Ebooks are an area of technology that I think all Librarians are a little sceptical and wary of. I am a bit of traditionist and love the feel and smell of books and think that an ipod or ipad or computer screen can not possibly have the same attraction as a genuine book. However, I am not that much of a Luddite to not see the various possiblities that ebooks have,eg for out of print books and for people who live in remote areas. My biggest fear is that ebooks will be our future and replace the printed book altogether. Concerns about cost, the environmental impact of paper usage and so on could really mean that this will be in the future. The current generation are used to accessing information online, via ipods and interactivity, so for them ebooks are an extension of what they are used to. I really hope that the book doesn't disappear, it is much easier to use and just as portable, doesn't rely on battery power and so on. But the video link I saw to schoollibrary.com is convincing in it's attractiveness of having everything at your fingertips as you need it!
Hopefully there will be a place for ebooks and real books in the libraries of the future. At present I think that there is. I was impressed to find google ebook searchr and have added it to my delicious page.
Audio books on the other hand are something that I have used and have in my library. At my current school we had a student who was vision impaired and I was conscious to try and add to the audio book collection regularly. In fact it was funny that Ifound that other students in his class liked to borrow these books too. I have used audio books myself on long journeys and find them a great way to pass the hours, and they were on cassettes too. Once my children didn't want to stop our journey and get out for lunch, they wanted to keep listening to the story!
For students learning to read audio books have a role to play and I have even started using stories read out loud on my IWB for my primary and infants classes. The children seem to enjoy them a lot.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
#21 Online videos
I could spend hours researching and exploring this topic but had to stop myself from doing that.
My favourite sources are YouTube and TeacherTube because I really think they have the best videos and being the most popular are the first place to start searching for a video on anything.
I have been using youtube for videos in my classroom on the IWB this year on certain occasions and find that this resource is so well received by all students in the class. It appeals to most learning types, especially if the clip is not too long.
I really like the fact that in YouTube and TeacherTube you see a thumbnail of other related videos on the same topic, so you can find even more resources ( and get more sidetracked!)
The video that I have chosen to share on my blog is one I searched for about biodiversity. The reason I chose this is because I am working with my gifted and talented class on biodiversity this term and wanted a really easy video to show them that puts a definition of biodiversity into a format they could understand.
My favourite sources are YouTube and TeacherTube because I really think they have the best videos and being the most popular are the first place to start searching for a video on anything.
I have been using youtube for videos in my classroom on the IWB this year on certain occasions and find that this resource is so well received by all students in the class. It appeals to most learning types, especially if the clip is not too long.
I really like the fact that in YouTube and TeacherTube you see a thumbnail of other related videos on the same topic, so you can find even more resources ( and get more sidetracked!)
The video that I have chosen to share on my blog is one I searched for about biodiversity. The reason I chose this is because I am working with my gifted and talented class on biodiversity this term and wanted a really easy video to show them that puts a definition of biodiversity into a format they could understand.
#20 Podcasts
Podcasts are great for people like me who don't always get a chance to listen to favourite radio shows because of time. I have a link on my iphone to the Hamish and Andy radio show and I will often download a podcast of an episode that I will have missed.
I haven't done much looking around for educational podcasts until doing this weeks searches, and whilst I didn't find anything immediately useful for my lessons today, I think I will bookmark the linking for learning site as one to keep an eye on for future reference.
I think podcasts are great for our lives today as most of us are busy and will often miss something useful so we can catch up with our interests at a time that suits us.
The ABC Australia site was very informative and I can see that it would be useful in classrooms, particulary in the high school.
I haven't done much looking around for educational podcasts until doing this weeks searches, and whilst I didn't find anything immediately useful for my lessons today, I think I will bookmark the linking for learning site as one to keep an eye on for future reference.
I think podcasts are great for our lives today as most of us are busy and will often miss something useful so we can catch up with our interests at a time that suits us.
The ABC Australia site was very informative and I can see that it would be useful in classrooms, particulary in the high school.
