Open for Business

The library at Northside Elementary  has been open for business for four weeks and business is booming!  Kids started checking out books on day one.  They love the new seating area.  The funniest thing happened last Thursday.  I had half of a class in the library.  The kids had all found their books and were scattered around the library reading.  Yes, I said reading! Some were reading silently.  Some were reading together.   I looked around and thought, "This is the perfect library."  If my life were a musical, I'm sure I would have busted out a song at that moment.  A group of boys sitting on the couch were reading a ghost story.  About five minutes into this perfect utopian world, we heard this ghost-like, eerie-sounding wail coming from somewhere down the hall.  Those boys about knocked themselves out trying to get up to my desk.  "Miss, did you hear that?  Your library's haunted!"  About the same time, the girls that were in the other corner came running up to the desk.  The lamp by the chairs flickered several times.  Yep, ghosts for sure.  We had a good laugh.  Needless to say, there was not much reading going on after all of those ghostly encounters, but we had a good laugh.  And, yes, they are ready for more ghost stories.

 

 

 

I have created two special book display sections in the library that will change throughout the year.  The first themes were football and back to school books.

 

Two other special sections are the reading genre section and the ever popular graphic novel section.  The reading genre section features a book from each genre displayed with a genre card that explains about that particular genre.  The kids are loving the graphic novel section.  I'm finding these books appeal to the reluctant reader as well as those who struggle a bit with reading.  Some teachers have not embraced the power that the books can have, but I'm working on it!.



ThingLink

I've started blogging, and I just can't stop.  Let's talk about ThingLink.  ThingLink is my new favorite technology tool.  I know what you're thinking.  Every new technology tool I share is my new favorite technology tool.  But this one really is cool!  Thinglink allows you to present information in an interactive way.  All you have to do is download a picture.  To that picture you can add features such as text, audio, videos, and more.  I watched the following YouTube video to help me get started.






 I made a ThingLink for the 2015-2016 Bluebonnet Nominees.  A link attached to each book will take you to a book trailer for that book.  I also added an extra feature on the Always Abigail book. Recently, I created a reader's theater podcast, so I provided the link to that podcast. 




You can also search on the ThingLink site for examples of presentations.  I found this one on independent and dependent clauses.   






The possibilities are endless.  Here are some ideas that popped into my head:

•  a report on Texas regions
• a report on one of the 50 states
• a biography report
• rocks & minerals report
• A REPORT ON ANYTHING!!!

ThingLink is FREE.  You can upgrade to an educator's package that is fairly economical for just $39 per year.  However, just get started with the free version.  You'll be glad you did.

Have fun with my new favorite technology tool!

Final Reflection

When the opportunity came up for me to be a librarian, I jumped at the chance.  My district has allowed me to complete my master's degree while working as a librarian for our fourth and fifth grade campus.  With each library science class that I have taken at SHSU, I have learned that there is much depth and complexity to being a librarian than just being the keeper of the books.  When I first got the job my husband asked what exactly would I be doing.  I told him having classes, working with teachers,  checking books in and out, and buying books.  He said I should have no problem buying books because I did that all the time anyway. (By the way, buying books for my classroom versus buying books for a population of 600 students is no easy task.)

I knew that there was this media specialist component of the job description, and, honestly, I was a little concerned about that part.  I'm not very techy.  My solution to fix any dealing with computers is to turn it off.  Wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.  Then, if that didn't work, put in a tech request for help.  If there was a valuable tech tool to use in the classroom, I waited for someone else to tell me about it.  Boy, oh boy, am I glad I took this class!

I like how we started this course with Facebook and Twitter.  Since I was very familiar with both of these social networking sites,  I felt like I just might be able to do this.  I'm still bummed that our district will not allow us to have individual pages.  We have to submit things we want posted to go on our general district page.  I see enormous opportunities to promote the library and to build a reading culture through Facebook, Instagram, and Vine.  Initially I had started my Twitter account at the International Reading Association convention.  I started following some leaders in the education world then.  Now I have included leaders in the librarian and technology world as well.  I don't Tweet much myself, but I do find some great information that helps me develop professionally. 

