Final project for iPads for Middle School Libraries

This is an outline of the final project for the iPads in the Classroom training.  We worked as a middle school group on this project.  I have to say we are a great PLC group and work well together. All of us have strengths that benefit the group as a whole.

Creating Variable Media Book Reviews Accessible by QR Codes

1.     We set up Google Docs to be able to share QR codes created between the middle school libraries.  Each building would create a minimum of 10 QR codes to begin with.

2.     We located a QR code app on the iPads.  With this step we learned that even though a QR code creator app was labelled “free” only the reader portion of the app was free; the user would have to pay for the creator side of the app. Creating QR codes on a desktop is only free for a trial period.

3.    Link the YouTube, TeacherTube, Nancy Keane’s audiobook podcast for book reviews and student written reviews to QR codes.

4.    Print the QR code and attach it to the book cover in the library collection (or create a bulletin board.)

 

Different libraries will experiment with placing the code on the spine, on the cover, or inside the cover of the book.

 

We hope to inspire our students to make their own trailers and reviews. This will move the educational depth of the project from simply using technology to inform the students’ reading choices to having the students create new content including the consideration of voice, perspective, choice of format, the use of comparison and contrast, and persuasive writing. These last issues bring the considerations of civil discourse into the project.

Our goal is to create QR code book trailer links for 20 titles over the summer, and have our students begin creating book trailers during the next school year.

Apps – Notability and GoToMeeting

Apps – Notability and GoToMeeting

The last couple of weeks, in the ipad class, I had the opportunity to actually utilize two apps.  The first was Notability. We were asked to work with partners from a different grade level.  I worked with Tina and we imported the PDF of the app rubric from Edmodo into Notability.  We first opened the PDF in Edmodo and had to send the document to the app Notability.  Once in Notability, we were able to highlight, erase, hand write type on the PDF.  We filled out the rubric and was able to send the PDF back to Edmodo and turn it in for the assignment.  Going back later, I looked at the cut and paste feature in Notability.  I did notice I could only cut, copy or paste what I had added to the PDF, none of the original document was affected.  I also created a new note in the app for the Book Spine Poetry, I had my sixth graders work on.  I was able to import pictures of their poetry.  Tina and I were able to record ourselves reading the poetry within the app.  I would be able to have the students sign their names or we could opt to have their names typed.  I see potential for a math class as a student could record how they solved their problem and voice record themselves detailing the step they took.  I do not see this as a way to present a final project but as an app to dissect the process of an activity.  I hope to look at Haiku Deck app as a possible app for presenting a final project.  Tina posted a link in Edmodo on how one teacher used Notability to weed a library.  I will need to take time to view this link.

The class held a virtual meeting using the app GoToMeeting.  Several tasks had to be completed before the meeting could be successfully attended.  I helped a couple of my fellow librarians set up their work email on the iPad.  The steps for this should be recorded so we may help others (teachers).  Students currently do not have email accounts through the district and I feel it will be a long time before they do.  We then made sure the school email account was linked to their calendar.  The instructor had sent the directions to the meeting through the calendar in OutLook.  The next step was to help them create iTunes accounts without credit cards on their iPads.  For the class, they used their work emails as their Apple IDS.  As we look to add free apps we will need to create Apple IDs for school library use only so not to inadvertently use our personal accounts.  Once this was done, they could then download the app GoToMeeting which is free.  The meeting time was then visible in the app and we could select it to join the meeting at 5:00.  It appeared that everyone was able to join the meeting.  A feature we noted was that you could mute the iPad during the meeting, this is a plus as many of us need to multitask.  The presenter could either allow us to view him or see his desktop.  It seems this as a great way to teach various apps.  There was possible mention that the presenter could record themselves for archival purposes.  Participants could also interject their own video feed if need be.  My favorite feature was the ability to message either the group as a whole, or individual participants.  An echo was present through most of the meeting which it ended up being from the presenter side as the microphone was picking up the speaker.  Though I see the potential use of this app, I am concerned with the yearly subscription for the presenter.  With tight library budgets which must be spent on books, we would need to try to seek alternative funding sources.  I heard of another meeting tool  appear.in for PCs however the school browser does not support that tool.  I did experiment with FaceTime with another librarian Peggy.  She walked around the library and we explored ways to hold small group to small group.  At this time, the best option for us would be FaceTime as it is free.

