Reading Review # 2

Useful Resources

 

During the past week, I have been looking for effective ways to collaboratively use technology in the library and in classrooms. There is so much out there that it comes down to what I feel comfortable using and what I think will be engaging and useful for students at my school. First, I started by exploring blogs on Edutopia. I came across one particular blog that had some great ideas to engage readers: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/projects-engage-middle-school-readers-beth-holland. Within this blog, I found several interesting websites and technology tools that I can try with students.

1. http://storybird.com/ This website allows writers to create their own books using templates and pictures provided or they can create something of their own. You could also use this website to read other people's creations. For a classroom, I would have students create a poem using a template and then share with the rest of the class through the website. Here is an example of a quick poem I created using storybird.

Creating book trailers is another way to engage learners. Having students create their own book trailers can also encourage their peers to read that book. How to make a book trailer for readers is a very useful website with many helpful tips for teachers and students. Furthermore, I really liked this Prezi presentation on how to make a book trailer. This Prezi includes everything you need to teach students about making a book trailer, including self-assessment sheets and student examples.

http://info.booktrackclassroom.com/ This website is a great way to engage readers into creating their own soundtrack to a book. You can also read other books with soundtracks created by other people to enhance your reading experience. I think that students would enjoy creating a soundtrack and it encourages them to really think about what they are reading and what sounds would work with each part.

  

2. A book and a hug is a useful website for finding out what type of reader a student is, which then generates a list of recommended books that they may enjoy. This would be particularly helpful for students who are not sure about what to read or what they like. This may help them try books that they would never have thought of before. Also, it recommends books for any student from picture books to mature reads.


 

 

3.http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/support/Pages/safeandresponsibleuse.aspx

Safe and responsible use of digital technologies. This website is very useful in that it address all the issues associated with using technology in schools. It also provides resources on cyber bullying and resources for safe online activities. Definitely worth spending more time looking through.

 

4. I also wanted to add a book to my research which I have found to be useful so far. The book is called "Using Web 2.0 and Social Networking Tools in the K-12 Classroom" by Beverley E. Crane. This book has lots of information, for example, about how to incorporate blogs and use Google in the classroom. This is especially helpful for me because I just started blogging and would like to link my experience to the classroom.

 

5. Journal Article: "Using Blogs in the Library to Reach Diverse and Non-Traditional Student Groups" by Emy Nelson Decker and Monya D. Tomlinson from the Journal of Library Innovation 2014, Vol. 5. Issue 2 p. 60-70. This article talks about how to create a library blog that is inclusive to everyone in the school community. I am interested in learning how to create a blog that I can use for my library and this article will help me explore what I can include to make a library blog interesting for students.

Reading Review # 1

My School Library:

 Looking at some Issues, Interests and Opportunities

 

How can I improve my school library? How can I get students hooked on reading? What are the best ways to teach information literacy and technology skills, such as online safety? How can I ensure that technology is being used effectively? What is the best way to collaborate with teachers?...and I could go on and on and on.

There are many things that I would like to explore and learn more about. I am always trying to find new and interesting ways to make the library a fun learning environment. In particular, I am concerned about using technology effectively and safely and ensuring valuable class time is not spent waiting. There have been several occasions when technology has failed due to access and connectivity issues, which is not a good use of time. So, what is the best way to solve this? Also, I would like to involve teachers more by collaborating with them to use technology other than for educational games or typing up a project. Finally, I would like to ensure students can find a book they are interested in and get them hooked onto reading.

First of all, change needs to start with me. I need to become more comfortable using technology and not be afraid to try new technologies...such as blogging! If I want to ensure that students are using technology safely and effectively, I need to be able to understand and communicate these things. I know that technology in today's classroom is becoming increasingly more important. To start, I need to explore new and different websites that can be used effectively. For example, I recently played around with the website PowToon (http://www.powtoon.com), which is a way to create a short animated video for presentations. It is fairly easy to use and it is fun. Here is what I created... https://www.powtoon.com/show/d5K601XTqXt/quigley-library/

Over the course, I hope to explore more websites similar to this that I can use and share with teachers at my school. I have already been sharing PowToon with others at my school and I can't wait to use it with students! Here is another website that may be useful...(I need to spend more time exploring):  http://gws.ala.org/To ensure students can find a book they are interested in and get them hooked on reading, I would like to explore Web 2.0 tools that can help find engaging books. So far, one particular website that I have found to be handy in this regard is http://www.librarything.com/suggester. This site allows you to input a book you enjoy reading and comes up with suggestions of other books that you may like. This will really be useful with students who only want to read one particular type of book. Also, I would like to look at effective ways to run a successful book club by using engaging books to draw students in.Anyways, this is a start to my exploration of finding effective ways to use technology, collaborate with teachers, and to get students hooked on reading.I am excited to keep exploring and learning!