Showing posts with label technology tools. interactive websites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technology tools. interactive websites. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Online sources for Internet safety

 If you are looking for additional information and activities for student online safely, here are some links to check out . Parents, teachers, and librarians can use the information to 




 FBI Inerent safety-Information ,games, activities for students and teachers to promote on line safety


https://www.fbi.gov/fbi-kids



 US Department of Justice-  Links that lead to information for teachers and parents


https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/keeping-children-safe-online

https://www.ojp.gov/feature/internet-safety/online-safety-youth




FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

Consumer Information  look under Privacy,Identity &o nline security for resources


https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/protecting-kids-online




U.S. Dept of Education-

Ways to keep students safe online


https://www2.ed.gov/free/features/cybersecurity.html



Homeland Security

Resources to keep students safe when at  home


https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2017/06/12/five-tips-keep-your-kids-safe-online-summer


Friday, June 16, 2017

Toonbooks.com

 Toon.books.com

      Although Toon.books.com  is  a site that is selling  their books , there is a lot of content that can be used by teachers who want to incorporate cartoons  or graphic novels into their classroom. Under the Educators tab, you can find a Comic Genre study, an article on Why Comics? And also CCSS-aligned Teachers' Guides which includes common core standards, lesson plans, and activity sheets.  There are also guides to some of their books.


        Under the Just for Kids tab, you will find cartoon makers,  read along videos, toon craft activities, and tips for parents. So I think this would be a good site for teachers who want to use cartoon and graphic novels  in their classroom.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

TeenReads

Teen Reads.com
   Teenreads  is a part of Book Report Network.  BookReport Network aim/ goal is to provide book reviews, articles, author profiles & interviews & excerpts news releases.
  Teen reads is aimed at students from 12 to 18. On the main page you will find ways to connect /interact with the providers by voting in their current poll, answering the current question, giving your reading recommendations or writing to the editor. This is aimed for the teens to interact with the providers and other teen readers.

Tabs at the top of the page are: reviews, authors, features, reading list, contests, teen board, blog and newsletter just to name a few. 

I plan on diving into the reviews and what’s coming soon. This site is well planned out and easy to use.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Middle Web- great for Middle school professionals

 https://www.middleweb.com/


   This site called Middleweb is an astonishing collection of informative and interesting articles about middle school teaching for grades 4-8. There are some great articles on good questioning techniques which caught my eye. Also there are articles on teaching strategies, writing, and assignment assessment, Articles on most subjects are covered.

  The site focus is on teaching and learning. There are also news clips  and book reviews. There is also a collection of resources which I want to check out.  An additional newsletter  can be received  by signing up. If you are a middle school person ,teacher , librarian, or administrator you need to check this out,

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Library Databases & Passwords

   Last week got away from me and I did not post- guess it was the first week of school thing.  Anyway I am planning a type of book mark or "cheat sheet"  for use by my staff and students.  This will provide  the log in and passwords  to our school databases. ( could also be adapted for the public library  if they have passwords)

   Students will be shown the  log in and passwords when I instruct them on the databases. I will have the 'bookmarks' available  for anyone who wants them during a research project for their use and to keep. We will also have copies at the circ desk in the library, by the computer bank in the library, and also in the computer lab.   Another larger copy can be taped to the laptop carts that are used by the students in their classrooms.
  I am also planning to give the teachers laminated  one for their personal use. This will help keep students and staff   to have easy access ( and a reminder) to the effectiveness of the databases.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Mobymax.com

   Mobymax.com was designed by K-8 educators  who are from all over the world. The site can be used by teachers in schools, parents / guardians to help  their children, and homeschooling households to assist in their children's education.

  There is a free version and a paid version. According to the site it is very affordable  and in place in over half of the K- 8 schools in America.

  When you look at the icons  on the home page, you will see a variety of subjects- Math, science, Social Studies , writing workshop, test prep- to name a few.  There are worksheets to print out. They also offer student  incentives/ motivators  .

