tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58669532033753255802024-03-19T17:44:34.961-05:00The Book NookBooks, libraries, books, education, books, & more booksBook Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-28441418508444651702012-05-13T18:05:00.000-05:002012-05-13T18:07:44.468-05:00Testing Video Links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-4087710992000589832011-08-07T17:56:00.005-05:002011-08-07T18:43:52.585-05:00Tool 11Finished!!! Yea!! I have really enjoyed the <a href="http://11toolssbisd.blogspot.com">11 Tools</a> training. This is my third time to participate in an online training of this kind. The SBISD Library Media Office developed three such trainings for librarians and any other educators that were interested several years ago. These trainings were <a href="http://library2play.blogspot.com/">23 Things</a>, <a href="http://library2play2.blogspot.com/">11.5 Things</a>, and <a href="http://library2play3.blogspot.com/">5.75 Things</a>. I participated in the first two and now in <a href="http://11toolssbisd.blogspot.com">11 Tools</a>. I never cease to be amazed at how many new "tools" and "things" are out there! Being an educator in the 21st Century is a constant learning experience! Some of my favorite new "tools" are <a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/">Wallwisher</a>, <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a>, <a href="http://www.storyjumper.com/">Storyjumper</a>, and <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a>. Plus, one of the biggest benefits from doing <a href="http://11toolssbisd.blogspot.com">11 Tools</a> for me was a renewed interest in blogging. About a year ago I set up a blog for my library called <a href="http://bhelibrary.blogspot.com/">Leo's Library Lair</a>. At the time I was really busy with many other things, and didn't really get it started. Now, after completing <a href="http://11toolssbisd.blogspot.com/">11 Tools</a>, I have a renewed energy for having a library blog. There are so many things that I can do with it and so my goal for the year is to get this up and running and help my students to start developing an online community. (I am providing the link here to give myself some accountability!)<div><br /></div><div>While I have been on the "incorporating technology" bandwagon for several years, my thinking has transformed some in that I see more of a need for our students to be more global citizens. It isn't going to be enough for them to be "good students" in our own little schools, they will need more global citizenship skills and we can help them by providing global learning opportunities. While trying to plan a "global learning activity" is a little intimidating at the moment, I intend to take some small steps to at least let our students begin to connect their learning to others outside of of the walls of our school.</div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-4702781296116554082011-08-07T17:07:00.002-05:002011-08-07T17:29:04.821-05:00Tool 10Three things I try to make sure all students understand about digital citizenship are:<div>1. Safety, safety, safety! Don't put personal information out there without talking to your parents! Safety is such a key with students when talking about the online world! Many elementary students just aren't mature enough to think through the consequences of their online actions and need parental help.</div><div>2. Kindness and Respect - Being nice and showing respect to people and to devices and equipment. One of my pet peeves is when students come into the library or classroom computers and change the settings to their own personal preferences. With the exception of students who have disabilities and need to change settings, I do not allow this. We talk about this and the importance of respecting the property of our school.</div><div>3. Responsibility - How to give credit where credit is due for information found online that is used in projects and presentations. With lots of freedom, comes lots of responsibility. I try to teach students to make good choices and of course, cite sources!</div><div><br /></div><div>Two years ago all of the district librarians were given the task of teaching digital citizenship to all of our students. We have the iSafe curriculum as a starting point, but I also use BrainPop and other web resources. One of our <a href="http://guusjem.blogspot.com/">fabulous district librarians</a> created <a href="http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/Resources/Item/45516/internet-safety-cipa">flipcharts</a> for teaching Internet safety that include the iSafe curriculum as well as other resources. Last year the district included teachers in the "teaching Digital Citizenship" requirement. This is key! Students will learn so much more about what is the right thing to do when it comes to digital citizenship if all of us (the whole staff) are giving them the expectations of being a good digital citizen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Explaining Digital Citizenship to parents is very important as well. One of my goals for this year is to submit some articles to our PTA newletter and hopefully make a brief presentation at a PTA meeting explaining digital citizenship and what we are teaching regarding digital citizenship at school. </div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-81097358738112713632011-08-07T16:32:00.004-05:002011-08-07T17:07:18.764-05:00Tool 9<b><span class="Apple-style-span">1. Why is it important to tie the activity to the objective?</span></b><div><span class="Apple-style-span">This is key to everything we do! If we are not connecting the objective to our activities then we are just spinning our wheels! We are like a rudderless ship with no direction. There are lots of great activities out there, but to get the biggest bang for our buck with students, we need to make sure our activities are congruent with our objectives.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span">2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Why should we hold students accountable for the stations/centers?</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">This is a mistake I myself have made as a teacher! When there is no accountability, then many times activities will turn into "play" or students may even not do them. Asking for accountability helps teachers know what skills students have mastered and where they are still struggling. Accountability also makes learning more meaningful for students.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">I loved the interactive websites! My favorites were <a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/">Learning Games for Kids</a>, <a href="http://www.iboard.co.uk/curriculum.htm#maths-year1numstrategy_yearreception">TESiboard</a>, and <a href="http://thinkfinity.org/games-and-tools">Thinkfinity</a>. I got a little carried away at these sites and played several games myself! I can see using many of these websites in library lessons and after lessons for exploration time.