“This is the second article in a three-part series on ebook business models in K-12 libraries. In the first article, we looked at what a business model is and at the four main kinds of ebook business models that K-12 librarians need to know about. In this article, we will look at each of the four basic models in more depth and glance at some examples of them. We will not attempt to compare product offerings in depth, but I will mention an example or two of each model. Because ebook technology is still in its early stages, the platforms and feature sets of each offering change rapidly, so any comparison is bound to be a snapshot at best. Continue reading The Four Basic Ebook Models for K-12 Libraries→
“BestPrep is still accepting registration for its Technology Integration Workshop. From July 31 – August 3, the University of St. Thomas in downtown Minneapolis will serve as our host.
The four days will be filled with keynote and breakout sessions that inspire, motivate, and educate. Topics discussed will be wide-ranging: how to use and apply educational technology, ways to engage students, and skills students will need when entering the workforce. Additionally, participants will have time to apply their knowledge and the information learned by updating a unit plan.
And of special note, one afternoon will be spent off-site at a local business in a job shadow. Job shadows help today’s educators prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. Volunteers from various businesses discuss the skills employers are looking for and help draw parallels between class curricula and students’ careers. Continue reading Summer PD from BestPrep→
“At George Washington High School’s student library around 2:30 p.m. on a recent Wednesday, students are busy. Some are looking for books, while others work on research projects on the computers.
Around all of the activity, librarians Haley Walters and Kim Roberson say the activity points to a singular belief: in an age of smartphones and evolving technology, school libraries still matter.
“We have a lot of kids who just enjoy reading,” Walters said.
Walters leveraged that enthusiasm for reading into a grant proposal for the American Association of School Librarians’ Inspire Collection Development Grant, and submitted the grant just before winter break.
Recently, the library organization announced GW was one of six recipients of the grant. The school will receive $3,000 to improve its selection.
“The need for general fiction, graphic novels, and hi/lo books is significant in order to support so many students who are entering the school reading at below grade level,” said grant committee chairman Floyd Pentlin in a news release.
Additionally, Walters said for many students the library is the only place access books — with few chain or local book stores in the area.
Dear Educator, We are in the middle of a coding revolution! Computer science in the classroom plays an important role in preparing students of all ages for success in a wide variety of areas. In an effort to contribute to this movement, the MN Coding in the Classroom Leadership Cohort, an initiative of Code Savvy, is starting its third year and is seeking elementary, middle and high school school educators from across the state to participate.
The purpose of this Cohort is to develop knowledgeable, visionary educators who will help to make Minnesota a world leader in computer science education, and to help all students become creators, not merely users, of new technologies. Cohort participants will explore a variety of coding platforms and resources, gain insights into the IT industry through site visits and guest speakers, and investigate national and international standards for computer science education.
They will then develop, evaluate and share coding activities that integrate with school curricula and meet Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards and National Computer Science Teachers Association K-12 Standards. Additionally, participants will share their knowledge and resources with at least 10 other educators by creating and delivering professional development. Continue reading Applications now open! 2017-18 MN Coding in the Classroom Leadership Cohort→
Attention CMLE members and library fans: we are approaching the date for our next CMLE Group Library Visit!
The new date for this Group Visit is Tuesday, May 9th at 2pm.
We are working on visiting all types of libraries, as we are a multitype system. We have much more in common in services and programs and materials, than the small differences in the focus of our different libraries.
On Tuesday, May 9th at 2:00pm we will be visiting the library at Buffalo High School. We are so excited to be able to take our members to another one of our system’s great libraries! Last month, Mary was able to tour this library and enjoyed seeing their colorful displays, fun programming, and the rest of the exciting work happening at this high school library.
Will you join us? Let us know:
Partnering with libraries for visioning, advocating, and educating
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Attention CMLE members and library fans: we are approaching the date for our next CMLE Group Library Visit!