Playing around with Infographics for Newsletters

I used one of my newsletters from last school year to play around with infographics  I try to include reading tips or advice every month, such as how reading for 20 minutes a day improves reading skills, tips for reading to your kids, and book suggestions. I made th 6 tip for reading to your kids into an infographic.  It was just a list previously. I need to work on the colors since the newsletter is our school colors. I may start changing the newsletter colors to go with the season.

Tell me what you think! Thanks!

Final Reflection

This class was fast and furious!  There was so much to learn in so little time.  I really enjoyed this class and have taken many things from it that I will implement in the fall.

First, screencasts to teach lessons. Sometimes it's hard for me to set up trainings with teachers to teach them a new program or app. I plan on making screen casts and either email them out or place them on the library website so teachers and students can learn how to use them.

I created a Facebook page for our school libraries.  I included book recommendations, links from the blogs that I'm following, and sharing school news. I also got an idea from a fellow librarian.  I asked parents to send in or post pictures with the hashtag #Odemreads. Those pictures would be posted on our page. In the past 2 days, I've posted 6 pictures.  Here's the link to the page if you would like to see....

Odem Edroy ISD Libraries

I like the idea of posting videos and podcasts. These can be used for book recommendations, library orientation, library news, and school announcements. I will need to get over my reluctance to record myself in order to implement these plans.  I do plan on  using students for some of these. I have recorded elementary students for short book reviews.  Now that I am more familiar with more tools to help with this, I can do more of these.  

I have a monthly newsletter that is sent to all campuses. Each campus has a different one of course. Library news, book reviews, teacher or student recommendations, pictures, and study skills are included. I plan on using infographics in my newsletters to make them look eye catching.

I have also gotten some great recommendations on books and technology tools from the blogs that I am following.  I always have trouble deciding which books to order for the library.  I usually look at award winners but it is nice to have recommendations coming from more than one source.

I'm still not completely comfortable with the comics. I had a hard time thinking of something to create.  I was impressed with so many of my classmates' ideas, especially those that made their comics about the library. I'm hoping that I can become more creative and use those soon.

‘How do they even do that?': How Today’s Technology is Shaping Tomorrow’s Students

 Lenhart, A. (2013, April 8). ‘How do they even do that?': How Today’s Technology is Shaping Tomorrow’s Students. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/04/09/how-do-they-even-do-that-how-todays-technology-is-shaping-tomorrows-students/ 

I enjoyed this article because it discussed a girl who was born in 1995 and the changes that have occurred in technology since then. My oldest son was born in 1995, so I have seen first hand how things have changed in his lifetime.  One of my favorite stories about him is when he used a corded phone. We had cordless phones, which are now pretty obsolete as well.  He was talking to his grandma on the phone, but when the conversation was over, he didn't know how to hang up.  "What do I do with it now?"  It was quite funny.

The article also discusses how teenagers now can learn about their college roommates weeks or months before meeting them in person.  Thanks to social media and texting, teens can look up roommate on social media to learn more about them. They usually end up communicating with them before move it day.

It is also easier for students and parents to keep in touch.  Parents would have to wait for days before getting a phone call from their child.  Students communicated through letters and phone calls. Very few had cell phones. Now parents can keep track of their kids' activities through their social media, texting, and email.  The communication is faster and can be more frequent, but not so much with all college students...like mine lol

Technology in the classroom is also changing. Distance learning, blended learning, self directed learning is becoming the norm.  At our high school, many students take online classes for college credit. They dont have to leave our campus to take advantage of this opportunity.

Cell phones, tablets and e readers have replaced desktop computers in the classroom.  More students have access to the internet and online resources.  

43 pages

Tech trends and library services in the digital age

 Zickhur, K. (2013, May 9). Tech trends and library services in the digital age. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/05/10/tech-trends-and-library-services-in-the-digital-age/

The first page of this study surprised me. I didn't know that dial up internet still existed.   Broadband is increasingly becoming what's used most.  Less than 10% of adults had dial up service by Dec 2012. I wonder how much that number has changed since then.  