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I really enjoyed searching the <a href="http://edtech.springbranchisd.com/iWebsites/tabid/5856/Default.aspx">Tools for 21st Century Learning Database</a>! A fabulous resource that I have not utilized! I spent lots of time looking at apps and web tools and flipcharts! I appreciate that you have a form for submitting additional apps for approval! I am interested in learning more about the Colonial Williamsburg apps - Today in 1770 and Word of the Day. These will be great to use with 5th grade. I also want to learn more about the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/italk-recorder/id293673304?mt=8">iTalk Recorder</a> app and the </span></span><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/diigo-offline-reader/id335006600?mt=8">Diigo Reader</a> app<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; font-size: medium; ">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the library, since my time with classes is limited, when I am using the devices with a whole class, we usually have a predetermined activity. When students are using the devices on their own, I either give them suggestions (apps to try or start with) or they already know where and what they are supposed to do on the devices since they have an assignment from the teacher. One thing I have found to be beneficial for students, especially younger students, is to demonstrate how to use apps before turning them loose. I use my document camera and put an iTouch or an iPad under it and show them an app, what to do, and then let them try it. This gives them direction and purpose. Too many times we think all we have to do is give the students the devices and let them go because they will figure it out. A few of the students probably will, but most won't and they end up jumping from app to app very quickly because they can't figure out what to do. This wastes a lot of time. So, I spend time actually teaching them different apps and before you know it, they have a whole repertoire of apps that they know how to use and use effectively.</span></span></div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-78750901517117587762011-08-07T15:24:00.002-05:002011-08-07T16:02:53.115-05:00Tool 8In the library, we received iTouches 2 years ago and Dell netbooks and iPads last year so I am already familiar with the devices. I did know that the Dells had the web cams, but I wasn't familiar with the "webcam central" software and the ability to record video. I will definitely have to explore with this. The videos you had were great and I think will be a great help to teachers as they set up and manage their devices. I also learned about setting a particular website as an "app" or link button on your home screen. I had learned this before, but had forgotten how to do it. Again, nice to have these videos to go and be able to refer back. When you are first setting everything up, it is a little overwhelming, so it is easy to forget. One thing I would like know about the iTouches and iPads - is it possible to organize the apps on one device and then somehow "copy" or "duplicate" this to all your other devices? It would sure save a lot of time! <div><br /></div><div>In the library I usually have a helper every morning that comes in and gets out the devices and helps to get them set up each day. I know of classroom teachers who have "technology helpers or captains" that do this as well. It is a nice routine to establish.</div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-9794457990591052962011-08-06T16:53:00.002-05:002011-08-06T17:26:40.215-05:00Tool 7I have to be honest...I was a little apprehensive about this tool. "Developing an online project" with another classroom sounded a little intimidating! However, after reading through all the information, watching the interview with Vicki Davis and Julie Lindsay, and visiting several of the sites recommended, I find this pretty exciting! I did sign up for a <a href="http://education.skype.com/">Skype in the Classroom</a> account. I already have a <a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/homepage">Skype</a> account, so it was easy to add a <a href="http://education.skype.com/">Skype in the Classroom</a> account. I also looked at the <a href="http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/w/page/11008318/FrontPage">Skype in Schools</a> wiki and the <a href="http://www.katemessner.com/authors-who-skype-with-classes-book-clubs-for-free/">Authors Who Skype With Classes</a> website. It is amazing the opportunities that are available. <div><br /></div><div>A few years ago our school purchased a Video Conferencing unit and a few other teachers and I signed up with an organization called <a href="http://projects.twice.cc/index.php">Collaborations Around the Planet or CAPSpace</a>. What was great about this organization is that teachers from all around the world would post projects and requests looking for other classrooms around the world to either do a video conference call or <a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/homepage">Skype</a>. I assisted several teachers on our campus setting up video conferences. It was really great and the students LOVED it! Unfortunately, I believe my email got dropped, or you have to register again, because I stopped receiving updates. I am going to register again so that I can have another avenue for setting up collaborations.</div><div><br /></div><div>The project that I am planning is an after school book club that focuses on reading and sharing <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm">Newbery Award</a> books. A couple of things I would like to do with this group is set up a wiki or blog where students can post questions and comments about what they are reading. Plus, I would like to create an online group or club on one of the online book communities such as <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">GoodReads</a>. I saw this suggestion at <a href="http://www.tcea2011.org/">TCEA</a> last year and loved it. Within the online group, students can post books they are reading and questions for other readers. The school that presented the idea had great success. Other things our group can do is set up a time to <a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/homepage">Skype</a> with either other schools in our district that are doing an after school book club, or I can search out a school from another part of the state or country to Skype with us. If possible, it would be great to Skype with a <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm">Newbery Award</a> winning author! I still have lots to iron out on this idea and I appreciate the <a href="http://www.k12science.org/cyberteacher/collaboratives.html">Steps to Developing a Collaborative Project</a> link. This has lots of great ideas and suggestions!