Cartoons and Comic strips

One of the hottest trends in children and YA literature is graphic novels. This genre has opened up many doors to reluctant and avid readers alike. So, how can we take this idea and make it user friendly for our students. One way is to utilize the many different apps that are out there that help students become creative  designers and show what they know. It is a great tool that shows teachers the depth of student learn. So sit back, check out my simple cartoons, and decide which of the following apps could be used by you and your students in the classroom.

 

 This cartoon was created using ToonDoo. Users simply click on "Create" and select the layout of the comic strip. A variety of character, background, and "props" options are found across the top menu. In addition, the "DoodleR" and "TraitR" tools allow users to create their own drawings or characters. Other features include the image upload tool (images can be uploaded from a URL or from a saved file), a variety of text balloon options, and clip art. I found this tool easy to use and easy to save. Students would be able to create some amazing cartoons with all the options available to them.



I used Pixton to create a school scene with 2 students discussing homework that wasn't done. Pixton is easy to use and offers high-quality images that would be appealing for students. Users can choose starting scenes, add new frames, change characters and add text. At this site, students can create, share, and "remix" comics. The "remix" link allows students to add their own twist to ready-made comics. Students can read comics created by others and also make comments on them. Other highlights of the site include a featured author and blog. Although not as flexible to use as the others, Pixton was an ok tool that I think would appeal to students.

 

 

 I used MakeBeliefsComix to create this simple picture icons to represent the story element Conflict. The site provides dialogue prompts under each blank frame. There is a Printables page. Many of the themed comics include space to add text. MakeBeliefsComix was very easy to use and I had no problems saving my final product. Students would be able to create some fairly creative cartoons, although it is limited in characters and setting.

Incorporating Comic Strip into Classroom/Library:
I think that using comic strip in the library as a way to summarize a book and by showcasing students work within the library and school, would get other students interested in reading the book.  I would like to use this in my book club before doing the more difficult items such as book trailers. It also helps students work on story structure, key events, and characterization. I would like to use ToonDoo as I found it more appealing and easier to manipulate then the other two examples.

Online Book Communities

Goodreads is an easy to use unlimited virtual book shelf. As far as I can tell, Goodreads only uses Amazon as a data source. However, you may import a book list of your own.You can see how many books are on all your shelves right there on your profile page. Goodreads allows you to have conversations about books without joining/starting a group, OR you can join/start a group. There seems to be more YA conversations happening on the site. Goodreads has most of its features tucked away in menus making it neat and attractive and easy to comprehend. It has a "database' feel. However, if a book is not found, Goodreads will give you a "no results error". It seems that there are too many steps to accomplish the same end result as several of the other virtual book shelves.

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Librarything  is a virtual bookshelf that allows the user 200 free book titles. It does allow users to import an existing list via a file or web page. Users can add their your own covers and customize your individual copy of the book. Users select the source they want to use when searching for titles.You don’t have to rate anything to get recommendations.The site shows you all the series in your library and if your series is complete. The homepage offers tons of info, but it can be overwhelming and cluttered. When searching, it gives you the most recent edition of the book and does not show an "error" message.

 

Shelfari is a free virtual bookshelf where you can post what books you've read lately and  recommendations for books.You can list your books and display them on a virtual shelf as well as see who else has the book. It has book tagging. It is easy to add a book to a series. There is also book reviews and discussions so you can share your views and discover new reads within the community. It has Widgets. Users can build their own library shelf where they can add books that they are currently reading, books they plan to read, or books they have already read. Users can also rate the books they have read based on five stars. Shelfari is very visually appealing. A downfall is that is is very slow to load.

 

 

 

 

Booklikes is a free virtual book shelf with no limits on the amount of books, reviews, or new book friends you can have. It is mostly a blog format with a virtual bookshelf added in. BookLikes is available in three language versions: English, German and Polish.Users can log in with a Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn accounts. Reader profiles allow the user to display their reading history and interests. Users can browse a database of books from every major genre. Recommendations are generated based on the user's reading preferences. Book discussions allow users to talk about their favorite titles.Users can create thematic shelf. There are three reading statuses: read, planning to read, currently reading, however you can also create your own reading status. Booklikes uses several book sources. You can also import books and reviews from Goodread. The user also has the ability to remove, rename and manage shelves  including changing the shelf order or adding a book manually. Booklikes helps users find books that they will actually want to read. Although each title is displayed neatly, with a thumbnail cover image,  it's design is not very user friendly.

 

 

 

Biblionasium is a free, protected social network for children ages 6-13. Biblionasium allows teachers to build reports on what each student is reading and at what level and  progression. The user can create shelves for individual students, groups, classes or grades as a whole. BiblioNasium’s virtual bookshelves help kids keep track of what they’ve read, what they like, and what they plan to read. The user can monitor student reading logs, create reading challenges, help students expand genre choices and tailor individual reading lists.