Education Technology Models with Rubin video - SAMR model

The video “Rubin on the SAMR Model” talked of the theory of technology use for educational purposes.  The SAMR model will be helpful in deciding if the lesson is at the substitution, augmentation, modification or redefinition when integrating technology.  I see all areas of this model as necessary building blocks.  I believe that a certain level of substitution and augmentation is needed before modification and redefinition are utilized whether it is the student or the teacher who doing the learning.  A level of “comfort of use” needs to be attained in order for the technology to be utilized effectively.

The next model was used to demonstrate the need to make pedagogy, content and technology integral parts to a lesson/unit.  They should not be thought of as separate components that can be looked at, at different times.  Each part is considered vital, I consider this a way to guarantee the use of technology in education, but not for technology’s sake but for the educational outcome.

Rubin then talked about social, mobility, visualizing, storytelling and gaming aspects of technology.  I think as we move into deeper use of technology in education we will be pushing boundaries within our schools.  Certain restrictions with school internet and devices will need to be eventually worn down.  Greater training with teachers and students using using devices appropriately will be to take place.  This will be a long process, and not an overnight happening.  There will be stumbling blocks and hurdles to face.

Lastly the video showed a web mapping of 21^st Century Learning.  The three areas, foundational knowledge, Meta knowledge and humanistic knowledge should all be considered when integrating technology.  I am very interested in this as this as each area has strong components that will work nicely with the civil discourse we hope to achieve at the middle school level.

All this theory of technology in education is important to think about when selecting and utilizing the apps and devices.  I would however, like to see more directed discussion and dissection of various apps and how they could fit into the models discussed in the video.

Getting Books and Fines Turned in Before the School Year Ends

It is always a challenge to get students to return all library materials by the end of the year.  This year I tried a couple of new ideas.  Okayed by my principal, these "events" had results better than I had expected.

 

Last month I held a 50% off day in the library.  I picked a date which happened to coincide with a school dance (students would be bringing money to school).  It was for one day only.  Students could pay 50% of a lost book and current library fines (books had to be turned in).  For those long overdue books that were more than two month old you could offer only a 1.00 fine.  This brought back books students were embarrassed to bring back because of fines.

I then followed this with another “special”.  Our students are organized by an advisory teacher/class (all students are reached and no one is counted twice).  This was the Library Fine/Donut reward.  Any advisory class that had no fines or over dues by May 2 would earn donuts for that class.  It was an all or none deal.  One person with a .10 fine could prevent the class from earning donuts.  I gave them a two week window to work on taking care of business.  As it worked out, this was a good example of peer pressure as students reminded each other to take care of their responsibilities.  The teachers and I took the back seat.

I thought I would only have to buy for 3-5 classes.  We had 10 classes with clean records!!  Thank goodness the principal stepped in to help and bought the donuts.  I purchased 22 dozen donuts for some very excited patrons.

I will end the year by holding the yearbooks of students with library books and fines not taken care of after the ceiling date has been reached.  We strive to hold students accountable.  If they can pay for a yearbook then they should be able to take care of a .50 fine.

Getting up to Speed

Much time has been spent on preparing the iPads for use.  Because of the late arrival of our new devices, we unfortunately do not have time to get them into the hands of the students.  So I will finish "processing" the iPads in time for summer vacation.  One of the many questions I been thinking about is how do I convince the teachers to incorporate the iPads into their classrooms.  Thanks to a wonderful SD State Librarian, Julie, this question has a possible solution.  After checking with and getting approval from my amazing principal, I will be allowed to check out the devices to building teachers over the summer.  The idea is to let the teachers explore and use ipads thus becoming comfortable enough to develop lessons using this technology.  It also helps that our state TIE (Teachers In Education) has an iPad class beginning June 2.  Perfect timing!