As technology becomes more prevalent, libraries will have to offer more services.  Libraries will need to have computers, laptops and tablets available for patron use.  School libraries are beginning to check these items out to students for use.  This is important for students who may not have these to use at home.  

Students no longer use books or encyclopedias for research. Their main source of information is searching Google. Librarians will have to train students how to search effectively using quotation marks, - to exclude terms, and related words.  Students need to learn that databases are better for research than a search engine. Librarians will have to teach them these tips.

36 pages

Libraries, Children and Families: new research and policy recommendations on role of libraries in early reading

 Rainie, L. (2013, July 8). Libraries, Children and Families: New research and policy recommendations on role of libraries in early reading. Retrieved June 29, 2015.

Despite the growing use of the internet or technology, libraries are still considered a vital part of the community.  Parents consider libraries a vital part of instilling early love of reading in children. Libraries also provide resources to families that may not be available at home.  Enjoying time with children or grandchildren is the main reason adults visit the library.  Parents and grandparents also appreciate librarians. Surveys show these adult users have positive interaction with librarians and find librarians useful.
Parents participate in library activities more than adults without children.  Parents are more likely to borrow books or ebooks, use the internet, or attend library activities.
Half of all parents read to their children aged 12 and under.  Many of them read to their children several times a week.  Although the use of ereaders is increasing in parents, reading print books to their children remains the most popular.
The study also shows that libraries need to increase their PR.  Only 22% of those surveyed know all of the services that libraries offer.  Perhaps, libraries need to use social media to promote the libraries.  I have received good feedback on my library's facebook page.  Parents are able to keep informed of goings on in the library.

18 pages

Reading, Writing, and Research in the Digital Age

 Reading, writing, and research in the digital age. (2013, November 3). Retrieved June 29, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/11/04/reading-writing-and-research-in-the-digital-age/

Zickuhr researched and wrote about how the internet has changed the way teens and adults find information.  From research to current events, a majority of the population uses the internet to find information.

The use of television and newspapers as a source for news has decreased dramatically. 71% of  internet users under 30 get their news from the internet instead of newspapers and television.  Since the internet is always readily available thanks to smart phones and tablets, users report that they spend 30% or more time accessing the news.  

Books are still preferred over ebooks by readers of all ages, however ebooks are preferred for reading while traveling and for getting books quickly.  Ebooks are most likely to be accessed from a smart phone or laptop.

More than half of Americans are still using libraries for to look for books, browsing books and the internet, and to get help from a librarian.  A quarter of the users are also using library websites to search the online catalog, get library info, reserve a book, or read book reviews.

Over 90% of users use Google as a tool for research.  Less than 20% use online databases that are more reliable.  The use of the internet for research can be good and bad.  Users need to know how to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources.  They may need to search longer on Google than on databases because Google will have so many more results.

Easy and fast access to the internet and technology is changing the way users gain access to information, news and books.  Libraries will have to evolve to keep up with the changes.  More libraries are offering ebooks for check out, have more computers for patron use, and have made their websites more accessible with more information for patrons.  Librarians will also have to teach students how to search beyond Google.  

28 pages

Millennials and Libraries

 Millennials and Libraries. (2014, April 9). Retrieved June 28, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/04/09/millennials-and-libraries/

Teens these days are  "super tech saturated." They have internet access at their fingertips.  95% have internet access, while 78% have cell phones to access the internet.  Most not only use their phones, but also tablets and laptops.  

Most educators believe that as a result of all the constant internet access, students are becoming easily distracted and expect results quickly and easily.  Students are becoming more self sufficient but all of the information may be too overwhelming. Many times when they are researching, the first thing they try is Google. They have trouble deciding what is relevant and reliable.  

Teens are reading just as much as adults, but for different reasons. While adults read for pleasure or to keep up with current events, teens read for research and school. Teens are more likely than use librarians and ask librarians for help.  

There is a debate on what kind of impact the constant access to the information will have on teens. Will they become multi taskers who can retain various information at once, lack social skills and interpersonal communication? Or will they become multi taskers who can research quickly and efficiently?

I do worry that students spend too much time on the internet.  A majority of them are constantly updating their status and pictures on social media. They use Google for all their research needs, despite the academic databases that are available to them.