 

I think that as an educator, I would prefer the ease of Goodreads. It was simple to work with and did not have too many bells and whistles that challenged my techie abilities. I found that there was a lot more conversations about YA books which was an added plus for me. I will definitely recommend  Biblionasium to my students in the library. I loved the colors and design of the site. Kids would find it more appealing since it is geared toward catching their eye. It has a "fun" feel and is not very polished and adult like as the other communities. I thought that it was a great virtual bookshelf that focused on  helping teachers and students have a successful reading experience.

 

Teens and Technology 2013

Madden, M., A. Lenhart, S. Cortesi, U. Gasser. (2013). Teens and Technology 2013. [Report PDF].  Retrieved from: http:// pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Teens-and-Tech.aspx.

As I read this report, I thought about the middle school students whom I use to teach.  The majority of my students had cell phones and most of those students had smart phones.  According to the report, 78% of teens have a cell phone and 47% of those teens have smart phones.  23% have tablets, 93% have computers or have one at home.  71% of the 93% share the computers with family.  74% of the teens access the internet on their cell phones.  25% use the internet only on their phones.  81% of white teens own a computer compared with 64% of black teens who own computers.  84% of suburban teens compared to 75% of urban teens are more likely to have a computer.  I really agree with this report as I saw these results while teaching middle school in a low socio economic school.  When I gave homework assignments on the computer, I would have to give the students time to work on them in class because they did not have access to the internet at home. 

Report- 19 pages

Where Teens Seek Online Privacy Advice

Lenhart, A., M. Madden, S. Cortesi, U. Gasser, A. Smith. (2013). Where Teens Seek Online Privacy Advice. [Report PDF].  Retrieved from: http//pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Where-Teens-Seek-Privacy-Advice. aspx.

Many teens report that they draw on their own observations and knowledge to manage their privacy online and social media.  I was not surprised that many teens figured out their privacy settings on their own, but I was surprised that the majority of teens looked for outside advice.  According to the report, 42% of teens talked to friends or peers; 41% have talked to a parent; and 37% have asked a sibling or cousin.  The percentage that really surprised me was the 41% who talked to a parent.  Most teenagers whom I have taught in the past did not take advice from their parents.  I believe that they would not ask their parents because the teenagers probably know more about the social media than their parents.  When it comes to Facebook,  the majority of teens put their profile to fully or partially private.  The data found for this report came from a phone survey in collaboration  with  Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard.  According to this survey, the majority of teens manage their own privacy settings.  Whereas, they have found themselves going to outside sources when problems have occurred. Besides the percentages that I mentioned at the beginning, the following percentages of teens went to other sources for help with privacy settings.  13% have gone to a website for advice, 9% have asked a teacher, and 3%  have gone to some other person or resource.  Of the 9% who asked a teacher, they were of lower economic status, because they felt that their parents would not know how to show them the privacy settings because they were not technology savvy.  I found it very interesting that those in the racial and socio-economic backgrounds are equally likely to seek outside help for privacy management generally and white teens and those from high income and education  usually talk with their parents about the privacy settings.

Podcasts

Podcasts are great teaching tools.  You can put math lessons, reading lessons , and English lessons on podcasts.  Students can make their own podcasts for book reports and history lessons.  These are great learning lessons and the students will enjoy making their own.  My podcast is about The Coldest Girl in Coldtown.

https://audioboom.com/users/4176276/boos

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

YouTube is a great teaching tool.  When I taught middle school, I used YouTube for Brain pop and science experiments and history lessons.  The students really like to watch them and they can learn quite a bit from them.  I would love to use YouTube in the library to teach the students how to use the library and the different books that they can check out.  The four different YouTube videos that I watched were very creative and I chose the ones that I thought were what the students would like to see.

Norman High School had a lot of learning videos that can help the students with what is in the library and how to use the resources for projects.   This YouTube video is what I think the students will enjoy.  Teachers involved, good music and Harry Potter.  What more could you ask for?

 

 

The next video from Norman High School shows How to Celebrate your Freedom to read.  They must have had a problem with people questioning the books that teachers and students were reading.  I think the students will like the way this is put together to let them know that it is okay to read what you want to read.

 

 

The Unquiet Library also had quite a few videos to help the students learn about doing projects and how the library can come to you if you do not have time to go to it.  The first video is about teaching seniors to make their projects correctly.

 

 

 

The next one shows the librarian coming to the cafeteria.  I thought that the students might like this one because it shows how you can get books without being quiet.

 

In the Pikesville High school it showed a lot of fun activities that the school put on.  The one that I liked had a snapshot of what is going on in the library.

