"20 Resources for Creating Comics Online"
Julie Greller
July 5, 2011
http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/2011/07/20-resources-for-creating-comics-online.html
This was a great resouce. Kids love comics and with the increasing popularity of graphic novels, what better way to let them express themselves. This page gives links to many different websites that let students create their own cartoons. I really like the use of graphic novels, and I like the idea of letting students create cartoons even more. All too often, kids are turned off of writing at an early age, and I think by using cartoons and cartoon creating software, some of the excitement will be brought back to writing. Using comics also makes students think about what is important and how to convey their thoughts and feelings because generally there isn't a lot of room and for most of these programs, the graphics aren't so distracting that they will overpower the writing itself.
"60 Famous People with Disabilities"
Julie Greller
July 4, 2011
http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/2011/07/60-famous-people-with-disabilities.html
Not only is the list of famous people with disabilities interesting, but the reason it was compiled is even more so. I hadn't thought about ordering biographies for the reason of connecting students with disabilities to famous people with similar disabilities. It reminds me of a former student who really connected with the Percy Jackson series because Percy had ADHD like she did. I think it is excellent to show kids that no matter what their strengths or weaknesses are, they can succeed and follow their dreams. Having a collection that demonstrates this is a great idea.
Adventures in Cataloging: Vampires, Detectives, and Robots, Oh My!
Andria Tieman
July 8, 2011
http://www.closedstacks.com/?p=3339
Prior to reading this blog, I didn't realize how many libraries were changing to genre organizing. I think this is both good and bad. With the technology world and social tagging, it makes complete sense. But books where they go according to subject. But, this article definitely points out the flaws of this system. Many books do intertwine genres, and figuring out how to "label" them could be quite challenging. I think classifying by genre would make it easier for kids to locate books that they like using genre labeling. But I wonder how much more difficult it would make shelving and doing inventory....
"BFTP: A Trick Question"
Doug Johnson
July 2, 2011
http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2011/7/2/bftp-a-trick-question.html
The question this blog asks is, "How will you demonstrate that the library media program is having a positive impact on student achievement in the school?" It is a very important question for all library media specialists to think about. Since much of what goes on in the library is unseen to many people. We have to constantly put it out there for others to realize what is truly going on and being learned. With the emphasis on testing as it is today, it is even more important, because there is no test to score the librarian and the job that we do.
I really like how Doug Johnson stressed the importance of the annual reports, and again the multimedia presentations instead of just a paper with date makes it much more memorable and beneficial to those who are viewing it. I have to prepare the board report for the library evaluation in October, even though I will have only about two months under my belt. I am thinking that preparing a report similar to Valenza's or LaGarde's which demonstrates the learing going on, will show the board that they did make the right decision in hiring a librarian rather than just an aide.
"Holy Bodacious Barcodes: Using QR Codes to Extend Learning and Promote a Love of Reading"
Jennifer LaGarde
July 4, 2011
http://lib-girl.blogspot.com/2011/07/holy-bodacious-barcodes-using-qr-codes.html
I had never dreamed about using QR codes in a library, until reading this blog. Of course LaGarde's blog led me to "THIS" by Steven Anderson. And I instantly got hooked with all of the possibilities. One great idea that Anderson listed on his blog posting is, :"I see these going right in the front cover of books. Kids can create podcasts of book reviews, video of trailers, etc and in different places in the library, stations could be set up so the kids can scan the code and get the information. No mobile needed. Just a dedicated station with a QR Reader app and a webcam." WOW! Yes there is some set up and loading of proper programs, but this could be a really great tool. I love this idea of using QR codes for book reviews and having the students participate in creating what goes into the code.
Jennifer LaGarde shows that books with QR codes are more popular, "Surprise, surprise: those WITH the QR Codes were showed a great deal more love than those without. (About 40% more as a matter of fact.)." And why not they make the book interactive! Needless to say, this is something I want to look into more.
(BY FAR MY FAVORITE TOPIC/IDEA I'VE READ ABOUT!!!)
I loved the first post about the comics! I added that posting to my bookmarks! That might just show up in my 5260 class!
ReplyDeleteThe list of people with disabilities is interesting. I'd like to know where she got the names for the autism group. I have to take that with a grain of salt.
Adventures: I had to add this one to my bookmarks as well. Very interesting article.
Johnson: Keep your camera handy as you get ready to compile your report for the board.