtual access to my favorite online links from anywhere I log in. Now if only I could remember my login information from computer to computer.
5. Jing: While I have rarely used it, I have to include Jing simply because of the extreme value I see it having for educating others. Jing allows you to record voice to go along with screen captures of online lessons. For example, the school librarian can record an online tutorial of GoogleDocs, including live screen shots and an audio lesson. Genius!
I'd also like to share my favorite list of online applications for education: Technology and Education Box of Tricks.
In no particular order:
1. GoogleReader for RSS: I'm subscribed to some pretty awesome blogs and news sites so my Google Reader keeps me up to date on the latest and greatest Web apps and education news. Well, the news isn't always so great these days.
2. Gmail: Email is the best collaboration tool out there! No question! 24/7 access to your co-teacher.
3. Wikispaces: Because updating a school library Web site is still not as simple as it can/should be, many schools are adapting to the use of Wikis. Why not, right? It's a place to share links, text, photos, news and more - all in a timely manner. Plus Wikis are a great collaboration tool and are easy enough for high school students to edit themselves.
4. Del.icio.us: Because I need virtual access to my favorite online links from anywhere I log in. Now if only I could remember my login information from computer to computer.
5. Jing: While I have rarely used it, I have to include Jing simply because of the extreme value I see it having for educating others. Jing allows you to record voice to go along with screen captures of online lessons. For example, the school librarian can record an online tutorial of GoogleDocs, including live screen shots and an audio lesson. Genius!
I'd also like to share my favorite list of online applications for education: Technology and Education Box of Tricks.
eReaders: Way of the Future or Just a Nice Convenience for Some?
It's all the buzz in the library planning world? Do we buy more books or should we budget our money to put eReaders in the hands of our students? I'm conflicted on this one. I think the important question isn't how do we get our students the latest and greatest technology - it's how do we get our students what they want/need to become better learners?
And the answer, my friends, depends on the school itself. Last semester I observed at a very technological advanced high school. The students are ready for some sort of eReader. The school librarian is working to meet their needs by developing a structured roll out of eReaders for her students.
This semester I'm observing at a K-8. From my observations and understanding, these students do not have any want/need for eReaders. Yes, I just saw an 8th grader walk into the library with a pretty hefty backpack. But, I also just checked out two early novels to a fourth grader who couldn't wait to dive in. I don't think he would have been as excited if I was uploading the books to his eReader.
My other thought is, even with eReaders, we still have the challenge of providing our students with current, accurate information. Isn't this best done though the use of up-to-date, well-researched articles found in electronic databases. But, I suppose with textbooks, it is easier to update our content using an electronic version as opposed to a ridiculously expensive textbook.
I just discussed the idea of eReaders with another librarian and she brought up a good point about eReaders for use with students with language-based-learning disabilities. Having electronic versions of text allows students easier access to text to voice options. This can assist students who are better audio learners and struggle with reading comprehension otherwise.
On the plus side, Follet is coming out with new education-based eReaders that will have some text-to-type features built right in. I believe that the company is trying to make it easier for schools to make the transition. For example, with the purchase of one ebook, 6 students can "check out" the book at once. I guess that's like 6 for the price of 1.
Just some food for thought... I won't be jumping to buy myself an eReader anytime soon. But it just doesn't fit in with my lifestyle. But, there are some good points for the adoption of eReaders in education.
And the answer, my friends, depends on the school itself. Last semester I observed at a very technological advanced high school. The students are ready for some sort of eReader. The school librarian is working to meet their needs by developing a structured roll out of eReaders for her students.
This semester I'm observing at a K-8. From my observations and understanding, these students do not have any want/need for eReaders. Yes, I just saw an 8th grader walk into the library with a pretty hefty backpack. But, I also just checked out two early novels to a fourth grader who couldn't wait to dive in. I don't think he would have been as excited if I was uploading the books to his eReader.
My other thought is, even with eReaders, we still have the challenge of providing our students with current, accurate information. Isn't this best done though the use of up-to-date, well-researched articles found in electronic databases. But, I suppose with textbooks, it is easier to update our content using an electronic version as opposed to a ridiculously expensive textbook.