 

The video that I thought the students would like is the Wii like to party.  Students and teachers can have fun in the library with a party that uses the Wii.

 

 

 

BBMS videos

Now these students are very talented.  I like what they did.  It was very hard to pick just two videos.  I liked the Old Spice Overdue and I really really want you videos.  They both caught my eye.  Old Spice is to teach the students to return their books or they can't go to the talent show.  The Old Spice commercials are very popular on television.

 

The second one that I liked that I think the students will like is the video I really really want you.  Catchy tune that talks about overdue books as well.  They must have had lots of problems with overdue books.

 

 

Animoto:

This was really a lot of fun.  I was able to make a book trailer and now I can help my students make them as well.  I am wanting to start a book club this year with my 4th and 5th graders.  This would be great for them to discuss the books and to give reports in class. 

Here is my book trailer:  Please scan the QR Code.

 

 





 

 Black, H. (2013). The coldest girl in Coldtown. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

 

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown's gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is a wholly original story of rage and revenge, of guilt and horror, and of love and loathing from bestselling and acclaimed author Holly Black.

 

QR Codes can be used in the library for quite a few things. 

• Links to social media sites
• Tutorials
• Book trailers
• Library resources

As I said earlier, I would like to start a book club this year with my 4th and 5th graders.  This would be a great way to get them to look up books, resources, and book trailers to help with their ideas.

Blogs and Blog readers

As I looked over the blogs, I really had never looked at any before this, and I did not realize how many there are.  As I looked at the ones listed on Blackboard, I liked Bloglovin' the best.  It was easy to follow and it has a lot of book reviews, which is what I am looking for.  I want to know what books I should order for my library so this would be the one for me. 
I liked Tumblr as well.  I had heard about it, but did not know what it was. Tumblr was also easy to use and very colorful.  I liked looking at all of the different blogs.

Elmirahslibrary blog is one of the ones I chose to follow because that is where I went to high school. Well, it has been combined with another high school in Elmira, but I still call it home. I like that it posts best summer reads, book reviews, and a graphic guide of YA novels.
http://www.elmirahslibrary.tumblr.com

Childlitfan was another blog that I liked.  It was geared toward elementary schools which is where I am employed right now.  This blog had things that the author, blogger liked. Things from the '70s, quotes, pictures, arts and crafts, fashion, scrap books, and a book tasting menu.  This was a really cute idea.  I would like to make this for my library, so that my students and teachers will be able to see what is happening in the library monthly.
www.childlitfan.tumblr.com

Librarianista was one that I liked because of the pictures and quotes and history of the libraries.  I especially liked the pictures of what has been done to some of the public schools in New
York City.  They have really put money into them so that students and teachers will start using them again.
www.librarianista.tumblr.com


The Librawrian blog was kind of cool.It has a lot of pictures of what she  does in the library and the quotes that she likes.  I like the way she set up the book display with the Readbox.  A play on the redbox for movies.
www.librawrian.tumblr.com

Bookpatrol is a blog that reviews books  and discusses books in the past.  There are pictures and reviews and I like this one because of the different pictures and quotes and book reviews.
www.bookpatrol.tumblr.com.

Infographics assignment

As I read my article, I also thought about how I was going to make the infograph.  I have never made one before and I was really stressing over it.  I did find out that it is very easy to do.  In fact, I liked  making it.
In the article that I read, "Teens, Social Media, and Technology" by Amanda Lemhart, it stated that teens from 13-17 use social media.  I found it very interesting that depending on the ethnic backgrounds depended on what and how often they used social media.
24% of all teens go online constantly, 92% go online daily, 56% go online several times a day, 12%go online once a day, and 6% go online weekly.
85% of African-American teens have and use smart phones, whereas, 71% of Hispanics and whites use them.  Of this data, 91% of teens go online with mobile devices.  Of the 91%, 94% go online daily.  Of this data, 34% of African-American teens, 32% of Hispanics, and 19% of whites are online with mobile devices almost constantly. 
The following percentages show how many of all teens use the following social media:
Facebook-71%, Instagram-52%, Snapchat-41%, Twitter and Google+- 33%, Vine-24%, Tumblr-14%, and different social media sites- 11%.
I was amazed at the differences with the different ethnicities on who uses what media and how often.  When I was teaching middle school, I was amazed at how many students had smart phones.  It was not the white students that had them, so I am believing this article by seeing the data for myself.

Lemhart, A., (2015). Teens, social media, & technology overview 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.pewinternet.org.
30 pqges of 150.

http://www.easel.ly/create/?id=https://s3.amazonaws.com/easel.ly/all_easels/1040416/AhrensRL&key=pri

Twitter assignment

As I looked at these tweets, I noticed that four of my followers tweeted about educational subjects and the other two tweeted about more personal subjects.
 
