Tag Archives: Resources

Recommended Ed Tech Tool (PK-12): Edutopia

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!

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!

Play Boxes Deconstructed!

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.

Justin Beiber’s Cat In the Hat

Some rights reserved by Breit Bart
Some rights reserved by Breit Bart

Engage elementary students in your library with this resource-presenting a classic story in a contemporary format. The 19-year old Canadian pop musician, actor, and singer-songwriter, Justin Beiber posted a YouTube video reading the popular 1957 Dr. Suess book, The Cat in the Hat (8:28 Minutes).

Tip: Consider sharing this link with your teachers to recognize Children’s Day/Book Day! It would make an easy and flexible story time tool.

The World of Online Resources!

Image by Lenny Foster
Image by Lenny Foster. Some rights reserved.

Marcel Proust was quoted as saying, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”  Travel can be a wonderful experiential learning tool.  However, not everyone is able to invest the time and money necessary to travel. Edudemic posted a list of ten virtual resources to (re) discover the American West.  Travel online along rivers, across deserts and over mountains-west.

Tip: This is a wonderful research tool for students and future explorers; Classify the biology of indigenous plants or animals living in national parks and monuments; Study the social divergence of California cultures; Learn the history of the “American West”; and more.