Web2.0...where do we begin? We use them for our own professional development as library media specialists. We share them with our staff for curriculum enhancement. We open them up to students ~ no..wait. They're already using these tools in their personal lives! Can we catch-up to them?
My favorite Web2.0 tools today(tomorrow I will, no doubt discover a new one): 1. PageFlakes - a personalized start page (much like Google Homepage) which allows you to set RSS feeds, bookmarks and "flakes" which pertain to your subject. http://www.pageflakes.com/mschwander.ashx?page=9710473&moduleKey=100849 2. The wonder of wikis. Where do I begin? One of my favorites.. http://atn-reading-lists.wikispaces.com/ where librarians collaborate to create a database of booklists like you wouldn't belive! 2. Ning ~ The ultimate social networking tool that puts all Web2.0 tools into one. Joyce Valenza has put together a terrific one for librarians at http://teacherlibrarian.ning.com/
Council Rock, New-Hope Solebury, and Palisades report using blogs and wikis. Other librarians are encouraged to check to see if the BCLA High School Blog is blocked by your district filters. If not, try playing around with that blog first and consider trying software like BlogSpot or WordPress to start your own.
CRS & George School reported trying to set up blogs for their students. Both reported that while it was initially received enthusiastically, student posts eventually dwindled and students didn't use it the way librarians had hoped. CRS created one for the Reading Olympics students, a great idea, but unfortunately, students did not use it very much.
Perhaps pairing up with a teacher on an assignment would encourage students to post more comments if it is a requirement for the assignment.
Social Networking Sites
Many of these are blocked in school districts but perhaps by allowing them, librarians can take the lead in teaching students responsible use and appropriate "netiquette".
A few librarians have sites on MySpace for extracurricular clubs they sponsor. Sometimes, when monitoring sites, they have found inappropriate content directed toward teachers. Instances like these should be directed to the teacher & administrators to address.
Council Rock North reported that they sponsored a Tech Day that was very successful at their school. They brought in a keynote speaker who also facilitated workshops. Jim Gates was well received by the faculty and spoke of many of the Web2.0 tools we discussed at our 5/10 meeting. Teachers were also polled beforehand and asked about what types of workshops they would be interested in. Teachers were given Lab Time at the end of the day to put some of the new technologies into practice.
Just an FYI for any Mac Safari users trying to open an account here on Blogger. I had some difficulty signing in, and when I visited the "Known Issues" link in the Help section, it explained that there are some compatibility issues with Safari. Your best bet is to open your account using another browser such as FireFox.
The purpose of the BCLA is the advancement of the interests of library/media centers in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; the interpretation of library/media service to users; and the promotion of cooperative efforts among all libraries in the county.
6 comments:
Web2.0...where do we begin?
We use them for our own professional development as library media specialists.
We share them with our staff for curriculum enhancement.
We open them up to students ~ no..wait. They're already using these tools in their personal lives! Can we catch-up to them?
My favorite Web2.0 tools today(tomorrow I will, no doubt discover a new one):
1. PageFlakes - a personalized start page (much like Google Homepage) which allows you to set RSS feeds, bookmarks and "flakes" which pertain to your subject. http://www.pageflakes.com/mschwander.ashx?page=9710473&moduleKey=100849
2. The wonder of wikis. Where do I begin? One of my favorites..
http://atn-reading-lists.wikispaces.com/ where librarians collaborate to create a database of booklists like you wouldn't belive!
2. Ning ~ The ultimate social networking tool that puts all Web2.0 tools into one. Joyce Valenza has put together a terrific one for librarians at
http://teacherlibrarian.ning.com/
Karen H. & Mary S. spoke of the www.teacherlibrarian.ning.com.
Brings together blogs, videos, photos, wiki spaces, of librarians. Questions are addressed & librarians can respond from around the world.
Over 202 librarians have joined so far.
How to join: go to website above and follow instructions there.
By reading librarians' daily blogs, great tips can be shared for librarians & teachers alike.
Group members discuss meanings behind the glossary terms to know.
Blogs & Wikis
Council Rock, New-Hope Solebury, and Palisades report using blogs and wikis. Other librarians are encouraged to check to see if the BCLA High School Blog is blocked by your district filters. If not, try playing around with that blog first and consider trying software like BlogSpot or WordPress to start your own.
CRS & George School reported trying to set up blogs for their students. Both reported that while it was initially received enthusiastically, student posts eventually dwindled and students didn't use it the way librarians had hoped. CRS created one for the Reading Olympics students, a great idea, but unfortunately, students did not use it very much.
Perhaps pairing up with a teacher on an assignment would encourage students to post more comments if it is a requirement for the assignment.
Social Networking Sites
Many of these are blocked in school districts but perhaps by allowing them, librarians can take the lead in teaching students responsible use and appropriate "netiquette".
A few librarians have sites on MySpace for extracurricular clubs they sponsor. Sometimes, when monitoring sites, they have found inappropriate content directed toward teachers. Instances like these should be directed to the teacher & administrators to address.
Council Rock North reported that they sponsored a Tech Day that was very successful at their school. They brought in a keynote speaker who also facilitated workshops. Jim Gates was well received by the faculty and spoke of many of the Web2.0 tools we discussed at our 5/10 meeting. Teachers were also polled beforehand and asked about what types of workshops they would be interested in. Teachers were given Lab Time at the end of the day to put some of the new technologies into practice.
Just an FYI for any Mac Safari users trying to open an account here on Blogger. I had some difficulty signing in, and when I visited the "Known Issues" link in the Help section, it explained that there are some compatibility issues with Safari. Your best bet is to open your account using another browser such as FireFox.
Post a Comment