40 pages

Instagram and Vine

I would use Instagram to promote the library.  I have included pictures that I put on the school website.  I like for kids, parents, and community members to see what is going on in the libraries.

This was the English IV AP class. They chose a children's book to read and dressed in character or brought a prop. They each read to at least one elementary class.  The ELA teacher and I have decided to make it a yearly project.

When I can, I like to visit the elementary library.  I miss reading to the young students. This is a kinder student enjoying his library time.

I also like to share things that are happening in the district. Two folklorico dancers performed at the high school for Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Winter theme books

I made a vine video of books from a theme. I always tried to teach in themes in kindergarten.  I have stored my books in themes. This is a good way to give teachers and students ideas for books.  Teachers can make quick videos for book recommendations for their students.

Close Race!

I always like to promote school activities. This is a close race between boys and girls on the swim team.  It was an exciting race. The boys came from behind for a last second win.

Screen casts

I used Screen cast to create this video.  As I have mentioned before, I am still trying to get comfortable recording myself.  This was after 10 or so takes and it's still not the best.  I made a video to give students a quick tutorial on our Gale databases.  Using screen cast was very easy to use.  Once I created the account, I watched the quick tutorial video, then started on my own video  I plan on making a better version to  place on the high school library website.  You have the choice of saving the video on your computer or uploading it to the sight.  I saved it on my computer, but then couldn't get it to upload on Blogger, so I had to upload it to YouTube, then embed it.  Once I saved it on my computer, it was gone off the sight, so next time I will upload to the sight first.







I used Jing to create a quick intro to Popplet.  It was fairly easy to used just like Screen cast. This one is quicker because there is a sun looking icon on my screen. I just click on the yellow icon, choose the screen size, then either capture the picture or start recording.  I only had 5 minutes of video time so I did feel a bit rushed. This video took a few takes as well.  I felt like I was rushing through in order to get in all the information I wanted to cover.  You have to upgrade to the paid version if you wish to save the video to your computer then upload it from there. The free version only allows you to save to the website, which still allows you to share the link and share on a website or blog.  However, I couldn't get the video to embed. I had to add the link instead.

Screencast - Popplet Intro



I attempted to use Screenr for almost an hour. I could not get the Java app to work. I tried on both Chrome and Explorer.  I tried downloading it several times, each time I got an error message.

I liked both Screencast and Jing. The only drawback to Jing is that you have to download the tool to use it.  I know at our school you have to have admin permission to download anything so that may make it difficult to use on your school computer.

Cartoons and Comics

I've never been very creative so I had a hard time with this assignment.  I enjoyed looking through the choices of characters, backgrounds, etc, but I'm not very good at coming up with something.

I enjoyed using ToonDoo.  There were many options as far a strip layout, characters, background, and extras. I didn't like that I couldn't add a textbox. My comic was describing kids, a mom, and a teacher over summer break, but I didn't have an option to add a caption.  The comics were colorful and eye catching. I think students and teachers would enjoy using this site.  I also liked that you can save your comic on the site, print it, save it, or share it through social media.  Users have many options.

MakeBeliefsComix was not as userfriendly as ToonDoo. There weren't as many options in characters to use.  The toolbox wasn't as easy to use either.  I added things twice, deleted things accidentally, and would flip things too many times. It took a few tries to learn how to use it correctly.  I wouldn't recommend this one to teachers who are already hesitant about using new technology tools.

I didn't have any luck with Pixton.  I tried several times to create an account but the email verification was never emailed to me.  I had it resent 5 times and never received the link.

Online Book Communities

There are several online book communities available for readers.  Most offer features such as sharing suggestions with friends, reading book review, and creating an online shelf of books.

Booklikes is not very userfriendly.  It took me a while to learn how to navigate it and create a bookshelf. There was not a help feature.  Once I found the book catalog, it was a little easier finding books that I'm interested in reading.  Not all books had summaries, however, so that was a drawback.  I did like the timeline feature so I can read what the latest recommendations are.

