Thing 8: Databases

I feel I’m well versed in the world of Subscription Databases.  I have a database page on my website organized by subject.  I used the database button, because the canned website program we use has trouble with the widget.  I do have wiki pathfinders that I used the database widgets on.   All our databases are IP authenticated, so easy access for students and staff.  I’ve worked hard over the years to sell the importance of using the databased to boht the teachers and the students.  It has become the culture of the school for the students to use books and databases and then the “free Internet.”

Thing 7: Collaboration

Google Doc: Next year the school is thinking of going to Google Apps for Education, so I decided to investigate Google docs.  The school uses the platform Classlinks which allows everyone to access Microsoft Office tools, but with an individual username  and password. It works well, but not for collaboration. In the past few years, we’ve had to come up with creativity ways of working out this kink. I guess I could have had them use Google Docs, but I didn’t want the tech tool to overshadow the content of the project. If the school migrates to Google Apps for Education then the students will be using Google docs school wide. This will solve the problem we have been having when students are working in colloborative groups

Pinterest:  I became a fan of Pinterest for my personal use.  My friend’s daughter was finding these really cute craft ideas on pinterest, so I started checking it out.  My daughter sent me an “invite” and the next thing I know I’m addicted and so is the rest of the world.  Talk about going viral!  I didn’t look at it as a professional tool, but it’s a great visual way to keep track of the many interesting ideas in the library world. Another avenue to stay current professionally!

Thing 6: Productivity

I downloaded the app for Evernote to all my devices at the end of last year, hoping to use it with students this past school year.  Unfortunately that didn’t happen, but I have high hopes for next year.  I think using Evernotes and NoodleTools combined will help my juniors and seniors stay organized during the research process.   I like that they can have the Evernote app on their phone, so they have the ability to access and save information on the go. I read an article on using Evernote as a student portfolio for a number of reasons. A few reasons are the ability to scan student work, ability to take screenshots of the computer and Smartboard of student work, and the ability of a student to have 24/7 access to Evernote. Paige wants to pilot a program, Digital Footprints:  How big is yours and does it stink, this might be the perfect tool for students to use.    

The other productivity tool I investigated was Readability.  The ability to clear out the clutter of ads on a website is beautiful.  I love this feature, especially for adults and students who are easily distracted!  I also love the fact you can save an article to read later.  I constantly find resources that people post on facebook that I want to read, but not at that very moment.  The save to read later solves the problem.  In the past, I’ve used delicious to save articles/ sites, but I think this tool can be used as a clearinghouse for articles I want to read and then I can decided which I want to bookmark or save to Evernote.

Dropbox:

I just signed up for dropbox because I was reading an article on ipad  initiative and they used this tool.  I need a bit more time to check out exactly how it works and I think I’ll tie it into using Google docs.