 How to Install iPad Screen Protectors

First step, putting the screen protectors on all the iPads.  With the first one, I just dove in and did an okay job but had some bubbles.  Darn lint!  I knew there had to be a better method so I stopped.  Then because I have the privilege of working with a great team of middle school librarians, Tracy emailed all of us a link to a YouTube video on how to apply the screen protector.  Great link Tracy, Thanks!
I watched the video which really stress cleaning the screen extremely well.  Suggestions to have “canned” air(air duster) and tape were very helpful.  I then thought about the best way to clean the screen, so I searched that and learned that Windex and rubbing alcohol are big no-nos.  Water only with a special cloth for electronics should be all a person needs. It pays to be OCD with this process!

How to Clean Your iPad Screen
 
This video is from a channel named iPad Academy.  I will have to check out the 20 videoes they have.  After 20 ipads I am very comfortable applying screen protectors.  However I am not ready to work at Best Buy but will be able to change my old screen protector on my phone.

The next step was to prepare for the virtual meeting with my fellow iPad users.  Since my personal iPad is all set up I knew I won’t have any problems.  I realized though that I needed to set up the school iPads with iTunes account in case I needed to download a free app.  I met with my fellow librarians and we prepared the iPads for the virtual meeting.  We needed to set up email accounts and iTune accounts for two librarians on their school iPads.  This was great for me to help them as it solidified what I thought I knew and didn’t know. 
Once we set up the email accounts, we made sure the calendar was synced which allowed everyone to view the meeting invite sent by our instructor.  We then moved on to downloading the app, GoToMeeting.  I had sent the following link on how to set up an iTune account without a credit card (I will need to pass this on to my teachers this summer). I have created a gmail account just for my library that will be used for the sole purpose downloading only free apps.   This way I will not have to worry about tying my personal iTunes account to the school iPads.


iTunes Account Without a Credit Card

We then double checked the SnapGuide directions to make sure we were ready for the class.  All middle school librarians were at the meeting!  We are on our way.  Can’t wait to see what else we will learn in the coming weeks.  Or month/years!

Starting my school on iPads

How fortunate our libraries are to have been able to add iPads as a resource!!  With that comes a lot of planning and exploration.  As I sit in the iPads for Education class, I realize that there is quite a range of experience.  There is also a difference in educational approach when looking at elementary, middle and high school.  The middle school acquired iPads through the Vucurevich Foundation Grant with the intent of teaching civil discourse.  Though this will be our focus, it will not be the only use for the iPads.  With that being stated, I see middle schools with a very different approach to our iPads when compared to the elementary level.  I think the best focus for my time would to be able to work closely with the other middle school personnel so we may explore the apps and ideas that will be most effective to our students.

I enjoyed the following links as "food for thought" while I sort through ideas and apps best suited for this age level and the staff that will be guiding the students.

This fits nicely with the civil discourse and would provide a great discussion topic to have with the students.
Look Up by Gary Turk

The following link is an article that I think as educators we should weigh heavily as we begin to write lessons and assist other teachers in using iPads in their classrooms.

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr14/vol71/num07/Technology-and-the-Illusion-of-Creativity.aspx

Wrap Up

I found several items interesting this year.  I have students interested in languages yet they are not taught in middle school.  Mango gives them the opportunity to explore several languages and decide which one they might prefer in high school.  I also liked the Chilton library for auto repair.  I often have 8^th grade boys who are fixing up an old car to get ready for driving in high school.  This would be a great resource for them.  Using Proquest was good practice for me and will need to incorporate this database with my 7^th & 8^th grade Edmodo lessons.  With ebooks becoming even more popular in my library, I look forward to sharing those findings as well. I always enjoy sharpening my advanced searching skills and which is the reason I take the challenge.

The electronic challenge is fuel for my library lessons.  I like to collaborate/visit with different teachers so I may link the students current subject matter to the library.  By showing them the connections between their current lessons and databases, it is my hope to help them Google less and use databases more frequently.  I am always on the lookout for new resources I think the teachers might find supportive.