Biblionasium is a wonderful site for teachers and parents to use. Teachers can create reading groups for their classes, create reading lists and create reading challenges.  Students can log their independent reading levels and win virtual prizes. There is also a template for a parent letter.  This site isn't very user friendly. Again, I had to play around with it before finding the book recommendations. Before that, I had to search for each book by title or author.  I also didn't like that when I clicked on a book on the recommendations page, they were automaticlly

Shelfari is by Amazon.com.  I have an Amazon account and was given the option to add the books that I had purchased.  The interface of this site isn't as eyecatching as the others, but the site is easy to use. Finding books was pretty simple. There were several options featured, by subject, most popular.  I liked the most popular because it helps me choose YA books for the library.

Goodreads is by far my favorite.  The website is very easy to use. I was able to locate friends from social media and have already received book suggestions from them.  I would recommend this site to parents who are looking for book suggestions and reviews. I will also have my other two librarians create accounts so they explore the site and look for books for their libraries.

LibraryThing was not very user friendly.  It was helpful that I could import my shelf from Goodreads, but its recommendation page was not as useful. There was no way to search my genre or other features.  It was another site which I had to play around with before I learned how to create a shelf or navigate.

I will continue to use Goodreads. It was the most beneficial for my both personally and professionally.  I will introduce Biblionasium to the teachers in my district. We have been looking for an alternative to Accelerated Reading and I think this may be it.

Podcasts

Honestly, when I first read this assignment I was 1. Not very familiar with podcasts and 2. not sure how they could be used in for a library  I didn't think they would be very beneficial.  After searching and reading, I discovered that I was wrong. I found so many uses for podcasts by both the librarian and the students.  Librarians can record book reviews, lessons, weekly or monthly newsletters, and for promoting the library.  I especially liked the idea of weekly or monthly newsletters. Although I am still trying to get comfortable recording myself, I am going to try and do this for the high school library.  I created a podcast for the upcoming school  year.  It may need some tweaking before it's officially on the school library site.  However, I liked being able to tell so much information and have it accessible to the students at any time.  I will definitely be including book reviews and school news as well.
I also read how students can create podcasts for the library. Students can record their own book reviews or discuss a presentation tool they enjoyed working with. Students can also read book excerpts to discuss literary elements of a story to help other students understand. For example, they can read passages to explain theme, alliteration, irony, imagery,and other elements to help students grasp the understanding. Sometimes, students will listen to a peer's explanation instead of a teachers.
I am going to try a few of these and see what kind of response I get.

Here is my podcast.  I'm still trying to get comfortable with this.  I used audioboom because it was the most user friendly. I liked that I could download the app on my phone and record on my phone, then upload the recording. It was so easy. The whole process (not including practicing) took less than 10 minutes.  

OHS Library Welcome

Blogging and Tumblr

I chose to use Bloglovin' as my blog reader.  I like the large print and pictures in the feed. Every blog that I am following shows up on the feed. The feed is informative and not too busy. I like the simplicity of it. It was easy to navigate and I quickly found several library bloggers to follow.  Since I oversee all level libraries, I followed bloggers from elementary to high school. I also followed professional publications like School Library Journal.  It's important for me to follow these in order to keep up with the latest books.  The reviews are very beneficial.  I also found bloggers on using technology and setting up the library.  I plan on spending much time reading these in order to prepare for the fall.

I have included some of my favorites.


http://knowledgequest.aasl.org/
American Association of School Librarians.  A fountain of information for anyone working in a library.  There are book reviews, suggestions for blogs to follow, articles on technology, award winners.  This blog is a plethora of information for librarians.  I spend a lot of time on this blog. I saved several articles.

http://www.naomibates.blogspot.com/
This blog contains information for everything YA.  This blog contains reviews for current YA books, YouTube videos on databases and other relevant information pertaining to the library.  In addition, there are technology tips and articles to benefit students and teachers.


http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/
This is one of my favorites.  It contains so many ideas, suggestions, articles on technology and how to use it in the library and classroom. There are articles on ipad apps, google in the classroom, videos and much more. The left sidebar allows the user to select grade levels and subjects. This is one of my favorites.

http://librarylearners.com/
This blog is for elementary librarians. It contains information on ebooks, library centers, games, apps.  This is a wonderful blog for any elementary librarian to follow.  I will definitely be sharing this with my elementary librarian.

https://www.tumblr.com/blog/owlreader72
I played around with tublr and decided to make my own page. It's only in the beginning stages.