#18 and #19 Wikis and Rollyo
I have change my thoughts about wikis after exploring the various options listed. I can see the communal and collaborative benefits, particularly for conference organisation or classroom collaboration are extremely beneficial, from the point of view that editing can be done easily, collaboration is easy and the flexibility is great. This feature alone makes it more versatile than a blog or a webpage.
Having explored the various examples, I particularly like the Westwood school one and the example on Traditional Tales. The traditional tales one is like a newer version of webquests and I am tempted to try it out on my year 2 classes this term!
I would love to establish a collaborative wiki with classroom teachers regarding library lesson content, but I have a feeling that staff are not up to using the technology, many are still struggling with using IWB's and email! However, it is an option that can be explored at a later date and one that I will think about seriously. Again, there is a great opportunity to use this with my gifted and talented class on their projects this term, so I will work on that.
Had a look at Rollyo and signed up - www.rollyo.com/kimbeesley. I am not too sure that I will find this tool as useful as delicious, but I could see that it can be applied in the classroom to be a subject specific site directed just to students rather than have them see all of my favourite websites.
I am starting to become overwhelmed by all the possibilities!!
Having explored the various examples, I particularly like the Westwood school one and the example on Traditional Tales. The traditional tales one is like a newer version of webquests and I am tempted to try it out on my year 2 classes this term!
I would love to establish a collaborative wiki with classroom teachers regarding library lesson content, but I have a feeling that staff are not up to using the technology, many are still struggling with using IWB's and email! However, it is an option that can be explored at a later date and one that I will think about seriously. Again, there is a great opportunity to use this with my gifted and talented class on their projects this term, so I will work on that.
Had a look at Rollyo and signed up - www.rollyo.com/kimbeesley. I am not too sure that I will find this tool as useful as delicious, but I could see that it can be applied in the classroom to be a subject specific site directed just to students rather than have them see all of my favourite websites.
I am starting to become overwhelmed by all the possibilities!!
#17 Delicious
If I have learned nothing else from this course but about delicious then I will be happy. I can see why it is your favourite Fiona, I think I will quickly become a fan too. At this stage I have signed up and added only a few bookmarks, but I know that this will grow very quickly.
What do I like about this? Probably the main thing is that you can access it from any computer, not just restricted to searching your bookmarks only on the computer you are using at the time. I commonly access 3 computers so this will be very handy for me.
I also like the tag facility, as it really makes you think about the content of the page you are adding and how it is useful to you and others.
I also like the fact that you can view other peoples bookmarks, who knows where that will lead you! I have already found a fantastic webpage on a great topic through this course that I am sure I wouldn't have discovered otherwise so I look forward to having time to explore more through delicious.... who knows what I will find!
I can definitely see the potential for it's use in the classroom, if you are having trouble adding links to things for students to use you can easily direct them via this bookmarking site, and with the tag option and comments it should make it clear why the site is useful. The fact that you can access it anywhere is a bonus.
What do I like about this? Probably the main thing is that you can access it from any computer, not just restricted to searching your bookmarks only on the computer you are using at the time. I commonly access 3 computers so this will be very handy for me.
I also like the tag facility, as it really makes you think about the content of the page you are adding and how it is useful to you and others.
I also like the fact that you can view other peoples bookmarks, who knows where that will lead you! I have already found a fantastic webpage on a great topic through this course that I am sure I wouldn't have discovered otherwise so I look forward to having time to explore more through delicious.... who knows what I will find!
I can definitely see the potential for it's use in the classroom, if you are having trouble adding links to things for students to use you can easily direct them via this bookmarking site, and with the tag option and comments it should make it clear why the site is useful. The fact that you can access it anywhere is a bonus.
#16
Some of the links listed on this reference didn't work, I have seen one before by CommonCraft and I like the way it clearly explains the difference that RSS feeds makes.
