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Throughout the year, you will be talking to your students about various aspects of the research process: choosing a topic, identifying and locating sources, conducting effective search strategies, evaluating sources, and using information responsibly.
In District 117, our students are fortunate to have access to Chromebooks and databases at each school. We want them to know about those resources and we want to instruct them on how to use them to solve information problems. Kellie and I wanted to remind you of two services that are available as you plan your research projects.
The Technology Department recently purchased some equipment that’s available for teacher check-out through the Information and Learning Centers: a Swivl Robot andGoPro Heros. Teachers and staff who are required to video record themselves teaching as part of the National Board Certification process or for graduate school might especially be interested in these devices—as might anyone with a particularly adventurous or inventive spirit.
I happened upon a neat tech tool at a recent librarian conference—one I think you’ll really like. It’s called Padlet.com, and the company’s tagline couldn’t be more accurate: “possibly the easiest way to create and collaborate in the world.” Usually, Kellie and I use the blog forum to share new ideas about technology integration, reading promotions, and research tips. Yet, sometimes information from last year is so good that it is worth re-posting with updated information.
We know that teachers are looking for ways to include more reading activities into their curriculum. What better way to look for articles than to use the state database trial that’s going on now? Other than the now defunct Google Reader, I had never heard of a blog reader service until a couple of weeks ago when my School Librarianship instructor at Illinois State University required me to sign up for one. I’ve been introduced to a whole new world!
What will you do this summer? Read, travel, visit family and friends? Although we all have plans, many of us will eventually work on curriculum. As you work, have you ever wondered when, or if, you would be moving from a traditional textbook to a digital textbook?
Here’s a nifty new trick: Plickers.
Lakes CTE Department Chair Neil Lesinski learned about this techy, easy-to-use assessment tool / discussion starter while attending a leadership class at Harvard University over spring break. He demonstrated how it works to the Lakes BLT shortly after his return, and my response was, “Woah.” It’s a little tough to explain how it works in writing, but I’ll give it a shot… Guest post by Antioch Literacy Specialist Mary Stoeger
As educators, we are always searching for new ways our students can demonstrate their learning to us authentically. Infographics blend visual literacy and written content that students can personalize, and they allow teachers to easily differentiate student learning on a grand scale regardless of the course being taught. In order to create an infographic, students must know what information they want to display. Because students are relying more heavily on visuals than words, they must think about organization so the information they display is communicated dynamically. Science teacher Brandon Watters is a gamer. He particularly enjoys playing The Room on his iPad. The Room transports gamers “into a unique space that blends spellbinding visuals with intriguing problems to solve,” according to its website. If you played Myst on your PC back in the 1990s like my brother and I did, The Room is a lot like that, Brandon says—super fun and filled with mystery. I don’t know about you, but I’m checking it out over spring break …
You heard it from Bill Daggett during our February Institute Day: Games help students learn more and learn faster. Why? Because like The Room and Myst, they immerse gamers into a fictional world where they rely on critical thinking and problem solving skills to compete against themselves. Also, because they are fun. Daggett’s talk prompted social studies teacher Morgan O’Connor to invite Brandon, Antioch ILC director Barb Mason, and me to a meeting to discuss the possibilities surrounding gaming in District 117. We didn’t get far, but at least we got the conversation started. |
AboutThe ILC blog keeps Lakes students and staff up to date with news and events related to reading, research, technology, and more.
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