I love looking at infographics.  I'm just amazed at the design and information that is included.  However, for me, making the inforgraphic was  a challenge.   It was easy to use the features, but there are so many choices that I could spend hours and hours on one project.  I just made an infographic for this class of my top tech picks.  I wanted an easy way to remember all the techy ideas we covered in this class.  I did spend about three hours on just the design.  It by no stretch of the imagination looks like the ones I see on Pinterest and other places.   If I took that long to create one, I'm wondering how long it would take a student?  I think the more I use it, the more my skills will develop and I will be able to use it with the kids.

When I first thought of podcasts, I thought of dry, boring content.  I really like the idea of using podcasts for reader's theater scripts.  They will be loads of fun.  I also like the comment Dr. Gross made of having older kids record books for younger kids.  That is a perfect fit for my campus. 

Looking into the world of blogs was fun.  I actually plan to keep up with mine after this class is over.  I think blogs are a great way to keep track of what you are learning, doing, and sharing.  Since I subscribed to Bloglovin, I have received emails of new posts from blogs I follow.  It really does not consume a lot of time because blog posts are usually short and not every blog I follow posts something everyday.  It's nice to have that friendly reminder emailed to me when new posts are available. 

I am so grateful for the YouTube, Animoto, and QR code assignment.  Book trailers had always seemed so intimidating to me.  Animoto made it easy!  This is one that will be a big hit.  I see a plethora of QR codes leading to book trailers this year.  Speaking of YouTube...wow!  There is so much on this site.  Years ago, when my daughter was taking a college algebra class, she said she went to YouTube for help.  I didn't really process what she was saying until now.  There is a YouTube video for practically everything.  And, I did not realize how much kids go to YouTube.  There is more here that I would like to explore.

Although I had issues with two of the three screencasts sites to investigate, I really like making them.  Because of my non-techy skills, I was only able to use the Screencast-O-Matic site.  This is one I will definitely share with teachers.  And why should it just be limited to teachers?  I'm pretty sure students could teach us a thing or two using a screencast.

I did not know there were so many online book communities.  Of all the ones we investigated, I still like GoodReads the best.  Also, I am glad I was able to add Destiny Quest in this group.  It is a feature that is readily available on our circulation system.  I think the kids will be excited to use this feature and make recommendations to friends. 

I think the assignment I had the most fun with was the cartoons and comics assignment.  Graphic novels are so popular right now, I think the kids will be excited to use this.  But, my all time favorite app is now Tellagami.  I was super excited to use the app to create an introduction to  the library.  I know the kids will have fun with this one, too.  Shhhh....don't tell them they will be learning while they are "playing around" with this one.

Although I did not get to do the ThingLink assignment of the library tour.  I did play around with ThingLink and made one for the 2015-2016 Bluebonnet nominees.  Each picture takes the viewer to a book trailer for each book.  I think I will revise and add the podcast of the reader's theater as they are done.  I embedded this ThingLink on my library home page.  I know I keep saying I am excited about each one of these tech tools, but I am!  ThingLink is one of my favorites, right up there with Tellagami.

As I completed each assignment I thought, "How will this benefit me, my teachers, and my patrons?"  I now feel like I am a little more qualified for the role "media specialist".  I can start the year with suggestions for teachers and students.  I still may have to submit tech requests to fix certain issues that can't be fixed by turning the computer on and off, but I now know that I don't have to wait and let someone else tell me what tech resources to use. I have started packing my virtual toolbox, and I know where to look to find more.   

Screencasts

 

 

 

Let's just say that making screencasts is my new favorite thing.  I thought it would be hard to do.  But, news flash, it was easy!  I like easy.  I used Screencast-O-Matic to show my patrons how to log into their library account to see what books they had checked out and how to place a book on hold.  After I made the screencast, I saved it as a video.  Then I uploaded it to my YouTube and added it to my library home page.   This is one technology thing I know I will share with teachers in the fall.

 

 

 

 

The second screencast I made showed my patrons how to put books on shelves in Destiny Quest and how to recommend a book to a friend.  There are more features of Destiny Quest to share, but I thought I would just present them in smaller chunks. 

