All posts by Michelle

Academic, Check this out:, General, School Media Specialist, Special

21 Skype Lessons for Learning!

SkpyeHave you considered using Skype in a classroom setting?

Skype can be viewed as a mini and potentially mobile I- TV session-accessible on several gadgets.  If you have a device with a webcam and internet access, this resource can often be used at no additional cost. Once a free account is created,  a program can be downloaded for a computer, television and/or an app for a mobile phone, tablet, iPod, etc.

Because of its flexibility and relatively easy set-up process, some schools are developing “Skype lessons.” This is a pre-scheduled lesson in which a teacher invites a content expert into their classroom via Skype. The students are able to hear and see the guest speaker, in real-time, via streaming video.

Recently, Edudemic posted an article on “21 Skype Lessons For Active Learning, Sorted by Topic.” Click here to read the entire article.

Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Recommended Ed Tech Tool (PK-12): Edutopia

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Edutopia
Edutopia

As an ambassador of learning within the educational system, how can Librarians/Media Specialists assist in developing and integrating tools to enhance learning outcomes?

Edutopia is a free online resource for PK-12 educators interested in strategies to incorporate the following concepts into their classrooms; comprehensive assessment, integrated studies, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, teacher development, technology integration. Tip: For a quick look at what this site has to offer, focus on the A to Z Topics on the front page. Click here to try it out!

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

2013 Lake Superior Libraries Symposium

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lake-superior-symposium-1aThe Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is a conference developed by librarians from Northwestern Wisconsin and Northeastern Minnesota. From an initial collaboration of academic and public libraries to educate their community on E-books, the idea for a regional professional network was born. Out of that collaboration the Lake Superior Libraries Symposium was created to help librarians develop enhanced professional networks and promote resource sharing and communication between organizations. Our continued operations are thanks to the in-kind and monetary contributions of our supporters.

Participate in the 2013 Lake Superior Libraries Symposium to be held on June 7th, 2013 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior, WI. 

Who should attend? Library staff, patrons, administrators, trustees, and students from around Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula, and beyond are invited to attend!

  • A Thursday night pre-conference Library Palooza featuring trivia, glitter, and library conversations at Dubh Linn Irish Pub
  • Keynote presentation will be on libraries as community spaces for knowledge sharing and media production by Nate Hill, Assistant Director at the Chattanooga Public Library and Co-Chair of the Digital Public Library of America‘s Audience & Participation work-stream,
  • In addition, this symposium will facilitate presentations (16) by librarians and administrators from public, academic, and school media organizations on designing space, skills, and services. Plus poster sessions and time to network.
  • A Friday evening post-conference social event at the award-winning Thirsty Pagan Brewery

The cost to attend this year’s symposium is $49. Click here to register online.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Recommended EdTech Tool: Quizlet

QuizletThis week CMLE highlights the Quizlet learning site; A clearinghouse of content created by teachers. In its basic form, the subject matter is presented as a virtual flashcard that allows the content to be read and/or spoken.  To capture the attention of various types of learners (visual, verbal, etc.), the learner may select how the content is arranged-image only, answer only, or both. Then the learner is able to study, test, self assess and even select associated games. As a  teacher, you  may also incorporate tools to embed the content in a presentation to a class, print materials for handouts, etc.

How is this tool relevant to libraries?

Libraries themselves are clearinghouses of information. Media Specialists/Librarians are stewards of this information by assisting learners to both assess and properly incorporate their findings. In the search box on the Quizlet site, I entered the word “library”. Several links appeared. Here is an example of what I found: 16 Basic Library Terms students need to know when using the media center.

How to use this tool?

  • Search for a specific subject in the box located along the top of the site.
  • A list of multiple prerecorded flashcards will appear.
    • Hover over the title for additional information.
  • Click on the link to begin testing out the content provided.
    • Some information is offered in another language.

Remember teachers are free to become content creators as well as users!

Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Play Boxes Deconstructed!

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Some rights reserved by Mags20_eb
Some rights reserved by Mags20_eb

Recently the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), in keeping with their target audience (children), blogged about play-spaces in libraries. But with limited space and the possibility of heavy usage, some libraries may need to look for another alternative. The solution, mini play boxes.  A “play box” is a themed collection of play objects and various manipulatives that are chosen specifically to highlight and enhance early learning. Learn more at ALSC.

According to Deborah J. Leong, PhD and Elena Bodrova, PhD there is a growing body of research that shows a link between play and the development of cognitive and social skills, enhanced social development, improved literacy skills and increases in other areas of academic learning.