Kathy Schrock had quite a few tweets about educational thinking.  I found one to be rather interesting when I looked at her twitter account @kathyschrock.
Started a computational thinking page: http://www.schrockguide.net/computational-thinking.html … Will add more after I take the Google course! https://youtu.be/u_JWGzIAdNo
This looks like it would be good to show to the math teachers on my campus.

Linda Braun had quite a few tweets about technological innovations.  In this age of technology, I believe that her tweets would be good to follow, especially since I am still not comfortable with technology.  Her twitter account @lbraun2000 had some neat tweets about different innovations.
21st Century Students Crave Deeper Learning http://bit.ly/1HdCmDa
As I looked this article over, I noticed that it talked about new learning in this day in age.  I wish that my school district had more training for our teachers as far as 21st century students go.  I am still of the old school of education when computers did not exist.  I am learning to open my mind about it and these library science classes that I have been taking have opened my eyes.  I am still a little leery about the technology, but I am hoping that by the end of this class, I will not be so leery.

Tony Vincent, according to his twitter account @tonyvincent, is very big into educational technology.  All of the tweets that I looked at were about his workshops that he gives and the different ed tech ideas that he likes.
Matthew E. Murray ‏@MEMurrayEDU Jul 10

This comprehensive list of iPad projection options is super handy http://ow.ly/Psdbi  (of @tonyvincent) #appletv

This tweet shows how teachers can use their iPads to connect to the projector in the classroom.  I like this idea because it would be easier to use if the computer is not close enough to the screen in the classroom.  I know when I taught school, my computer and screen were not close to each other and I had a hard time using any videos because of the logistics.  This would definitely help those who are in the same classroom set up as I was.

Buffy Hamilton has quite a few personal tweets on her twitter account @buffyjhamilton.  She had a few tweets about some health issues, so it seems that she has a loved one who is not well.  I can relate to her concerns about family health as I have had many health issues, both myself and my family.
Buffy J. Hamilton ‏@buffyjhamilton Jul 7

Also sick of filling out same forms over and over at doctor's office within the same practice/group.

I can relate to this tweet.  It is very frustrating to have to do the same things over and over again.

 

The Daring Librarian/ Gwyneth Jones had tweets about the actor Bruce Campbell.  I think she likes him. In her twitter account @GwynethJones she posted the following tweet:

 The Daring Librarian ‏@GwynethJones 2h2 hours ago

The Daring Librarian retweeted HouseByTheVideoStore

Oh @GroovyBruce! My Life Has Just Improved by 100BOOMSTICK% #AshvsEvilDead @STARZ_Channel SERIES! #SDCC

I remember this actor from the television show Burn Notice on USA.

 

Jim Lerman, twitter account @jimlermer, had a lot of math tweets.  Being an Engish teacher, math is very foreign to me.  I struggled throughout school with all of my math classes, so perhaps these tweets would have been good for me. The one tweet that I found interesting was the following:

 Jim Lerman ‏@jimlerman 8m8 minutes ago

How to Apply Design Thinking in Class, Step By Step ^ Mind/Shift ^ by Anne Stevens http://sco.lt/73xDXN  pic.twitter.com/6tQXDYe3Rc

Perhaps if I had done some hands-on work in math, I may have done better in that subject area.

 

 

Facebook assignment

As I looked at the school libraries on Facebook, I found two that I thought were interesting: John H. Wood Middle School and Roosevelt Wilson Elementary.

John H. Wood library Facebook page has pictures of the activities that the library and the school have, book selections, Book Fair reminder, and a map of the location and how to get there.  I only found one comment on this Facebook page about a book choice that was shown for summer reading.  The advantages that I see about having a Facebook page for the library are that it has good reminders of the activities that are going on and it lets people see what has been going on at the school and at the library. I would think that it would be a great incentive to get people to want to enroll at the school. The disadvantage that I see to this page  is that it seems to be  too busy and it could possibly be confusing for people who are looking for specific activities.

Roosevelt Wilson Elementary library Facebook page has pictures of activities , both school and community, how to get free books, reminders of school, library, and community events.  I found thirty comments on this Facebook page.  I believe it has something to do with the fact that it is an elementary school and not a middle school.  As I have seen with working at an elementary school this past year, the parents are more involved with their children than at the middle school.  The advantages that I see about this page are that it is good for getting the word out about what is going on at the school and the pictures of the different events will help people decide where to send their children if they are looking for a school for their children.  The disadvantages are being too busy, there are old posts on it, and it could get confusing when looking at it. What I mean by too busy is that there is  too much material to look at.

It did give me ideas for my own Facebook page for my school library.