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

There are several library based videos on YouTube.  Some are tutorials on how to use the library, some are videos about returning library books, some are parodies of books and/or popular songs.  It is definitely worth taking a look at them. They could be useful in your library.  I have included the links to some that I enjoyed or found useful.

NHS Library
NHS Library Orientation
I would like to make one of these for my library. This would be great for incoming freshman orientation.  It would be a nice addition to the website as well.

Tigerpalooza
A parody of Uptown Funk made by teachers and students. The students would enjoy this one because it involves the music they enjoy and students themselves are part of the video.  It was made for a closing ceremony to end the school year.


The Unquiet Library
How to embed a Prezi
I think this would be beneficial for students.  As they begin using technology tools more and more, it is important for them to know how to share them with others.

Claps for Something Good
Students would enjoy watching this video.  Students share their new tradition of sharing good news and others clap.  I think this would spread the tradition.

Pikesville HS Library
The Panthers Library in Action
I enjoyed this video because it had pictures of students utilizing the library in various ways. I would like to make a video like this to put on the library website.  I would change it every few weeks in order to include more students. I think both students and parents would enjoy it.

The Panthers Library Shakes
Students will enjoy this video because it involves music and dance that is popular. There are even staff members involved.  I would use these to create interest in the library.  Students need to realize that librarians have fun too

bbmsmedia
MLA Citation Review
Very beneficial video walking students through the process of citing sources. This is something that students will use both in high school and college, so it is important for them to know how to cite.

I Really Really Want You
I couldn't decide which parody the students would enjoy most. This site has several good ones to show students.  Many of them are student made, which makes them even more enjoyable.  I would like to show these to my students and have them make their own video for my library.

Book Trailer
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

I created a book trailer for the novel Speak.  I feel this is an important book for teenagers to read. Many times they feel they have no one to talk to or confide in. Instead, the retreat among themselves, keeping it all inside. Melinda, the main character finally faces her demons and bravely tells her story.

My trailer can be found here...
Scan the code to be taken to the site.

Synopsis from Amazon.com

The first ten lies they tell you in high school.

"Speak up for yourself--we want to know what you have to say." From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless, outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, so now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, she becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether. Only her art class offers any solace, and it is through her work on an art project that she is finally able to face what really happened at that terrible party: she was raped by an upperclassman, a guy who still attends Merryweather and is still a threat to her. Her healing process has just begun when she has another violent encounter with him. But this time Melinda fights back, refuses to be silent, and thereby achieves a measure of vindication. In Laurie Halse Anderson's powerful novel, an utterly believable heroine with a bitterly ironic voice delivers a blow to the hypocritical world of high school. She speaks for many a disenfranchised teenager while demonstrating the importance of speaking up for oneself.

Speak was a 1999 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature.

QR Codes

I plan on using QR codes in the fall.  I would like to start out with book trailers, authors information, or information about books by the same author or similar to the book chosen.
QR codes can also be used for scavenger hunts in the library.  We have used them in staff development in the past. I think I will create a scavenger hunt for incoming freshmen to use during library orientation.

Teens, Technology & Online Privacy

  Lenhart, A., & Madden, M. (2013, November 6). 9 Things You Need To Know About Teens, Technology & Online Privacy. Retrieved June 13, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/11/07/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-teens-technology-online-privacy/