</div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-45969923738065749502011-08-06T15:01:00.004-05:002011-08-06T15:43:01.744-05:00Tool 6Wow! I didn't realize there were so many tools for promoting discussion in and out of the classroom! I am already familiar with several of these, but I wasn't thinking about these as "discussion promoters." I already use Google Docs, which the more I use it, the more value I see in terms of discussion, or at least getting students to express their thoughts. I have had the opportunity to use <a href="http://todaysmeet.com/">Today's Meet</a> and <a href="http://www.polleverywhere.com/">Poll Everywhere</a> several times in professional development settings. I have not tried either of these with students, but would like to try <a href="http://todaysmeet.com/">Today's Meet</a> - especially with 4th and 5th graders. I have used<a href="http://education.skype.com/"> Skype</a> several times and know that there are many opportunities for using <a href="http://education.skype.com/">Skype</a> in the library. One time during our weekly Books and Breakfast, one of our teachers was out of town, so she Skyped with her group. The students were so excited and their weekly discussion was great!!<div><br /></div><div>One tool that has been new to me is <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a>. This was something that I wasn't really interested in using, not being one to "put all me business out there" so to speak, or read about what someone had for dinner. However, this summer at the <a href="http://sbisdel.wikispaces.com/">November Learning Symphony</a>, we were asked to create a <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a> account to use during the 3 days of training. They taught us about the power of <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a> when it comes to education. Quite frankly, I was amazed! We learned about hashtags and how to search for educational ones. Another tool they showed us was <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/">TweetDeck</a>, which is a separate application that allows you to sort your <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a> feed into different categories for easy reading. I have downloaded <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/">TweetDeck</a> and have just started using it. I still have a lot to learn about <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/">TweetDeck</a>, especially in customizing it for my use, but I have been pleasantly surprised at how useful this tool can be for education. I have signed up to follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/coolcatteacher">CoolCatTeacher</a> and let me tell you - she Tweets A LOT!! Tons of good information, but it is hard to find the time to read it all. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other tool I tried for #6 was <a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/">Wallwisher</a>. I have seen this used before, but didn't think much of it until I started seeing some of the ideas the <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/springbranchisd.com/11tools2011/home/bunker-hill-elementary">other teachers on my campus</a> were posting for <a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/">Wallwisher</a>. I created one thinking specifically about Books and Breakfast, a weekly book club at our school for 4th and 5th graders. Each week during Books and Breakfast, students have a different question or discussion starter to answer based on their reading. We create bookmark for students, so they can keep track of each week's topic and their thinking, but I wonder if we could add a technology piece to it as well. Having a question posted each week on a <a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/">Wallwisher</a>, would give students another opportunity to interact with each other and their reading. All Wallwishers could be embedded into a Books and Breakfast wiki so that all groups would be able to see them. I think I am going to give this a try this year! The<a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/OH4KjYxuVX"> Wallwisher I created</a> is posted below. If you have read the book, post a thought!</div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-6363866347150746862011-08-06T14:43:00.008-05:002011-08-06T14:49:27.257-05:00Tool 6 - Wallwisher<div>This is an idea for a <a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/">Wallwisher</a> based on this year's Newbery Award winner, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Over-Manifest-Clare-Vanderpool/dp/0385738838">Moon Over Manifest</a>. </i>Students would respond to a question each week as we read and discuss the book.</div><div><br /></div><iframe src="http://www.wallwisher.com/embed/OH4KjYxuVX" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400px" style="border: 1px solid #999999"></iframe>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-376000872701604372011-08-06T14:05:00.002-05:002011-08-06T14:25:23.309-05:00Tool 5So many great tools to explore here in Tool 5. I chose to look at <a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto</a> and <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a>. Animoto was very simple to use. I created an <a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto</a> of this year's<a href="http://www.txla.org/TBA-nominees"> Texas Bluebonnet Award master list</a> for my 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. These grades participate in the <a href="http://www.txla.org/TBA">Texas Bluebonnet Award</a> reading program and I will use this <a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto</a> to introduce this year's books. <a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto</a> was very easy to use. I did go ahead and pay for a year's subscription so that I could make a longer <a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto</a>. I will use it for making <a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto's</a> about things going on in the library.<br /><br />I also created a <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a> book. Several other teachers on my campus had created books on <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a> and I wanted to give it a try. It was very simple. I can see students at all grades being able to use this. I also looked at <a href="http://www.storyjumper.com/">Storyjumper</a> and <a href="http://www.tikatok.com/">TikaTok</a>. I liked both of them as they both allow students to use their own art work and are probably better suited for older students who are ready to work on a more involved program. Both of my creations are posted below.