Of the suggestions I think I would use the Recent Australian publications feed as it would be good for sourcing new publications, but more so if I was in a High School Library. In a primary school library the new resouces I get are dictated by a limited curriculum and then include already selected fiction titles from people like Australian Standing Orders. I really don't have a lot of time to spend on sourcing too many texts for teachers. However I can see this site as a useful one if I was in a different type of library.
I have added RSS feeds to my google reader aggregator on things I am interested in on a leisure basis, not just for work!
Of the suggestions I think I would use the Recent Australian publications feed as it would be good for sourcing new publications, but more so if I was in a High School Library. In a primary school library the new resouces I get are dictated by a limited curriculum and then include already selected fiction titles from people like Australian Standing Orders. I really don't have a lot of time to spend on sourcing too many texts for teachers. However I can see this site as a useful one if I was in a different type of library.
I have added RSS feeds to my google reader aggregator on things I am interested in on a leisure basis, not just for work!
#15 RSS Feeds
RSS feeds are great for updates on my favourite sites, or blogs or anything that I follow. The only problem is sometimes you can have too many things to keep up to date with and it all becomes a little hard! Spoken from someone who has just had 4 weeks off and is now trying to catch up with all that has been happening. I do think though, when I settle back into my normal work/leisure routine I will find as I refine this too I will find it handy to quickly see things I am interested in updated in one spot.
At school I would use it to keep informed of a project I am working on with students, I can think of one in particular that I am doing with Stage 3 students on the International Year of Biodiversity. I am not sure if I will keep in touch with students work this way, but there is always that possibility now that I know about it.
At school I would use it to keep informed of a project I am working on with students, I can think of one in particular that I am doing with Stage 3 students on the International Year of Biodiversity. I am not sure if I will keep in touch with students work this way, but there is always that possibility now that I know about it.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
#13 Facebook and #14My Space
I have had a facebook page for over a year now, and really love it. My children are grown up and don't live at home, in fact my oldest daughter lived in Ireland for a year last year.
Facebook is my way of keeping in touch with their lives and their friends, even though my youngest does screen some things I see! I have also convinced a couple of my girlfriends to join too who don't live near me, so it's a great way for us to keep in touch and see what is happening in our lives.
I really love it, but don't overuse it, just one visit a day, it can become addictive! I also don't participate in any of the online games like scrabble, I dont have the time. I am not as keen on My Space, I think it's just a personal preference. I did have a Twitter account but have let that slide as it was too hard to do everything.
I seriously wonder about the time all of this takes!
On another note, I am off on holidays this weekend to New Zealand for a month. I will be taking my laptop so will try and keep up with the online projects. I have set up a blog page for our holiday for family and friends to follow us. It is at http://kimandjohninnz.blogspot.com/ if you want to check it out!
Facebook is my way of keeping in touch with their lives and their friends, even though my youngest does screen some things I see! I have also convinced a couple of my girlfriends to join too who don't live near me, so it's a great way for us to keep in touch and see what is happening in our lives.
I really love it, but don't overuse it, just one visit a day, it can become addictive! I also don't participate in any of the online games like scrabble, I dont have the time. I am not as keen on My Space, I think it's just a personal preference. I did have a Twitter account but have let that slide as it was too hard to do everything.
I seriously wonder about the time all of this takes!
On another note, I am off on holidays this weekend to New Zealand for a month. I will be taking my laptop so will try and keep up with the online projects. I have set up a blog page for our holiday for family and friends to follow us. It is at http://kimandjohninnz.blogspot.com/ if you want to check it out!
#11 Library Thing and #12 Flikr
Wow, what fun I have been having looking through these and loading books and photos. It's all so time consuming but, keeping in touch and putting yourself out there!
I can see the potential for LibraryThing and the ability to place comments and reviews on books, I honestly havent had the time to contribute much, I have a large book collection. I would like to do more with it but.
Flikr is good too, not sure whether it is better than just emailing photos of my choice to friends and family, it did seem to take a while to load the photos. I found a really interesting group though while searching through Flikr and have made contact with the people who run a kayaking trip that sounds amazing. My husband and I are so impressed we have started saving to do this trip, I am following the blog and added the contact to Facebook! We even chatted online last night. I would never have found it if not for this course! Wow, thanks heaps Fiona!!
