So when I was looking at the article that I shared on Diigo this week (week 13), I thought to find a site/program that may be accessible for schools. Keeping this in mind, I came across the site Twiducate.
This site is very much like Twitter and was developed to be a school specific form of Twitter. The site allows a teacher/librarian to create a FREE account, and create classes. Also, one can post links, resources, and other information that students will be able to see and make use of.
I have to check to see if it will be blocked by the filters at my school, but if it is not, I believe that this can be a great tool to use and share with the students at my Middle school, and possibly at the high school.
I like how the site has made efforts to remain free for users. Also, I like that teachers/librarians can create classes and post information, links, and resources for students.
When creating a class, each student will get a password that is automatically created for students to use. As the admin of the account, when a class is created, the site creates them.
Check it out and hopefully it have a place in your library!
Cheers,
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Windows Mixed Reality!!
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-mixed-reality
For this week, I was looking around for something to blog about. I have been looking into how AR and VR can be used in the library setting. This, of course, is in the academic side of things as I am not a gamer and use AR/VR tools much. I must admit that I was not a fan on the VR goggles that I have because of the comfort and the adjustments needed to address my vision (my glasses).
When I looked into AR in the past, I was blown away to learn just how much we encounter elements on a daily basis and is a part of our lives completely. What was the most important aspect to learn about is with sporting events. I admit that I did not realize how much sports viewers depend on the AR features in sports, especially in football. Funny little story to share... I went to my first NFLgame in 2006 and when I did, I was looking for the yellow "first down" line when I was at the game. I was disappointed to learn that the lines were on tv only...
VR/AR has been advancing more and more over the last 5 years. With the PlayStation VR, as well as more comfortable VR units available, VR can be enjoyed more by different users of a variety of interest. I came across the Microsoft Mixed Reality site recently and looked into the technology that Microsoft is offering to it's users. While reviewing the site, I was reminded of the book turned movie, Ready Player One" and the experiences that the characters had while in the oasis. The trend with VR seems to be moving towards this path and I find it exciting. I find it exciting that with all the technology that is available in the book Ready Player One, there are still libraries, and places where users need to gather information to enhance their experience. This is the feel I have when looking into the Mixed Reality software.
The gear is costly, but updated to be more functional and accessible for the users. Also, the users needs only a computer (that is compatible with the software) for the software to work. It is understandable that many may not like the almost $400 print point for the gear and the fact that the computers require a i7 processor (the higher priced of the processors), yet they are quality and top o the line for the best experience. Schools have the opportunity to write grants for the materials so they are able to invest in the materials needed for the Mixed Reality.
For this week, I was looking around for something to blog about. I have been looking into how AR and VR can be used in the library setting. This, of course, is in the academic side of things as I am not a gamer and use AR/VR tools much. I must admit that I was not a fan on the VR goggles that I have because of the comfort and the adjustments needed to address my vision (my glasses).
When I looked into AR in the past, I was blown away to learn just how much we encounter elements on a daily basis and is a part of our lives completely. What was the most important aspect to learn about is with sporting events. I admit that I did not realize how much sports viewers depend on the AR features in sports, especially in football. Funny little story to share... I went to my first NFLgame in 2006 and when I did, I was looking for the yellow "first down" line when I was at the game. I was disappointed to learn that the lines were on tv only...
VR/AR has been advancing more and more over the last 5 years. With the PlayStation VR, as well as more comfortable VR units available, VR can be enjoyed more by different users of a variety of interest. I came across the Microsoft Mixed Reality site recently and looked into the technology that Microsoft is offering to it's users. While reviewing the site, I was reminded of the book turned movie, Ready Player One" and the experiences that the characters had while in the oasis. The trend with VR seems to be moving towards this path and I find it exciting. I find it exciting that with all the technology that is available in the book Ready Player One, there are still libraries, and places where users need to gather information to enhance their experience. This is the feel I have when looking into the Mixed Reality software.
The gear is costly, but updated to be more functional and accessible for the users. Also, the users needs only a computer (that is compatible with the software) for the software to work. It is understandable that many may not like the almost $400 print point for the gear and the fact that the computers require a i7 processor (the higher priced of the processors), yet they are quality and top o the line for the best experience. Schools have the opportunity to write grants for the materials so they are able to invest in the materials needed for the Mixed Reality.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Librivox - Audiobooks
Interested in Audio books? While there are many options to enjoy books electronically, many of these options cost money. If there is an interest in audiobooks, Librivox is a great option to learn how amazing audiobooks can be.
Librivox is a great site to learn about audiobooks, and to explore classic literature. The materials that are on the Librivox are advertised for being in the public sector. A work in the public sector is available for more wide uses and there are many examples that have transitioned to the public sector from the realm of Copyright.