I just discussed the idea of eReaders with another librarian and she brought up a good point about eReaders for use with students with language-based-learning disabilities. Having electronic versions of text allows students easier access to text to voice options. This can assist students who are better audio learners and struggle with reading comprehension otherwise.
On the plus side, Follet is coming out with new education-based eReaders that will have some text-to-type features built right in. I believe that the company is trying to make it easier for schools to make the transition. For example, with the purchase of one ebook, 6 students can "check out" the book at once. I guess that's like 6 for the price of 1.
Just some food for thought... I won't be jumping to buy myself an eReader anytime soon. But it just doesn't fit in with my lifestyle. But, there are some good points for the adoption of eReaders in education.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Using Facebook - My Personal Journey
This week in class we are studying social networking and online gaming. I've been using Facebook for over five years now, so I'm pretty comfortable there. Online gaming, well, that's another story.
I've played online scrabble, poker and other games just out of boredom, but I'm not sure I'd consider myself an online gamer. I have friends that are obsessed with the Facebook games like Bejeweled. Are they online gamers? What constitutes an online gamer? Do you have to be active in Second Life or World of Warcraft to be considered a gamer? Or are the teenagers playing XBox against teens in Ohio considered gamers? It's an interesting concept. I'd think that anyone who plays games online or over the Internet would be considered an online gamer. I don't think that all of those people fit the standard stereotype of a gamer.
I do, however, know 100% that I am a Facebook addict. I check it with the iTouch as soon as I wake up in the morning and throughout the day. I use the Facebook inbox feature as a replacement for traditional email when I want to contact my friends quickly. I post pictures of Eva and stalk pictures of my friends' wee ones. I rely on my Facebook news feed to alert me to what my favorite people are up to rather than picking up the phone to call and check in.
The best part of Facebook is how easy it makes staying in touch with old friends and family. Facebook has allowed me to keep tabs on my 18-year-old brother and let my 26-year-old brother in LA know I miss him. I'm also enjoying seeing all of the engagement and baby updates from old high school and college friends. I guess you'd say that Facebook is a great source of joy in my life for these reasons.
To be honest, I don't think there is anything wrong with allowing high school students to create and use Facebook accounts. I think that Facebook should automatically increase the security settings for anyone under 18. I know there is no way to enforce this rule, but that's where teachers and parents come in. Allowing students to access Facebook in school gives us the opportunity to use Facebook with them and teach them safe use. Students are no more dangerous hanging out at the mall afterschool by themselves. We can't always hold their hands, but we can give them guidelines. I think my younger brother is safer online because he knows that I'm his friend online. Why not be friends with your children?
I've played online scrabble, poker and other games just out of boredom, but I'm not sure I'd consider myself an online gamer. I have friends that are obsessed with the Facebook games like Bejeweled. Are they online gamers? What constitutes an online gamer? Do you have to be active in Second Life or World of Warcraft to be considered a gamer? Or are the teenagers playing XBox against teens in Ohio considered gamers? It's an interesting concept. I'd think that anyone who plays games online or over the Internet would be considered an online gamer. I don't think that all of those people fit the standard stereotype of a gamer.
I do, however, know 100% that I am a Facebook addict. I check it with the iTouch as soon as I wake up in the morning and throughout the day. I use the Facebook inbox feature as a replacement for traditional email when I want to contact my friends quickly. I post pictures of Eva and stalk pictures of my friends' wee ones. I rely on my Facebook news feed to alert me to what my favorite people are up to rather than picking up the phone to call and check in.
The best part of Facebook is how easy it makes staying in touch with old friends and family. Facebook has allowed me to keep tabs on my 18-year-old brother and let my 26-year-old brother in LA know I miss him. I'm also enjoying seeing all of the engagement and baby updates from old high school and college friends. I guess you'd say that Facebook is a great source of joy in my life for these reasons.
To be honest, I don't think there is anything wrong with allowing high school students to create and use Facebook accounts. I think that Facebook should automatically increase the security settings for anyone under 18. I know there is no way to enforce this rule, but that's where teachers and parents come in. Allowing students to access Facebook in school gives us the opportunity to use Facebook with them and teach them safe use. Students are no more dangerous hanging out at the mall afterschool by themselves. We can't always hold their hands, but we can give them guidelines. I think my younger brother is safer online because he knows that I'm his friend online. Why not be friends with your children?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