I can see the potential for LibraryThing and the ability to place comments and reviews on books, I honestly havent had the time to contribute much, I have a large book collection. I would like to do more with it but.
Flikr is good too, not sure whether it is better than just emailing photos of my choice to friends and family, it did seem to take a while to load the photos. I found a really interesting group though while searching through Flikr and have made contact with the people who run a kayaking trip that sounds amazing. My husband and I are so impressed we have started saving to do this trip, I am following the blog and added the contact to Facebook! We even chatted online last night. I would never have found it if not for this course! Wow, thanks heaps Fiona!!
Friday, March 12, 2010
#9 and #10 Virtual worlds and Image Generators
This exploration caused me a bit of concern. I had heard of Second Life but not really looked into it before. I have never been into any gaming so none of the World of Warcraft interested me at all, I suppose if you were into that type of thing the 3D versions would be great.
I can see some benefits in creating a virtual world to test out new products, trading and other educational activities but I think there is something unnatural about wanting to create an avatar and lead a whole other life online! Maybe I really am a digital immigrant and am showing my age! Preferably I like getting out there and enjoying the real world and seeing it for myself rather than just a computer experience. I realise it does open up the lines of communication a bit more, but I still have reservations about being involved myself.
I thought the Image generators were a lot of fun and enjoyed creating an avatar of myself with doppelme and liked the say-it.com site too. Not too sure about the makemebabies! Will have to try it with some photos of my hubby and myself to see if our children are like the ones we should have!
I can see some benefits in creating a virtual world to test out new products, trading and other educational activities but I think there is something unnatural about wanting to create an avatar and lead a whole other life online! Maybe I really am a digital immigrant and am showing my age! Preferably I like getting out there and enjoying the real world and seeing it for myself rather than just a computer experience. I realise it does open up the lines of communication a bit more, but I still have reservations about being involved myself.
I thought the Image generators were a lot of fun and enjoyed creating an avatar of myself with doppelme and liked the say-it.com site too. Not too sure about the makemebabies! Will have to try it with some photos of my hubby and myself to see if our children are like the ones we should have!
#8 iGoogle
Well I have created an iGoogle homepage, and while I am pretty happy with the add on features I've included I will probably add more, although I don't like too much clutter on my page,
I can't believe how cool it would be to work at Google. It certainly looks like a place where great minds can get together and work on whatever they want. No wonder google is such a successful tool. I thought the days of companies providing lunch for it's employees was long gone! I suppose it is to encourage them to stay working and not leave, certainly looks like you could work very long hours there!
I can't believe how cool it would be to work at Google. It certainly looks like a place where great minds can get together and work on whatever they want. No wonder google is such a successful tool. I thought the days of companies providing lunch for it's employees was long gone! I suppose it is to encourage them to stay working and not leave, certainly looks like you could work very long hours there!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
#7 Google Books
I have found my new favourite tool! Google books is fantastic and as a Teacher Librarian I know I will use it again and again.
I even found some books on it that I have been looking for about kayaking for my husband, he was thrilled.
I really like the advanced search facility too.
Definitely the best yet!
I even found some books on it that I have been looking for about kayaking for my husband, he was thrilled.
I really like the advanced search facility too.
Definitely the best yet!
#5 and #6
Well, have looked at Google Docs, haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, still not sure how to do it, but I have bookmarked the help page!
I love Google Maps, and so do the kids at school, they are fascinated by looking up their addresses. I have used Google maps many times, particularly to check out places I am going on holidays too! I must admit it's a bit scary seeing your own house there and wondering what your were doing when the photo was taken!
I love Google Maps, and so do the kids at school, they are fascinated by looking up their addresses. I have used Google maps many times, particularly to check out places I am going on holidays too! I must admit it's a bit scary seeing your own house there and wondering what your were doing when the photo was taken!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
#4 Web 2.0
Have read a lot about Web 2.0, at first I wondered what it was all about and thought it was some new development, a bit like the arrival of Vista or Windows 7.