Perks of the site include exploring classic literature from a wide rage of authors, levels, genres and interest. Materials are downloadable and can be enjoyed on a number of devices.
Recommended use of this site:
I recommend this for a partner to classic literature that many libraries may have access to. Further, this would be a good opportunity to assist students with reading allowing them to read and listen to materials.
Librivox is a great site to learn about audiobooks, and to explore classic literature. The materials that are on the Librivox are advertised for being in the public sector. A work in the public sector is available for more wide uses and there are many examples that have transitioned to the public sector from the realm of Copyright.
Perks of the site include exploring classic literature from a wide rage of authors, levels, genres and interest. Materials are downloadable and can be enjoyed on a number of devices.
Recommended use of this site:
I recommend this for a partner to classic literature that many libraries may have access to. Further, this would be a good opportunity to assist students with reading allowing them to read and listen to materials.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Cool Math
Week 10 brings a focus on the site Cool Math. This math site offers support for math education for students, teachers, and parents. The topics covered include Algebra, Pre-Algebra, and Pre-Calculus. Also, there are resources for Trig and Geometry.
Cool Math was established in 1997 offering math resources and spreading the love of math for all. The site boast:"Love math? Hate math? Need homework help? This is the site for you."
Included in this site, there are notes and examples that explain and break down math concepts. Cool Math is not just one site. There are resources for Parents, Teachers, Children, and games.
Cool math is a site focused at helping others and is mostly free. There are ad-free options in the site, and a disclaimer about the ads. That disclaimer noted that the site and a third party uses site traffic information for ads. Further, the site offers any who feels that their information may be on the Cool Math site without permission are able to contact the copyright office and follow instruction for infringement.
Cool Math is a good site for classroom support. More specifically for libraries, it is a good filler activity to engage students with free time. My experience shows that students grades k-8 enjoy this site the most. Interest changes depending on the school and age of the students. I have observed students at the high school using this site, but in almost three years, that number is low. Based on the information that I have observed, this site will be a good resource to offer students at a school. Further, it would be good for both teachers and parents as well. I would recommend speaking with your building math teachers to determine if the information is valid based on the curriculum. Food for thought.
Cool Math was established in 1997 offering math resources and spreading the love of math for all. The site boast:"Love math? Hate math? Need homework help? This is the site for you."
Included in this site, there are notes and examples that explain and break down math concepts. Cool Math is not just one site. There are resources for Parents, Teachers, Children, and games.
Cool math is a site focused at helping others and is mostly free. There are ad-free options in the site, and a disclaimer about the ads. That disclaimer noted that the site and a third party uses site traffic information for ads. Further, the site offers any who feels that their information may be on the Cool Math site without permission are able to contact the copyright office and follow instruction for infringement.
Cool Math is a good site for classroom support. More specifically for libraries, it is a good filler activity to engage students with free time. My experience shows that students grades k-8 enjoy this site the most. Interest changes depending on the school and age of the students. I have observed students at the high school using this site, but in almost three years, that number is low. Based on the information that I have observed, this site will be a good resource to offer students at a school. Further, it would be good for both teachers and parents as well. I would recommend speaking with your building math teachers to determine if the information is valid based on the curriculum. Food for thought.
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Feedback is a MUST
Greetings readers,
This week's post is brought to by...the need to get out there and hear from your community of learners. Yes it would seem as we are politicians pushing an agenda, but actually this is the case. We are pushing an agenda for learning. Learning the skills that life demands, along with tools (and the means to find additional tools) that will assist each learner as they mature. One way, and I highly recommend it, is through conversation. Reaching out to your users in their respective learning communities is vital to gaining input, insight, and feedback. We have many skills to offer our learners, and a guide the recommends that what learners should be learning, yet we still must touch base to see where students are. It has been my experience that students are not on schedule with learning the respective skills that are suggested as per curriculum's and such. As a new or seasoned Librarian, it is important to know what the recommendation are, but more importantly, to know what your students and teachers needs. One way to ensure that you have this valuable data for assessment and developing of lessons and resources, is to survey the students and teachers for their needs.
Surveys are a valuable tool to use in assessing for needs. There are many tools available for users, but two in particular stand out for their easy of use, and freedom to cater the survey for students. The two that I am speaking of are the Google tool Google Forms, and the Microsoft 365 web tool Forms.
Both tools are web based tools and reports the results to a spread sheet. Both tools allow the user to create a survey with different types of questions and results. You are allowed to ask multiple choice, yes, or no, and short answers.
While there are many other survey tools that are catered for Library skills assessments, these tools are great because you are able to customize your survey to ask the specific questions which you are seeking to answer.