<br /><br />One of my favorite things about this tool was discovering all of the "how-to" tutorials on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>. After watching some of the tutorials posted here, I went and explored other tutorials posted by two different groups: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/RadfordEducation">Radford Education</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/eduTecher">eduTecher</a>. Both of these <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> channels had lots of great tutorials on all kinds of Web 2.0 tools! I will be checking these two channels often to see what new things they have posted!Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-322092268354180832011-08-05T20:44:00.008-05:002011-08-05T20:49:00.761-05:00Storybird - Catty Cat<object width="350" height="200"><param name="align" value="lt"><param name="scale" value="noScale"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="flashvars" value="book_slug=catty-cat-a-different-kind-of-cat&size=xl&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/"><param name="src" value="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf"><embed src="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="586" height="368" align="lt" scale="noScale" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="book_slug=catty-cat-a-different-kind-of-cat&size=xl&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/"></embed></object><span style="display:block;font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman,serif;font-size:14px;margin:5px 0 10px 0;"><a href="http://storybird.com/books/catty-cat-a-different-kind-of-cat/">Catty Cat: A Different Kind of Cat</a> <span style="color:#666666;">by</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/members/bhelib/">bhelib</a> <span style="color:#666666;">on</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a></span>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-32942606857288915352011-08-05T19:29:00.002-05:002011-08-05T20:45:45.338-05:00Animoto - Texas Bluebonnet Award 2011-2012<object id="vp1omGAr" width="432" height="240" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1312590591&f=omGAr1NHzZf3lLuyPBocuw&d=290&m=a&r=240p&volume=100&start_res=240p&i=m&options="><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed id="vp1omGAr" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1312590591&f=omGAr1NHzZf3lLuyPBocuw&d=290&m=a&r=240p&volume=100&start_res=240p&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="240"></embed></object>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-52678446920965921442011-08-03T11:30:00.003-05:002011-08-03T11:45:48.298-05:00Tool 4Google Docs is something I started using last year, especially with students. I created and shared documents with student that contained directions and links for projects. Students in turn were able to share documents with me too! I like the easy collaboration features of Google Docs versus emailing documents back and forth. I also love the chat feature of Google Docs. This could be very useful if a group of students were looking at a document and engaging in a peer review. We did find that if several people are looking at the document at the same time, only one person at a time can edit. If multiple people are trying to edit at one time, then the changes are not all saved. Using the chat feature would allow students to discuss changes and options before making them.<br /><br />I did explore more with Google forms. I created a form and sent it to a few teachers on my campus. Unfortunately they never received it. We discovered that the email from Google Docs informing them of the item I shared with them - specifically the link to the form - was getting caught in the spam folder. If the teacher didn't check the spam folder, then she never received the form. This could be a real problem when it comes to using forms. I am going to do a little more experimenting and see if I can pin down what is going on. I really like the idea of Google forms, but need to work out the kinks within the district email.<br /><br />This year I am excited about trying to use Google forms and spreadsheets with students. I think this will be a great way to teach students how to gather information and collect results.Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-44633315311242391342011-07-30T18:52:00.012-05:002011-08-02T17:42:07.650-05:00Tool 3<div>I looked at several of the video hosting sites. You Tube, being the most popular and the one I have used most often, was the easiest one to navigate successfully. I also have use Teacher Tube and School Tube, both have some good educational videos, but they are more limited in their selection. I also looked at Blinkx, which I found to be the least user friendly - at least for my area of need. Blinkx looks to be more focused on news related current events. I was not familiar with View Pure. I am glad to have learned about it. There have been times when I have shown a You Tube clip to students and have been uncomfortable with the side ads and other videos on the screen. Here is a link to a You Tube video using View Pure:</div><a href="http://viewpure.com/pkIJDXCiZsk">http://viewpure.com/pkIJDXCiZsk</a><div><br /></div><div>I found two videos on Book trailers; both are posted below. Book trailers are a fairly new genre. They are similar to movie trailers, but are centered on books. Many publishers are now creating book trailers to promote their new titles. I have used book trailers with my 4th and 5th graders many times. Our 5th graders even made their own. It was a great experience for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am familiar with the Fair Use Guidelines. The video clip was a good general explanation of Fair Use - especially when it comes to transforming a work and repurposeing a work. As long as something is being transformed and repurposed and it is for an educational purpose, then students have a fairly wide berth of freedom when it comes to copyright. I do feel though, that it is important for students to give credit for photos and other pieces of media when they are not transforming them, but just using them as is in their work.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also enjoyed exploring Picasa Web Album. While I have used Flickr Creative Commons many times, I have not used Picasa Web Album. I was pleased to see how easy it was to search for pictures and the number of returns. This will be something that I will use with students this year. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing that was mentioned in Tool 3 that I was unfamiliar with was the SBISD Media Server. This is something I have never heard of and would like to learn more about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the two videos I found on Teacher Tube and School Tube:</div><div><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.teachertube.com/embed/player.swf" width="470" height="275" bgcolor="undefined" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="file=http://www.teachertube.com/embedFLV.php?pg=video_237271&menu=false&frontcolor=ffffff&lightcolor=FF0000&logo=http://www.teachertube.com/www3/images/greylogo.swf&skin=http://www.teachertube.com/embed/overlay.swf&volume=80&controlbar=over&displayclick=link&viral.link=http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=237271&stretching=exactfit&plugins=viral-2&viral.callout=none&viral.onpause=false"></embed><br /><br /><iframe width="500" height="375" src="http://www.schooltube.com/embed/8df6b3e7e02005baaf52" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /></div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-44522903473468863682011-07-25T19:02:00.005-05:002011-07-25T20:06:15.952-05:00Tool 2I have really enjoyed reading the blogs from other teachers on my campus. It is great to share in learning! Different people find different things as they look at other websites. I have learned so much just from reading their blogs. <div><br /></div><div>I already have a Google Reader account. I set it up several years ago when I first did <a href="http://library2play.blogspot.com/">23 Things</a> with the <a href="http://cms.springbranchisd.com/libraryresources/Home/tabid/24242/Default.aspx">SBISD Librarians</a>. I have used it quite a bit. I have several other librarian blogs that I follow as well as blogs on children's literature reviews. I also set up a <a href="http://www.diigo.com/index">Diigo</a> account and plan to use it to add websites for students to use in the library. I have used <a href="http://www.delicious.com/">Delicious</a> in the past and prior to that the site <a href="http://www.ikeepbookmarks.com/">IKeepBookmarks</a>. All of these are similar bookmarking websites that allow you to add and or access your favorite websites from any computer.</div><div><br /></div><div>As far as building a PLN, I do have a few blogs that I follow and I have recently signed up for a <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a> account and have learned about following specific educational hash tags. While I do learn things from the blogs that I follow and specific websites that I visit, I also feel like my main PLN is my fellow colleagues right here in SBISD. I am constantly learning things from teachers on my campus as well as my fellow librarians. I can email my fellow librarians with questions and have answers before the day is over. They are a great network!</div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-89244424612308421452011-06-29T06:01:00.004-05:002011-06-29T06:19:16.629-05:0011 Tools - A New Journey: Tool 1I already had my blog set up, so I didn't have to do that. Since I have created this blog, <a href="http://www.blogger.com">Blogger</a> has made several changes and additions to their site. There are many more choices for your template and Advanced choices to make your template more customized. I also love that <a href="http://www.blogger.com">Blogger</a> has added the options for "pages." I hope to add some pages soon!<div><br /><div>Making the <a href="http://voki.com/">Voki</a> was great fun! The choices are endless! Students would love to do this! I added my own voice to my <a href="http://voki.com/">Voki</a> and it was fairly easy to do. I will definitely use <a href="http://voki.com/">Voki </a>with my PGP kids this year!</div><div><br /></div><div>As far as the <a href="http://11toolssbisd.blogspot.com">11 Tools</a> directions for Tool 1 - the most confusing part is getting logged into your blog. If you are using your Spring Branch email to set up your blog, you have to log in to the <a href="https://sbportal.springbranchisd.com/?WebApp=GoogleApps&SAMLRequest=fVLLbtswELwXyD8QvOvlBmlBWArcBEENJK0QKz30RlFrmTC1q3Ipu%2F370nKCpIfmOpydx3KX178HJw7g2RKWskhzKQANdRb7Uj41d8lneV1dfFiyHtyoVlPY4SP8moCDiJPIan4o5eRRkWbLCvUArIJRm9XDvVqkuRo9BTLkpFjfltIBtdS3ehz3O03QmQF73LftqBHcvjdI1vSDbaX48RJrcYq1Zp5gjRw0hgjlRZHkV0mRN8VCfbxU%2BaefUtTPTl8snhu8F6s9k1h9bZo6qb9vmlngYDvw3yK7lD1R7yA1NJzsa81sDxHeascgxYoZfIgBbwh5GsBvwB%2BsgafH%2B1LuQhhZZdnxeExfZTKd8eijaes1mp3l7owaltW8YjW39G92%2B34H%2FZJBVq8uy%2ByNVPX8dadG69uanDV%2FxMo5Ot540CHWCX6Kbe7IDzr8361IixmxXbKdqWpCHsHYrYVOiqw6u%2F57I%2FFy%2FgI%3D&RelayState=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fa%2Fspringbranchisd.com%2FServiceLogin%3Fservice%3Dwritely%26passive%3Dtrue%26continue%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fdocs.google.com%252Fa%252Fspringbranchisd.com%252F%26followup%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fdocs.google.com%252Fa%252Fspringbranchisd.com%252F%26ltmpl%3Dhomepage">Google Apps for Educators</a> first, before you go to your blog. This has added a layer of confusion and several extra steps that are really unnecessary. I hope in the future, this is revised.</div><div><br /></div></div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-57041294974658776562010-08-09T21:04:00.005-05:002010-08-09T22:18:17.116-05:00Thing 11.5 - EvaluationThankfully I am finishing up before midnight! This has been fabulous! I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed participating in "23 Things" with <a href="http://library2play.blogspot.com/">Library2Play</a>! Some of my favorite new things<br /><br /><ol><br /><li><a href="http://www.glogster.com/">Glogster</a> - this is my number one favorite thing! I was familiar with it, had seen a few examples at workshops, but had never really played with it myself! I love this! I am anxious to use this with students!</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home">Skype</a> - loved the articles about Skype. So many good links and ideas for locating possible "Skypers"! I am definitely going to try to Skype with an author this year!</li><br /><li>Video resources - this was all fairly new to me. Of course I knew about <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>, didn't know so much about all the other video sources online. There are so many video resources!! In addition to the video resources, I found out how easy it is to post to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>! Who knew!!</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/">Screencast</a> - loved this! Definitely see myself using this and even teaching kids how to use it!