  To get started , register your students. The program keeps track of what has been accomplished / lessons finished. This looks like it would be very helpful to the classroom and subject area teachers.

  

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Epic Reads. Com- Ya site book reviews

  Epicreads.com is a site for Ya readers ( and their librarians)  The site is owned by Harper Collins Publishing but  does not have only their works.
   The site has a real hip look that teens will be attracted to.  Check it out!  Teens and librarians can find the newest  and best teen/ Ya books , connect with authors , and meet other teens  to share reading interests. Check on the covers of the new books to see reviews and comments.
  There are also Youtube videos of book trailers and comments about books.   There are also polls, quizzes about books and Ya genres, a blog with articles on authors, and other related Ya topics. Also you will find contests and sweepstakes, review of new releases and coming  soon titles.  Another great link is teen author with bios and photos, and some video chats.
  In the right hand column you will find links to activities and features members . Introduce this to your teen readers and let them explore.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Early Word Part 2

     More on Early Word!  This site is awesome and provides so much great information about the best and upcoming new books.  On the left hand side t, there are so many categories to select from: audio books, book events, books and movies,  fiction lists. ideas to steal, librarians in the news,  non-fiction lists,  to name just a few.

     As always, there are links on the left to the archives for each month.

   Now to the right!  We have links to best seller list which are invaluable to the the busy librarian selecting  reviews and recommendations.  There is also an awards list that will also help in collection development.  There is a Coming Soon section that showcases all the newest books that are arriving in the coming weeks and months.


  There are links to library reads, movies and TV tie ins based on books( and even links to trailers of the new show or movie.  Also there is a listing of links to publishers catalogs.

   The more you look at Early Word , the more  you see  how much it has to offer!  So keep checking out this great resource!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Librarian Problems

   Librarian Problems is an extremely funny  website that will have you laughing until you cry!
Developed by a librarian named William, he has worked as a Reference Assistance and a Reference Librarian.

  Librarian Problems is a good way to vent common librarian frustrations.  Librarians can also submit quotes and problems  to the site.

   William ( the creator) also has a lined shop with t- Shirts, drink ware and other items with the Librarian Problem lingo. So when you need a break and a laugh , head over to Librarian Problems, and you will see what I mean,


 Here is the Link:   Librarian Problems

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Early Word.Com- Part 1

       The slogan for Early Word is :News for Collection Development and Reader's Advisory Librarians.

       This site is one to visit everyday! It is so helpful in my quest to get the newest and best books for my patrons.  Each day they post articles about books that Librarians need to know about.

      Every Thursday , the site highlights the best seller lists.  Each Friday, there is a 'New Title Radar' which alerts librarians about titles that re ' in the news', new titles by popular authors, and a  watch list  of titles that may take off.

      There are also alerts about books being made into movies. Numerous other features worth mentioning" Gallery Chat: done a monthly basis where librarians chat about the new books not yet published.   Author Chat  which is frequently held with authors about their titles.

  Of course , there are  also book previews, Best book and Award lists, Coming this Month, and Best seller lists.  For Children's and Ya librarians , check out Nancy Perls- Book Lust and  Lisa Von Drasek " Early Word Kids"

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

In the Library With Lead Pipe

  The " In the Library With Lead Pipe"site is an open access journal run bu a team of librarians.  There are articles and editorials written  by the team and also includes authors, educators, support staff and community members.

 The goals of Lead Pipe  is to explore new  ideas and start conversations and to help develop solutions to problems and issues  The  requirements for articles is founded in showcasing original research strategies in librarianship, and practical examples. So you will find highly engaging and substantial information  issues and topics.

 Right off the bat, I found several articles that were informative and extensive  - enough to help me correct the issue I was facing.  I will be visiting there again . It will keep the creative juices  interested in developing more intense  discussion with my staff and colleagues.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Promote with new technologies

 Use the newest technology to promote your library. We have already discussed blogs, podcasts, and other printed promotions  But what about  the really new stuff?? How about twitter,  wikis, you-tube,  Facebook, texting,  and   Apps?