I saw a YouTube clip a while ago that put it in perspective for me, the clip interviewed a variety of high school or uni students who were in a library and asked them what they thought of Library 2.0 tools, and Web 2.0. They were all dumbfounded and didn't know what it was until someone asked them if they used Twitter and Facebook and blogs and then they realised that they did know about it.
To me, the Web 2.0 movement is just a phrase for the development of a series of tools that can be used to make the way we communicate and access information faster, more inclusive and has opened up more opportunities to have feedback with people all around the world at our fingertips. It's exciting and kind of scary at the same time, and I wonder how I am ever going to keep on top of these developments!
I saw a YouTube clip a while ago that put it in perspective for me, the clip interviewed a variety of high school or uni students who were in a library and asked them what they thought of Library 2.0 tools, and Web 2.0. They were all dumbfounded and didn't know what it was until someone asked them if they used Twitter and Facebook and blogs and then they realised that they did know about it.
To me, the Web 2.0 movement is just a phrase for the development of a series of tools that can be used to make the way we communicate and access information faster, more inclusive and has opened up more opportunities to have feedback with people all around the world at our fingertips. It's exciting and kind of scary at the same time, and I wonder how I am ever going to keep on top of these developments!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
#3 Create a blog
Hi
This is my first blog.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a Teacher Librarian in a public primary school in the lower Hunter Valley, NSW. I have been in this area for 10 years and this is my 4th year at my current school. As well as being Teacher Librarian I am a trained Reading Recovery Teacher, so half of my day is involved in working with my 4 students doing intensive reading sessions of 30 mins each, and the rest of the day I am in charge of the Library and teaching 9 classes over the course of the week for 1 hr each.
I started this course because I wanted to make sure that I am abreast of all the changes that are happening constantly and am looking for ways to use these technologies in my teaching. Being a Teacher Librarian we are supposed to be experts at navigating information and advising students how to do the same, but at times I feel that I make one step forward and then go two steps backwards. Most of my year last year was involved in Reading Recovery training and I let the Teacher Librarian side of my job slide a little, but there is no excuse this year!
Prior to becoming a Teacher Librarian 16 years ago I was a Librarian who had worked in Public Libraries, TAFE and Uni Libraries and even a Technical Library attached to the Steelworks.
On the personal side, I have been happily married for nearly 31 years and am mother to 2 gorgeous daughters aged 26 and 23, one just recently returned home after a year overseas and the other living in Sydney.
I look forward to hearing from other course participants and the learning we have ahead of us.
Kim.
This is my first blog.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a Teacher Librarian in a public primary school in the lower Hunter Valley, NSW. I have been in this area for 10 years and this is my 4th year at my current school. As well as being Teacher Librarian I am a trained Reading Recovery Teacher, so half of my day is involved in working with my 4 students doing intensive reading sessions of 30 mins each, and the rest of the day I am in charge of the Library and teaching 9 classes over the course of the week for 1 hr each.
I started this course because I wanted to make sure that I am abreast of all the changes that are happening constantly and am looking for ways to use these technologies in my teaching. Being a Teacher Librarian we are supposed to be experts at navigating information and advising students how to do the same, but at times I feel that I make one step forward and then go two steps backwards. Most of my year last year was involved in Reading Recovery training and I let the Teacher Librarian side of my job slide a little, but there is no excuse this year!
Prior to becoming a Teacher Librarian 16 years ago I was a Librarian who had worked in Public Libraries, TAFE and Uni Libraries and even a Technical Library attached to the Steelworks.
On the personal side, I have been happily married for nearly 31 years and am mother to 2 gorgeous daughters aged 26 and 23, one just recently returned home after a year overseas and the other living in Sydney.
I look forward to hearing from other course participants and the learning we have ahead of us.
Kim.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