</li><br /><li>Slideshare - specifically <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/">authorSTREAM</a>. Am anxious to try uploading an <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/">authorSTREAM</a> to an iPod Touch.</li></ol><p>A special big thank you to our <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02742473111971047393">Lifeguards</a>! Thanks for putting together a wonderful learning experience that will help me to expand my teaching in technology!! You all are the best!!</p>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-10239323168767436402010-08-09T17:04:00.005-05:002010-08-09T17:38:46.513-05:00Thing 11 - Digital CitizenshipDigital Citizenship is something our district has really focused on this past year. This is something I already teach, but definitely have room to improve! This is such a huge issue. I loved what <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2007/09/what-should-be-done-about-digital.html">Cool Cat Teacher</a> had to say:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>"Too many teachers talk about how students are coming to them vastly uneducated about researching, validating sources, and using multiple sources of information. Students are believing everything they read. Where is the skepticism? The investigation? The desire to double check things?"</em></span><br /><br />Of course it goes beyond not knowing how to validate sources, believing everything they read, and accepting the first source they come across. It also involves personal safety, netiquette, and legal issues associated with copyright and plagiarism.<br /><br /><a href="http://digiteen2008.wikispaces.com/Topics">Digiteen Digital Citizenship</a> had a good overview of what digital citizenship involves including access, communication, safety and security, but also responsibilities and health and wellness.<br /><br />Here are the five things I might use in regards to digital citizenship during library orientation:<br /><ol><li><strong>Digital Literacy</strong> <strong>-</strong> <strong>rules and responsibilities</strong> <strong>for using the technology in the library.</strong> How to care for it and use it in such a way that respects other students' rights to use the equipment as well. I find that while most students have technology, few have learned how to properly care for it.<br /></li><li><strong>Digital Literacy</strong> <strong>-</strong> <strong>how to use technology in the library</strong>. <a href="http://rhondda.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/digital-literacy-and-the-classroom/">Another article</a> suggested that many times we leave students to figure out digital strategies on their own. Something that doesn't always work out so well! I am a big believer in direct instruction. Sometimes what is needed is for someone to simply give kids direct instruction on how to use certain pieces of technology or specific software. I find that once kids have been shown the basics, they are more confident then to explore on their own and then there explorations don't end with me trying to figure out how to "un-do" something they shouldn't have done!<br /></li><li><strong>Safety - </strong>Teaching them the importance of keeping their personal information safe.<br /></li><li><strong>Learning Strategies -</strong> Teaching students how to evaluate and critique websites and information obtained online. This is a BIGGIE and one that is not done just once, but something that is done all year long! I like the comment David Warlick made on <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2007/09/what-should-be-done-about-digital.html">Cool Cat Teacher's </a>blog: <br /> <br /><a href="http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/"><em>David Warlick</em></a><em> says, "Instead of starting with a web page, displayed on the whiteboard, they [teachers] should start with Google, demonstrate how they found the page, the considerations and decisions they applied to select that page, and include in the presentation, the evidence that what's being presented is valuable...When we model authority, we shouldn't be surprised when students look for authority in every piece of information."<br /></em></li><li><strong>Fair Use Guidelines - </strong>Going over the legal issues of copyrighted material and giving proper credit for media obtained on the Internet.</li></ol>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-89514679866411054092010-08-09T16:42:00.002-05:002010-08-09T16:45:20.115-05:00Thing 10 - Virtual Worlds, Second LifeI am not a big “gamer”, nor do I spend hours on my computer “surfing” the net. Therefore, I have trouble with this “Thing.” I have no desire to be a part of <a href="http://secondlife.com/">Second Life</a> or any other virtual world. I did read a lot of the articles and ideas and still – I think to myself, “Why would I want to do that?” After reading through several other <a href="http://library2play2.blogspot.com/2009/05/thing-10.html">Beachcombers</a> on<a href="http://library2play2.blogspot.com/2009/05/thing-10.html"> Library2Play2</a>, I found that the verdict on virtual worlds is about half and half. Some people were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the idea of creating avatars and getting started. Others were baffled by the idea and still others were downright appalled! I think I am a little with the latter group! I do not think this is appropriate for elementary students at all!<br /><br />I know there were many articles on the benefits of <a href="http://secondlife.com/">Second Life</a> and do like the ideas of Colleges and Universities using virtual worlds for prospective students. There were links to several <a href="http://education.secondlife.com/successstories/case/loyalist/">Universities</a>, Museums, and science related resources that looked interesting too. Click <a href="http://education.secondlife.com/resources/learning/">here</a>. The other interesting article was the one from <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2009/02/second-life-and-open-sim-for-newbies.html">Cool Cat Teacher</a>. I liked the idea of using it with high school students to create a virtual world on digital citizenship. I know that there are students who would be all over Virtual Worlds and if I worked at a high school, I would explore deeper.