  The teens and young 20's know all this stuff and if you want to reach them, then try to get some of these Social Media and let them help you get the attention  of the younger generation.   At our library we have just hired two young  people on our staff for children's and adult programming. I am hoping they can show / teach us which of these are the most powerful to attract teens and 20- 30 somethings into using the library and all its resources.

  What are you doing in your library to attract the younger set?  Can you share with us what you do to get the teens and young adults into the library??

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Early Word. com

   EarlyWord.com is a site for librarians  that will help in collection development and  will also assist them in the Readers Advisory capacity.  Almost each day there are posts on new books coming out, or book reviews  of some of the newest books.  Also included in many post are related video clips.

  I just discovered this  and I am liking what I have found!   The site looks like it will be very helpful in keeping up with the newest and best books for libraries and patrons.

  On Fridays , there is a New Title Radar which alerts librarians to titles that will be coming out the next week.  Books that are recommended are the one that are going to grab the headlines.  Also there is an email newsletter ( I have not signed up for that yet) and book / author news.

  Each week there are hold alerts - which show titles that have long wait list s, titles that are sought after and also information on Media attention to certain titles.

  Of course, there are many lists included in this site.   Just to name a few: best seller lists, list of books made ( or being made) into movies, past best sellers, and awards lists.

  There are lots of features in Early Word.   I really want you to check it out because I think you will find a lot of substantial information here for you to use.

   Other Features:  book previews, major book award lists, publisher contacts, media coverage, and galley chat ( once a month discussion and hot-list- not yet published books)

  Once you get  on there, let me know what you think.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

We Read/ Revish Reviews,

 WEREAD is a website that has been produced to assist adults ( Parents, teachers and Librarians)  to encourage youth and children to find the joy of reading and writing.  
   This site is free and one of its goals is to make reading more fun , stimulating, and enjoyable.On the left hand side of the page are links related  articles on reading, links to free  reading sites, book ideas for planning reading sessions, reading skills that students need. a parents group, and a link to reading groups.  
    One of the most helpful links is literacy and parenting resources. This leads to many links that will educate parents  about the importance of reading and writing.
   The best link , I think, is the 'Free Kids Books' .  This leads to sites where student can  actually read books online.

   Revish Review is another site that has great content . On Revish ,users can read and write book reviews, keep a list of books they are reading  Users can also participate in book discussions with other readers and reviewers.  Guidelines to writing reviews are green.  They look for meaningful reviews that help others decide if they will read and like the book reviewed.

  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Book Browse- another social media site for librarians and Book Lovers!

Book Browse  Visitors can view BookBrowse  for free. You can also join for even  more content- I did not join yet- I am too busy seeing all I can for free.  There are lots to do and I want to see all that I can get for free!

   On the main pates  there is a featured daily book with reviews, publication information and summary, short excerpts , and a reading guide questions ( all for the featured book!)   Also , you will see This Weeks Top Picks, which showcases 10 or 11 books and gives the same information at noted above.

   There is a free twice monthly newsletter with lots of information on the newest books.  Among other tabs,  one is Recommendations by members.  Another is Read - a -Likes lets you browse recommended title and authors. There is a book club tab where members can log in and discuss books.

   Also this site has a great tool for librarians to help keep them on top of the newest books.  We can also use it to help our patrons find their next great read.  It would also be a great help with collection developments.

   The site contains book reviews and other tools in a very user friendly and searchable.   In Book Browse, you can browse or search for your preferences. There are cross references to genres, themes, and time periods. Book Browse pulls the best  books  to help guide readers to the books they will love,   It can also be linked to you local  OPAC at your library.

  Key Features: Browse or Search, Readalikes, Complete Book information, reader reviews, and resources for book clubs.


Bookbrowse

Friday, January 31, 2014

Wow Library- Interactive Library Webstie

  WowLibrary is a new tool that can be used by libraries ( Mostly public)   to encourage their readers.  This site  provides libraries  with a weekly email or rss feed  on the library's newest books.   This site showcases the latest arrivals and lets patrons scan through  titles to see what is new.

