Library Websites

After reviewing many school library websites, I chose to share the following:

http://guides.rilinkschools.org/content.php?pid=548659&sid=4517818

http://wweslibrary.wix.com/wwlibrary

The first website contains a multitude of useful links and an incredible amount of information. It is possibly the most comprehensive elementary school library website that I have ever seen.  This is a terrific resource for anyone that is just beginning to create a library website or for anyone that is ons of useful nt,pdate their current website or begin a website--great resource for librarwanting ideas to update or enhance their current website. Possibly due in part to its extensiveness, it does look like it would take some practice for younger students to learn to navigate.  The very small tabs would not be conducive to independent use by early elementary age children.

The second website does not include everything that we have learned should be included in a school library website; however, I loved the idea of having a page for students that resembles the WWES home page. Even first grade students would be able to independently locate and use a web page with this type of design.

After looking at the website creation tools, I have chosen to use Weebly.  Based on comments that I’ve read, this could possibly be the easiest site for beginners such as myself.  Well, here I go….off to begin designing my first website.

Podcast

Podcasts can be used in numerous ways in the elementary classroom.  A few of my favorite ideas are student book talks, students reading their own stories, sharing research project information, promoting school events, conducting interviews, and creating a school or classroom radio show.

The podcast that especially interested me was the Let's Get Busy Podcast.  It is hosted by Matthew Winter, an elementary school librarian.  This podcast contains interviews with many authors and illustrators. I was immediately hooked when I heard his interviews with Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of Lunch Lady, and Dan Santat, author of The Adventures of Beekle. Another great feature is what Mr.Winter refers to as his "5 books in 5 minutes" book reviews.  This podcast is a wonderful resource for librarians and teachers.

http://lgbpodcast.blogspot.com/

Audio Tools

Voki

One of my favorite audio tools is Voki. It appeals to students, it is easy to use and it contains a variety of characters, backgrounds, and voice options.

Vocaroo

Another audio tool, Vocaroo, is extremely easy to use. It is simply a voice recording tool. The user does not need to create an account, but he/she must have access to a microphone.

Audio Pal

Audio Pal, another voice recording tool has more options than Vocaroo. Your message can be recorded through the use of a microphone, phone, text-to-speech device, or a MP3 file. Like Vocaroo, the user does not need to set up an account. Simply provide an email address where you can receive the link to your audio message.

Blabberize

Blabberize is an audio tool that allows the user to "talk through a picture". Audio could be added through the use of a microphone, phone, or a recording. Blabberize is not as user-friendly as some of the other tools that we've looked at, but it is always a favorite of young students.