<br /><br />I do have some concerns with Virtual Worlds. The first being the disconnect from reality. One thing we taught our students in regards to netiquette is that it is easy to be or appear to be anonymous online. When people think they are anonymous, they tend to do things they shouldn’t be doing or behaving in a way that is inappropriate. Second Life opens this up in a huge way and I don’t necessarily think it is emotionally healthy. Another concern is that students could become a little too caught up in their “second life” and forget to live their real life. I think most people have someone they know, who has become obsessed with their “second life” and it caused serious problems in their real life - again, not emotionally healthy. Finally I was a little taken aback when I read the <a href="http://secondlife.com/policy/security/">Online Safety</a> section of Second Life. There was a lot of information in there about scams and cons that seem to be a part of Second Life (I know, I know, not unlike real life!) as well as a lot of information in there about reporting abuse and harassment. I was particularly unimpressed with their advice on how to handle verbal abuse – just mute the person. While that may solve the problem for the moment, I wonder why a person would want to spend time on an activity where verbal abuse is such a problem! (This goes back to the whole “anonymity” issue.)<br /><br />I realize my opinions on virtual worlds are just that – my opinions – and are not the popular opinions, I just can’t see using this with elementary students. There are so many other tools and ideas that let students interact in the real world!Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-58548336679353960642010-08-08T18:10:00.003-05:002010-08-08T19:44:08.822-05:00Thing 9 - SlideshareSlideshare is a very interesting idea. I like the concept of being able to post and share your PowerPoints, but I don't know how necessary this is at the elementary level. In our district students have access to their own folder on our network, so they don't necessarily need a place to store their PowerPoints. We also have a share server in our district, so it would be easy for a teacher to set up a folder for her class and have everyone post their PowerPoints there where they would be available for sharing with others.<br /><br />I looked at <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/">authorSTREAM</a> and uploaded a PowerPoint to it. I was impressed with some of the features that <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/">authorSTREAM</a> had to offer. For one thing, you can upload a PowerPoint and set the timings, then save it to a video format that can be saved to in iPod or an iPod Touch. This would be a great use of the iPod Touch, especially if students could share their PowerPoint creations in this manner. Here is the <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/">authorSTREAM</a> I uploaded:<br /><br /><h3 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><a style="FONT: 18px ,arial" href="http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/BookNookGirl-463669-learning-about-biographies/" target="_blank">Learning About Biographies</a></h3><object id="player" height="354" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.authorstream.com/player/player.swf?p=463669_634168870000186250"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.authorstream.com/player/player.swf?p=463669_634168870000186250" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="354"></embed></object><div style="FONT: 11px arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal">See more <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/" target="_blank">presentations</a> by <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/User-Presentations/BookNookGirl/" target="_blank">BookNookGirl</a> <a href="http://upload.authorstream.com/multipleupload/" target="_blank">Upload your own PowerPoint presentations</a></div><br /><p>I also briefly looked at <a href="http://280slides.com/">280 Slides</a>. This looks like a great tool to use if PowerPoint is not available, or if you are just trying to introduce your students to some new tools that are available free online and are not subject to software budget cuts!</p><p> </p>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-10130199964983670292010-08-07T18:08:00.004-05:002010-08-07T18:24:00.382-05:00Thing 8 - ScreencastLoved this! I looked at several of the options, but after reading several different post, I finally settled on <a href="http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/">Screencast-O-Matic</a>. It was easy to use. I created a brief and not very polished screen cast on how to find a book using our online catalog, Meriwether. Here is the link:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; "><a target="_blank" href="http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/c6ji3Pj3l">http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/c6ji3Pj3l</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div>A few things I learned about <a href="http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/">Screencast-O-Matic</a>:</div><div><ul><li>You have to create an account before you are able to fully use this tool and navigate between websites.</li><li>There are a few demo videos available that show you how to get started.</li><li>There is some editing features available, more if you purchase the "Pro" version.</li><li>You have several options for what to do with your finished screencast including posting to YouTube.</li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I think screencast are a great tool for students and teachers. As teachers, we can create screencast to help supplement instruction. Students can create screencast to teach each other how to do different tasks on the computer. I hope to use these this year in the library.</span></div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-39416389355944651352010-08-07T15:34:00.006-05:002010-08-07T16:37:14.517-05:00Thing 7 - Video ResourcesI never cease to be amazed at the sheer volume of information on the Internet! This "Thing" was all fairly new to me. Of course I knew there was a tremendous amount of video available online, but I had NO IDEA of the vastness of it!<br /><br />I had just learned about <a href="http://www.hulu.com/">Hulu</a> this summer, so it was fun to explore this. I was also aware of videos available on <a href="http://video.pbs.org/">PBS</a>, but spent time exploring these more in depth! I am amazed that there are so many full length videos available! I had seen the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/USNationalArchives">National Archives Videos</a> on <a href="http://library2play2.blogspot.com/2009/05/thing-4.html">Thing 4</a>, but really delved into them on this entry - amazing! Here is a video clip from the National Archives on the Declaration of Independence -<br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W9ovu0a6pL8&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W9ovu0a6pL8&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />This would be great to show 5th grade when they are studying the American Revolution and the start of our government.