  Patrons and readers can sign in using their email to see if their library participates in this service.  Librarians who want to have this service can ask Friends  groups or other community groups to sponsor WowLibrary so that users can be in touch with  the latest at the library.  ( The fee depends on the number of patrons affiliated with the library.)

  This service makes the library more visible. The newsletter that is sent out weekly can be customized easily.  It can include links to reviews, previews, and the catalog. It also allows librarians to feature upcoming events and programs.

Check on WowLibrary to see samples of what the weekly email looks like.  The e-newsletter shows covers, descriptions , and ratings. Patrons can visit the newsletter and then link to place items on hold. There are about 20 top choices. The site also directs patrons to additional pages of new items.

  WowLibrary

Friday, January 17, 2014

Good Reads- a great tool for librarians

   Have you seen GoodReads?   It is another 'Social Media '  site for book lovers and librarians.  This can be another useful tool to help librarians and patrons  find more good books to read.   Check it out if you haven't seen this one already!

  Those who are registered can check out what their friends are reading and also get an idea of what to read next. There are also ideas of 'read a likes " that are very helpful.

  Good Reads has a great selection  and you can search and browse by many different genres. There are also trivia  games, quizzes  on books and quotes from authors.

   As a librarian, I love the Good Read Choice awards. I use it when I am preparing book lists for buying what people/ patrons really  want to read.  It is a full website. You can see reviews  and ratings of books which are very helpful.  There is also opportunity to join discussion groups, start a book club, and post your own writing.

   Good Reads helps Patrons track their reading and find good books to read, There are also book give aways  and other prizes.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Interesting Writing Sites for Students


More sites to try
 
   Use storyjumper.com to motivate students to write and make books!  Students will have fun with this one and be glad to get into writing. They show 7 simple steps to help the story progress. There is a tutorial  and a short video to help you get started.

 Students can use storyjumper’s art or they can create their own.  They do offer hardbound books printed for 24.99.

  There is a classroom edition made just for schools. Students can read some examples of other student works. 

 


 

On Scribblitt there are many assists to help students be motivated to write. This site is for older students with a more modern look.  This site has a lot to offer for student- make an avatar, illustrate your book, word games, and fund raisers for schools. Under several tabs you  can find a place for messages, contests' story starters,  and writing competitions. There is also a verh short video on some of the items on Scribblitt.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Sites for Student Surfing!


Sites for Student Surfing!

 

By helping students to be more critical in their web searchers try to introduce sites that have great content and are reliable.  Put links to them on your library website ( See    ) This will help students to find facts and information quickly and without a lot of needless surfing,  Explain to them that having these sites will save them a lot of time and error.

 

Cable in the Classroom: Digital Ethics


 

This teaches safe, courteous and ethical web behavior. There are also lots of tips and ideas for educators.  See Safety and Security, digital literacy, ethics and community!

 

Kathy Schrock’s Guide For Educators


 

 This will keep both you and your teachers busy for a while. There are tabs with links to articles on internet,  and internet search engines. There is a lot to find here   have so fun !

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Digital media makes a difference

  I am still on a roll and feeling very strongly about students learning and using the newest media and technology tools.  As librarians we can be key in helping teachers and students learn about using all these new tools /
    Teachers are beginning to use the new technology / digital too and finding that it does make a difference in student learning.  The new digital tools are not like the static printed textbook. The tools , databases, and other media are updated instantly, and most demand interaction by students and other users.
  There are links that allow the user to jump from page to page in different sequences, There are tools that provide audio, and video images , virtual reality , animation and games.
 Students can engage in computer games. student produced pod casts, posts, videos, and on line collaboration projects with others. While students are using the new tools, they are acquiring new information , analyzing the information , interacting with the facts and with others, and most importantly becoming life long learners.
  So lets help  bring our students into the 21st century with these tools. What are you doing with your teachers and students? As librarian , how are you helping your district  and your students?