 

 

 



 

 

So, I mentioned that making a screencast is easy and it is.  But getting some screencast programs to work is not so easy for me.  I tried using Screenr but was having issues with Java.  Evidently I have to change something in the security settings of Java.  I thought I did what the help box told me to do, but I was still unable to launch Screenr.  I thought I was getting so smart and learning all of the techy things.  It looks like I still have more to learn. 

 

 

I downloaded Jing, but I kept getting a message error about it having compatibility issues, and the program would not run.  Did I mention that I am not that techy??  I really have no idea where to begin to get help on that one. 

 

 

I did try both Screencast-O-Matic and Screenr websites at my school.  For some reason, the Screencast-O-Matic site was blocked.  I also tried to use Screenr on the school computer but had the same Java issue.  I put a tech request in for HELP and the tech guy said it's an easy fix.  I must not be high on the priority list because he has not been by to fix it yet.  I am sure he will have it fixed by August and I will be rocking and rolling with the screencasts!

 

 

So, with all that being said, I guess it looks like Screencast-O-Matic is the hands down favorite screencast creator for me.  



Instagram and Vine

I really like using social media.  I have a personal Facebook page as well as a Goodreads,   Instagram, and Twitter accounts. As of a few days ago, I now have a Vine account.  I would love to use these social media sites to promote my library.  However, right now my school district policy does not allow that.  We (clubs, libraries, classrooms) can send info to be posted on these sites hosted by the district.  After doing a little research about how these social media sites such as Instagram and Twitter are used in the classroom or library, I wish the district would change their policy.  Looking at my personal Instagram pictures, it seems that I cannot help but merge my personal life,  my reading life, and my professional life and share with others. It's just who I am.

Using Instagram in the Library

An obvious way to use Instagram in the library is for promotional reasons.  You can promote events and books.  I used Instagram to promote the Scholastic Book Fair in October.  In the summer of 2014, I posted a picture of books I wanted to read that summer.  At that moment, I was teaching 7th grade.  When I learned I got the job as the librarian for the 4th and 5th grade campus, I did some book shuffling!  This would be a great place for student and staff recommendations as well.

 





I love this idea from the  New York Public Library.  In March (in honor of March Madness) they have a contest to see which author is the picked as the favorite.  They start with two authors.  The author with the most votes goes up against another author the following Monday.  The winner is announced on March 31st.

After 31 days of voting, we are finally ready to announce the winner of the @nypl #literarymarchmadness: Roald Dahl! The sorcery of Tolkien’s Gandalf proved no match against the magic powers of Dahl’s Matilda, and we are pleased to crown Dahl as King of March Madness 2015. Thank you for your steadfast voting over the past month; we’ll return with more literary madness in 2016! 🏆👑🎉📚

A photo posted by The New York Public Library (@nypl) on Apr 1, 2015 at 9:22am PDT

I also see having fun with Instagram and post daily things like Mystery Monday showcasing a mystery book.  How about Wacky Wednesdays highlighting some bizarre, quirky, or unusual title.  A book like Track that Scat by Lisa Morlock comes to mind. Or, Throwback Thursday featuring an historical fiction, biography, or historical nonfiction book. 

I love finding quotes related to reading and I think Instagram is the perfect platform to share these.  I really like this one that the New York Public Library posted.

Have you ever had the feeling that the world is trying to tell you something? #ReadingAlphabetSoup 📚🍵🍝

A photo posted by The New York Public Library (@nypl) on Mar 19, 2015 at 7:25am PDT

 Using Vine in the Library

I am relatively new to Vine.  In fact I've only had my account for about five days now, which, I think, should put me in about the neonatal unit of the Vine nursery.   It's  a little hard to wrap my head around six seconds.  A few years ago, Good Morning America had a segment on the weekend show where viewers sent in videos telling about their week using only three words.  The words were written on paper either one word per page or all of the words on one page.  The viewers did not talk.  GMA would then edit the videos together and set it to music.  Seeing just three words and the video instantly and surprisingly created strong emotions.  Some where really powerful in conveying messages.  I see Vine ultimately having that potential.  Right now,  I see me using Vine much the same way as I use Instgram: highlighting books and promoting events in the library.  I also think it would be a good way to give a quick tour of the library.  Here is my first Vine video ever.  I'm sure I will look back on this one day and marvel at how much I've grown as a Vine user.  Or do I refer to myself as a Viner?  Hmmm... One day it will all be clear... As mud. 