<br /><br />The second video I looked at was on Hulu and it was of the Hubble Telescopes' pictures of Saturn. This video did not have an embed code but the link is posted below. This would be a great video to share with 3rd grade when they are studying space.<br /><a href="http://news.discovery.com/videos/space-hubble-captures-saturns-aurorae.html">http://news.discovery.com/videos/space-hubble-captures-saturns-aurorae.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://library2play2.blogspot.com/2009/05/thing-7.html">Thing 7</a> has left me with many more things to explore!!Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-28165377465237800972010-08-07T14:06:00.003-05:002010-08-07T14:29:36.578-05:00Thing 6 - iTouch AppsOur library was fortunate to receive several iTouches this past year. We have found many educational apps and the students love using them. We have some for art, music, language arts, social studies, math, and science. It is fun to watch students who aren't really interested in learning their math fact become totally absorbed in a math app that teaches math facts on the iTouch. Other great apps we have used are those that deal with logic and puzzle solving. These are great for students who need a little extra enrichment.<br /><br />Other things that students can do with the iTouches:<br />Send them on a scavenger hunt/obstacle course with the iTouch. Have them make their way through a set of assigned apps in order to obtain a goal.<br />Using the RockStar adapter, you can have 5 students using one iTouch as a listening center. We have used our iTouches with some of our special ed. students for audio books.<br /><br />Perusing the articles listed on this post, I continue to be blown away by the number of apps available! There are some really cool ones out there! I will be downloading some for myself and some for school!Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-58259278104518391492010-08-06T18:50:00.002-05:002010-08-06T19:17:42.704-05:00Thing 5 - MicrobloggingOkay, I will admit - I am not a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook </a>fan! There - I said it. To be quite honest, I just don't have time for <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a>, nor do I feel the need to tell the world every little thing that I am doing. However, I do see benefit in creating a group page for your library. I am still debating this at the moment since I found out that <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a> will now be blocked on our elementary campuses. I do realize that my opinion of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a> is not the popular opinion and that many people are on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a>, so I do see benefit in setting up a group page for my library. However, I am not sure if you can just set up a group page and not a personal page. Something I will look into!<br />Having a page for your library will be a great way to post quick updates as to what is going on in the library for students and parents.<br /><br />Needless to say, I feel the same way about <a href="http://twitter.com/">Twitter</a>, but do see benefit for groups and organizations to have a page.<br /><br />Now, I do see educational benefit in back-channeling. I have used <a href="http://todaysmeet.com/">Today's Meet</a> and <a href="http://tinychat.com/">TinyChat</a> at several different professional development venues and I am definitely going to try this with students! Especially 4th and 5th graders!Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-91209724998926211242010-08-06T18:02:00.008-05:002010-08-06T18:54:58.675-05:00Thing 4 - You TubeUploading a video to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">You Tube</a> was so much easier than I would have ever thought!! I uploaded a video I made last year to show off the entries into our Pumpkin Decorating Contest. This was fun! I have used <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">You Tube</a> and <a href="http://www.teachertube.com/">Teacher Tube</a> many times during instruction. Online video sites have advantages and disadvantages.<br /><br /><strong>Advantages:</strong> Great way to have access to videos anywhere there is Internet access. There are many great educational videos available for use. I especially loved the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LibraryOfCongress">Library of Congress You Tube channel</a>! This is also a great venue for students to post their work. I think students love to see thier work posted online. In the past I have posted student work on my library web page. Students LOVE to see their work online and are eager to share with family and friends.<br /><br /><strong>Disadvantages: </strong>The main disadvantage I see is helping students remain safe when online. Allowing open access to YouTube for elementary students is not, in my opinion, a responsible decision for educators. Of course TeacherTube is a much more reliable option.<br /><br />Here is my video:<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h418JwegHnw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h418JwegHnw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866953203375325580.post-80487423102548998612010-08-05T08:01:00.005-05:002010-08-06T18:54:27.892-05:00Thing 3 - Skype<a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home">Skype</a> - love it!! We have been using video conferencing at my school for the last 2 years. We are fortunate to have a Video Conferencing unit that allows us to do some more formal video conferencing with places like National Parks, NASA, and zoos. We are also able to connect with multiple locations at the same time and have done activities like the <a href="http://texashistorymystery.pbworks.com/">Texas History Mystery</a>. <div><br /></div><div>This past year we started using Skype as well. One of our more fun and unique uses of Skype came during our morning book club time that we call Books and Breakfast. One of the teachers that was leading a group was scheduled to be out of town one week and instead of trying to find another teacher to come in at 7:00 am to cover her group, we decided to try Skyping her in to lead her group! It was a huge success. She took her laptop with her on her trip and then we set up Skype in library. The students loved it!! They were thrilled to discuss their book with their leader in another state! She even took her laptop and camera out on the balcony of her hotel to show the students the view!</div><div><br /></div><div>The uses of Skype in the library and classroom is tremendous. You can Skype with an author, a specialist in an area, or other classrooms from around the country. Every classroom that has used Skype has loved it!! This is a great tool and one everyone should try!!</div>Book Nook Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333012484066548625noreply@blogger.com1