If you have ever attempted to develop a website it can be difficult to know where to begin. The process is filled with a host of details to consider; such as the message being conveyed, identifying the target audience, selecting the best color scheme and appropriate layout, etc. Here is a link to the top 10 mistakes made when creating a website. Think of these as a list of “must NOT haves” and/or guidelines for a quick, informal evaluation of your new (or old) site. Click here for Nielsen Norman Group’s (NNG) top 10.
American Libraries Live is a free service that uses streaming video broadcasts to offer new and exciting ways to explore real issues in your industry. Watch broadcasts about library issues and trends in real time! You can view from home, library, or on the go.
This Thursday, February 14th at 1 p.m. (central time), librarian and gadget guru Jason Griffey will be joined by experts Maurice Coleman and Robin Hastings to discuss Mobile Services: The Library in Your Pocket. For more information click here. However, if you are not able to listen to this last minute broadcast listing, you might want to check out their list of upcoming streams.
In browsing the top 50 e-learning sites, FunBrain is a very simple website with both content and games for grade school children. The information is divided into basic categories for viewing books where you can sample a chapter or two online, follow comic strips and select from a variety of skill building games. It is just another tool that can be used to continue to facilitate learning. As a component of the Family Education Network, Pearson Education, it is a free resource that does not require registering a user name and password to access the online information.
This Free App from Educreations blends the functionality of a traditional dry erase board with standard presentation software. The user can easily create quick tutorials and how-to videos. With multiple applications in and out of the media center or classroom you might want to add this APP to your list of must haves!
ALA announced the top books, videos, and audiobooks for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards—at its Midwinter Meeting in Seattle recently. The announcement was webcast for those who could not attend and is still viewable as an hour-long archived recording. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Public Information Office, Jan. 28