 

 



PEW Report & Findings

Teens and Mobile Apps Privacy

 

Madden, M., Lenhart, A., Cortesi, S., & Gasser, U. (2013, August 22). Teens and Mobile Apps Privacy. Retrieved June 19, 2015, from http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pewinternet.org%2F2013%2F08%2F22%2Fteens-and-mobile-apps-privacy%2F

 

I  am somewhat surprised at the outcome of a report from The PEW Research Center about teens and mobile app privacy.  What surprises me is the fact that of the 58% of the teens that download an app, 51% have avoided apps when concerns about their privacy arise.  While some teens avoided those apps altogether, 46% of  teens declined to allow the app to use tracking component by accessing their current location.  56% of  teens ages 12-13 avoided apps when they were concerned with their privacy versus 49% of teens age 14-17.  I guess it surprises me because I did not think teens would be so overly cautious or concerned about privacy. One in four teens will uninstall an app if they find out that the app is collecting  private data.

 It is refreshing to see teens using good judgment and being critical users of technology.  Numbers can tell readers much in a report, but I really like seeing some of the direct quotes included in the report from teens.   Two of the teens ages 13 and 17 said they look at the reviews in order to make a better decision before downloading.  However, I think the following quote may be more typical of teens, "If it got a million downloads, I'm like, OK, it's cool, people are downloading.  But if it's got like ten downloads..." 

 

One concern I have from the outcome of the report is that teens are more likely to download an app if it is free.  I think teens may be less critical and less likely to really investigate an app if it is free. As in the words of the one teen --multiple downloads must mean that everything is great, grand, and wonderful with the app.  And, more times than not, that is the case.  Apps with a large number of downloads are popular for a reason.   This is where I think schools really need to discuss digital citizenship and teach kids to be critical consumers and responsible users when it comes to choosing apps.

 

 

(20 pages)
 

Cartoons and Comics

This was a fun Saturday night.  Seriously, there is not a hint of sarcasm anywhere in that statement! I just finished being a little creative with cartoon and comic apps.  And just think, if I had fun learning and creating, how much fun would my students have! 

Tellagami

 The first thing I made was a Tellagami.  This is a free iPad app and super easy to use.  It literally only took me about 15 minutes to make.  Students would definitely be able to make one of these.  I used a background picture from my camera roll, but they certainly have a wide variety to choose from.  I think this would be a fun way to do a book talk.  Just add a QR code to the book, and you have another option besides a book trailer.   I had so much fun with this one, I just had to post to my personal Facebook page right away.  It was a huge hit.  One friend that liked it was on a vacation.  I told her it would be fun to take pictures and let her son narrate their trip.   The possibilities for classroom use are endless.  Just the novelty of this app will get students engaged in learning.  And one more reason to like this app,  I look good.

Pixton

 Next I tried my hand at creating a comic.  By far, my hands down favorite is Pixton app.  It's easy and includes many choices for characters, backgrounds and even the number of panels to included in your comic strip.  It was easy to save, share, and embed the comic strip. 

ToonDoo

 Next, I tried ToonDoo.  This site limited the number of panels you could use.  I felt like it was really hard to be creative when you only had three or four panels to tell your story.  However, there was a nice variety of characters, backgrounds, and other features.  This was easy to save, share, and embed the comic strip.  http://www.toondoo.com

By staceyvesely | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

MakeBeliefsComix

Of the three, I felt like MakeBeliefsComix had the least amount of choices of characters and backgrounds.  Also, MakeBeliefsComix would not let you save.  You either had to print it out or email it to someone.  In my opinion, it was the hardest of the three to use.  But they did provide a great resource for uses of comic in the classroom and lesson plans.  www.makebeliefscomix.com

Gosh, I can't wait for school to start!