Lenhart discusses current trend in teenagers and their sharing of information online.  Most teens have some type of social media. While Twitter and Snapchat are becoming increasingly popular, Facebook remains the most used format.  Teens enjoy sharing information through social media.  Unfortunately, most post private information freely. City or town information, school info, even email and phone numbers can be easily found on many teen's profiles. 
The typical teen has 300 friends. The ones with larger networks have 601+ friends. These teens are more likely to have friends they have never met in person.  I work with high school students and notice that their goal is to have as many followers as possible on Twitter, whether they are friends with the person, know the person, or have even met the person. One girl told me "I don't care if I like them, I just want more followers." Apparently, this is the current trend.  The more followers, the better. I don't understand this trend. With teens posting their every thought and move on social media, why would you want complete strangers to have access to these postings?
As for privacy settings, more than have keep their FB accounts private, but 64% make their tweets public. Again, this follows the new trend of getting as many followers as possible.
I was not surprised with the high percentage of teens, 95%, who use internet. Of those, 74% access it using their mobile phone.  I'm really surprised that the number isn't higher, as almost every student I see at the high school has a phone in their hand at some time of the day.  Students aren't only using cell phones,however, many have several means of access....smart phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. 80% of students have at least 2 forms of access to the internet. 
Teens also have deleted people, removed pictures of themselves, untagged pictures of themselves, and have regretted pictures, videos or postings.  
This current trend of over sharing on social media frightens me.  I have discussed it with my children and with students. They do not realize how these posts, pictures, and videos are permanent.  Once it's out there, it cannot be taken back.  Too many times I have seen students post cruel comments, racy pics, videos of illegal activities, all in (what they think is) fun not realizing that these will haunt them. 

12 pages

Twitter

The Daring Librarian +Gwyneth Jones 
My favorite tweet was a link to her blog. It was titled An Open Letter To Principals Before You Hire A New School Librarian by @jenniferlagarde 
There were great tips on what to look for in a school librarian. My favorite was...
look for a person who loves children more than books.  I truly enjoy working with my students daily.  They don't only come to me for book recommendations or tech help, sometimes they come in for advice or help with school, family, relationships. I believe building strong relationships with both the students and faculty are important.

Linda W Braun ‏@lbraun2000 
Could Storytelling Be the Secret Sauce to STEM Education? http://bit.ly/1AQCDic 
I like the idea of integrating literature with math and science

Tony Vincent @tonyvincent
Some ways to spruce up your learning centers with tech, including sites that read to kids: http://tonyv.me/centers 
#kinderchat #1stchat
I will definitely be sharing this with the early elementary teachers.  Small group work was my favorite part of the day. I enjoyed finding new activities and seeing the students work both independently and in a small group.


Buffy Hamilton @buffyjhamilton
My aunts have been here 5 minutes in the waiting area and I already am ready to throttle them.
I love this!! I know I should have been looking for an educational post, but I really related with her current posts about her dad being ill. I know how stressful it can be and how family can get on each other's nerves after a while.

Jim Lerman @jimlerman

20 STEM Activities For Kids This Summer ^ te@chthought ^ by Project Lead the Way http://sco.lt/6u0289 

This is perfect to share on my new FB page. No, it's not reading but kids will enjoy these activities.

Kathy Schrock @kathyschrock

Did not mean to sound critical, but I have often said Twitter is great for quick info, but not in-depth help or support. #lovemypln

Yes! This is exactly how I feel! I always feel like the little blurbs or short posts aren't enough.

Colby Sharp @colbysharp

"Picture books are the entry ramp to the highway of literacy."

Love this quote. Children's books are my first love. I have 100s that I'm saving for the grandbabies....in many years.

Facebook pages

Most of the library pages that I explored didn't have much audience participation or likes. The person posting on most pages added book recommendations or reviews, links to youtube videos with book reviews or other information concerning YA books.  Most pages also contained information about events going on at the school.I also enjoyed the memes some posted.  There were several cute ones with babies, animals, or superheroes encouraging students to visit the libraries or return books. 

I currently am the webmaster for our district's website and the district FB page. I have seen how information on FB reaches more people faster. Parents, students, etc are more likely to check FB frequently than the website for information.  This is why I think having an FB page for the library would have advantages.  Since our district is small I would combine all 3 campuses on one page.  Parents can get info on new books, special events going on in the libraries or schools, due dates, as well as book recommendations and even tech apps that may be useful to the students and parents.

The disadvantage is that not many viewers of the pages, participated in the page. There were not many likes or comments on any of the pages I explored.  It may be frustrating to constantly update information and not know if it is being helpful.

I decided to set up my an FB page for our 3 libraries.  I don't know how successful it will be since it is summer but I plan on keeping it up with it in the fall to see how much interaction and interest it generates.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Odem-Edroy-ISD-Libraries/1654731364739267?ref=hl