In French class, what are ways that you can get high school students using the language? Multimedia tools are an engaging way to provide a focus for communication or for students to create in the language. This presentation explores several tools to foster student voice in the classroom. Speak out: Collaboration in world language with…
Sandbox #8: Keeping up with technology
To keep current on technology after 602, Rayome (2017) suggests seeking online credentials to stay fresh with services like LinkedIn Learning, joining professional organizations, reading technology news and blogs daily, and following influential bloggers. There are myriad blogs on technology in learning and just as many influential bloggers. Although I will be working full time…
Sandbox #7: 3D printing and coding
3D printing Sekinger makes a strong case for 3D printing in the library and has seen a lot of excitement an interest by students. I agree “that a library should be a place of discovery and exhibition, innovation and connection” (Sekinger, para. 1). I have had no experience with 3D printing. Although I find it…
Sandbox #6: virtual field trips, layered reality and QR codes
Virtual field trips You can take a wide variety of virtual field trips at this link with Google Arts and Culture https://artsandculture.google.com/project/expeditions. I took a virtual field trip to the 7 New Wonders of the World (ePublishing Partners and Airpano). I visited the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum of Rome,…
Sandbox #5: video
This sandbox was really challenging for me. Even though I do a lot with technology, I have not experienced creating videos for the classroom. I used Macromedia products more than 10 years ago to create flash objects and it was a huge learning process. For this sandbox, I tried several different tools. I did not…
Site visit #4: academic library
I visited Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for my academic library. As a major university library, the mission of the library mainly serves students, research, graduate programs, and faculty (Rubin & Rubin, p. 135). The library is open to the public and some services are available to community members. Consistent with Rubin and Rubin (2020), VCU’s…
Site visit #3: school library
For my school library visit, I went to the library at Henrico High School where I teach. I’ve been to the library many times but usually to do copying or attend meetings. This is the first time that I have considered its qualities as a library. Digital access There are several ways to access the…
Site visit #2: special library
For my special library visit, I chose the Library of Congress which is sponsored by government agencies (Rubin & Rubin, p. 160). Although initially founded for the use by congress, it is open and available to all citizens. The library provides information for a practical purpose, research, and includes a large number of specialized collections…
Site visit #1: Public Library
For my public library visit, I chose the Central Library in Chesterfield County Public Library system. The library is situated across from both a police station and the county government center. It is not located in a walker friendly location and is mostly accessible by car. There is ample parking in front of the library…
Sandbox #4: Audio Recording
Voki is a great interactive tool where students can create an avatar or character that speaks. They have the option to write out a text and have it spoken electronically or record their own voice. This tool is good for relatively short bits of recording – it would not be the best tool to record…