The Google Documents add-on called Tag Cloud Generator is a great way for students to examine their own or another person’s document for frequently used words. They can generate a word cloud within their story to aide in the revision process. Educators can then ask them to find synonyms to make a more interesting story or essay.
How to use Google Docs Add-on Tag Cloud Generator
Image by Anna-Stina. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
The following post was submitted by CMLE Scholarship recipient, Violet Fox, College of St. 
Benedict/St. John’s University Metadata Librarian.
I was able to attend LITA Forum 2015 (sponsored by the American Library Association’s Library and Information Technology Association division) in Minneapolis in November. It was my first time at LITA Forum, which is designed for those working on the cutting edge of technology to bring innovative services to library users. I found the Forum unique in its focus on experimentation and sharing—many speakers encouraged attendees to “get their hands dirty” and try out new projects.
I attended a number of sessions focused on how the shift to Linked Data can open new methods of research and discovery. Making resources easy to find and providing new ways to present data were on the minds of many at the Forum. Particularly interesting to me were the ways that people were working with legacy data and finding ways to effectively manipulate disparate metadata. Again and again I heard common themes emerge: thorough documentation and user testing are essential components of any project, as well as flexibility in responding to changing needs.
I found Mx A. Matienzo’s keynote especially inspiring. Director of Technology for the Digital Public Library of America, Matienzo discussed how the good intentions of libraries can lead to shortchanging our users by speaking over their voices. Matienzo also reminded attendees to be vigilant in keeping our communities in mind, empowering them to interpret their own past and shape their own future. The keynote made me reconsider the value that libraries have (perhaps unthinkingly) placed in centralization of knowledge organization—one-size-fits-all doesn’t necessarily apply to controlled vocabularies or classification schemes, so how can we create systems that work best for our local users?
A list of presentations and posters from LITA Forum (many of which have accompanying slides) can be found at the wiki. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend my first LITA Forum, and I’m looking forward to experimenting with the implementation of new features for my own library’s catalog.
Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/nuex2ot, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Recently, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) came out with their 25 Best Apps for Teaching & Learning for 2015. The apps were chosen because they foster innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration.
This week we highlight Algodoo. The app “uses 2D simulations to create scenes and allow users to experiment with physics concepts through the building of interactive inventions or games.” AASL tells us that Algodoo has great online videos and helpful “Learn-It” tips.
The app is recommended for Upper Elementary (3-5), Secondary (6-8), and High School students. It is available on IOS for $4.99 or FREE for Windows or Mac. Check out this webinar showing off the sketch tool and gestures:
Tech Bits and Ideas
Whether you are working with elementary students or college students with dyslexia there are many innovative tech tools that can make a huge difference in his or her ability to communicate and learn. A simple iPad in the hands of a young person who is dyslexic can be a “complete game changer” according to fifth-grade teacher and producer of the HBO documentary, “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia“, Kyle Redford.
Dyslexia expert, Martha Youman, says that oftentimes the challenge is with educators who may think that “using technology with dyslexics is somehow cheating.” She suggests, “schools must let go of expectations that each student is going to get to the same place in the same way.” Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center (SALT) at the University of Arizona has used technology with their students since it’s inception 30 years ago. They have had great success helping students with note-taking, email organization, and managing their technology all through technical tools.
Click for full story and tech resources
Image credit: https://unsplash.com/ (James Tarbotton), licensed under CC0 1.0