Weir Having Fun in the Library

  Janet Hopkins,  “School Library Accessibility: The Role of Assistive Technology.”  Assistive Technology is so much more than audiobooks or speech-to-text applications.  I think that when someone thinks of technology they think of computers.  However, that isn't always the case.  It was interesting to think that a wheel chair accessible ramp or text in brail can be considered assistive technology.  Currently we don't have any students with those needs but we do have a student on crutches who may need extra help navigating the library next year.   With regards to computer technology one of my favorite additions to our library catalog this year are the lightbox interactive books.  They can be used by a whole class simultaniously, offer text to speech for students who may need extra help reading, and offer interactive images, headings, and other content to encourage a deeper understanding of content.  I hope to offer a PD for teachers...

Gaming in the Library Elkins, Aaron J.  “Let's Play! Why School Librarians Should Embrace Gaming in the Library.”    Knowledge Quest, 43:5. May/June, 2015 download After reading this article I am really excited to incorporate gaming into my library next year.  This article will help to share with teachers and students when they question why games are available in the library. The question is where to start.  I think I could gather up some old android phones through a donation appeal and start with a couple of free games.  Eventually, I would create an official station where students can play the games during library, indoor recess, or possibly have an after-school gamer club.  This idea might not lend itself to elementary school but it's worth a try.  I think I would have support from the tech person as well. I was pleasantly surprised by this article.  In general, I think parents might be upset by their student's gaming in the library (and a...

 I have taught students about specific tech tools to use during an assignment and I have taught library volunteers to repair books but both of these were done in person.  The hardest part of this, for me, was using a tech tool to teach the tech tool.  With that said I like the idea of teaching teachers something, they can use in their class through a simple screencastify.  By creating a video teachers can watch it at their leisure or share it with their students so I can see the value in doing it this way.  However, a slide show might be more effective as an in-person PD.   Ideas for tech tool PD's What can your library/librarian do for you? How to browse the catalog, hold titles, and write reviews in Destiny. Research tools  Resource lists for curriculum use

 This week I talked with Samantha C. about my school library's OPAC Destiny Follett. While I have been using this catalog system for over 8 years I had never taken any classes about how to use it nor have I taught anyone else to use it.  I mostly learn through experimentation. While I was describing the positives and negatives and exploring the software with Samantha I noticed a couple of features I didn't realize existed. This caused me to look further into finding more info about what destiny can offer.  I have discovered that a lot of the things I found negatives could be remedied. The interview notes are below. What are the strengths of the catalog? Search across school feature. The ability to search across multiple locations for a title, rather than being limited to just the materials in-house. The catalog also showed how many copies were at each location. Adding new titles is very simple. For a flexible fee, Follet offers to handle all processing. They offer genre s...

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel of this worldwide pandemic! Educators have been thrown into the deep end when it comes to technology and has come out the other side with a new understanding of what it can offer our students.  With that said many teachers still shy away from technology because students have had to use it too much.  Zoom fatigue is real!  I have revisited my list of top things teachers should know about tech for this final blog post. While I kept my list in no particular order I would say that my number one tip would be to not be afraid to ask for help! Top 10 Things I Think Teachers should know or understand about Technology (in no particular order) REVISITED Play around with tools well in advance of when you need to use them.  Not only should you have some experience using tools or presenting technology in order to teach it but you should also have some idea about how fun or inspiring the tools are.  If you think they are boring and...