Please note that if you do not have access to Microsoft 365, you will not be able to use this particular tool. However, the Google Form tool is available to anyone with a Google account.
This week's post is brought to by...the need to get out there and hear from your community of learners. Yes it would seem as we are politicians pushing an agenda, but actually this is the case. We are pushing an agenda for learning. Learning the skills that life demands, along with tools (and the means to find additional tools) that will assist each learner as they mature. One way, and I highly recommend it, is through conversation. Reaching out to your users in their respective learning communities is vital to gaining input, insight, and feedback. We have many skills to offer our learners, and a guide the recommends that what learners should be learning, yet we still must touch base to see where students are. It has been my experience that students are not on schedule with learning the respective skills that are suggested as per curriculum's and such. As a new or seasoned Librarian, it is important to know what the recommendation are, but more importantly, to know what your students and teachers needs. One way to ensure that you have this valuable data for assessment and developing of lessons and resources, is to survey the students and teachers for their needs.
Surveys are a valuable tool to use in assessing for needs. There are many tools available for users, but two in particular stand out for their easy of use, and freedom to cater the survey for students. The two that I am speaking of are the Google tool Google Forms, and the Microsoft 365 web tool Forms.
Both tools are web based tools and reports the results to a spread sheet. Both tools allow the user to create a survey with different types of questions and results. You are allowed to ask multiple choice, yes, or no, and short answers.
While there are many other survey tools that are catered for Library skills assessments, these tools are great because you are able to customize your survey to ask the specific questions which you are seeking to answer.
Please note that if you do not have access to Microsoft 365, you will not be able to use this particular tool. However, the Google Form tool is available to anyone with a Google account.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Collection Development - Titlewise
My fellow Librarians...
The following, if you choose to accept it, is information that addresses your collection development. If you are already in a Media Center, I am here to tell you that there are many options on the table. The tools that are available to you are here for you to make your life easier. Also, if you are like me and work in a system that does not provide aides or subs, the process to develop a collection only becomes more difficult. One tool that is available to you is the Follett tool Titlewave. This year was my first time really using the tool to evaluate my collection, and I will say that I was impressed. To get started for collection analysis, you can work to upload your circulation and records to their system. That process is long and difficult, yet very productive.
Perks include:
Collection Analysis
Series Completion tool: This is a great tool that allows you as a librarian to complete a series that you may have gaps in your collection. This has been great when I am looking to complete my graphic novel collections, and other fiction series.
Capability to search using tags: There are many tags that are provided for searching. When conducting a search, it is possible to further a search using the provided search tags.
Customer Service: Their customer service is great and is very good at answering questions if you call in.
Please take out the time to check out the tools for tittlewave and Follett. It is highly recommended.
Perks include:
Collection Analysis
Series Completion tool: This is a great tool that allows you as a librarian to complete a series that you may have gaps in your collection. This has been great when I am looking to complete my graphic novel collections, and other fiction series.
Capability to search using tags: There are many tags that are provided for searching. When conducting a search, it is possible to further a search using the provided search tags.
Customer Service: Their customer service is great and is very good at answering questions if you call in.
Please take out the time to check out the tools for tittlewave and Follett. It is highly recommended.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Using TRAILS in the Library
For this week's post, I am taking a look into the TRAILS tool created by Kent State University.
After creating a new account and it being verified by the creators, let the TRAILS begin!!
Perks of this site:
After creating a new account and it being verified by the creators, let the TRAILS begin!!
Perks of this site:
- There are assessments that are available and prepared to select from.
- Available assessments include grade 3, 6, 9, and 12.
- For each assessment group there are multiple assessment to select from.
- The different assessments represent various assessments ranging from general to specific categories.
- Grade 9 and 12 assessments
- These assessments (the general assessments) serve as a great book end assessments to cater instruction for the 9-12 programs.
- Test results are available following the assessments and shows the percentages of how many answered a question correctly and related information.
- This allows for an accurate depiction of where a class is and where classes are as it related to information literacy.
- Also there is a student by student breakdown for results.
- Lastly, there is benchmark data!!
Not a bad resource that I plan to use in the future at my building.
The only concern that I have now is how to implement into my building. Finding the time to administer these assessments, and then using the data. When I say using the data, I mean to develop lessons that are available to the students since they do not have a set library instruction session. This is goal that I am going to be working to implement in the coming years. We will see how this goes.
The only concern that I have now is how to implement into my building. Finding the time to administer these assessments, and then using the data. When I say using the data, I mean to develop lessons that are available to the students since they do not have a set library instruction session. This is goal that I am going to be working to implement in the coming years. We will see how this goes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)