Recommendations for School Libraries- Web 2.0 ideas to try

High School Setting

Ideas to try

There are so many very exciting web 2.0 activities. Web 2.0 really allows for collaboration, working from different settings, different learning styles etc. RSS feeds allow for updates in curricular areas as well as areas of interests. They are a easy way to expand the library resources for students. Blogs use creates a way to easily update patrons about what is happening at the library, new books, teacher reviews of books, and comments on books and suggested books for the library. There are other ways to use the blogs as they can be organized by genre of books and work like a book club as well. Book reports could be done on blogs (there are now blogs you can invite others to join) or on club or class wikis. Social book marking would be a great way to add to the blog book reports having social bookmarks tied to the ideas and topics of the novel. The challenge would be in the ability to monitor the materials added to ensure that abuse or inappropriate sites links are not included. Widgets can be used to increase interest and flexibility of the library website. There are great vidocasts and podcasts on many subjects that are useful resources to include and make accessible to students. The focus of using technology must always be what benefits the students, supports the teacher, creates interest for the patrons, generates positive learning and educates the surrounding community.

See other comments for further insight.

Tools to try

Kwout “kwout” is a way you quote a part of a web page as an image with an image map. To use this service, all you need is to add our bookmarklet to your favorite browser.

Wizlite Do you have to research on a topic on the Internet collaboratively? By creating a group on Wizlite you can share pages with their selections among a small group of people.

Yourminis Widgets for your blog, website, startpage, and desktop

Netcipia Create an online community for your students, colleagues etc

Mind42 Manage you ideas, collaborate and all for free

Text 2 Mind Map Watch your ideas become connected and visual

Go2Web20.net Keep up to date with this great directory of new technologies and ideas.

Elementary School Setting

Ideas

Keep focused on communication to both students and parents. The real strength of community connectedness at the elementary level is empowering parents to inspire their children to read and learn both directly and through modeling. Keeping links to books descriptions and Amazon widgets to view books are helpful. Even including books for parents to read is inspiring. The easiest approach to start with would be blogs for students to write in and respond to. Even parents could participate.

Tools to try

An article to help young children start blogging with parent support

An article about setting a blog up in a class

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