Web 2.0 Tools:

In this course, we will use a variety to Web 2.0 tools.

Each of the tools listed below may help you in delivering booktalks, facilitating Web-based discussions, or inviting readers' creativity in responding to the literature they read.

You will use one of these tools to introduce yourself to the class. My examples are linked to my reading records wiki.

WebTools4U2Use: "A wiki for school library media specialists to learn about cool web tools, see how they can be used in school library media programs, and share ideas & success stories."

This site hosted by the Jordan School District includes a matrix linking Web 2.0 Tools with Robert Marzano's research-based instructional strategies.

Cyber-Librarian Extraordinaire Kathy Schrock has an annotated list of Web 2.0 Tools.

Collaborative Writing Tools - I have used...

Google Docs - With a Google account, you can create, edit, and collaboratively work together - at the same time, in real time!

Wikis - Wikispaces, pbworks, Google Sites, wetpaint, and wikidot are some of the most commonly used wiki tools. Wikis allow groups to collaboratively create and edit collections of Web pages. See the definition of "wiki" in the Wikipedia! Here is a blog post that compares the first three.

Nutmeg: Spice It Up a Notch with Nutmeg is an example of a literature discussion wiki for intermediate and 'tween readers.

Wanda (Works Analyzed Notated Discussed and Archived) Wiki is an award-winning 8th-grade online literature circle facilitated in the 2008-2009 school year by classroom teacher Jennifer Hunt and teacher-librarian Judi Moreillon.

Creativity Tools - I have used...

AndreaMosaic - This free software program allows you to create photo mosaics.

Big Huge Labs - Home of Flickr Toys - Cool things to do with your own photographs!

Glogster - This site allows you to upload images to create cool posters!

Newspaper Clippings Generator - fodey.com offers an authentic-looking newspaper image generator that has applications in many areas of the curriculum. Images can downloaded, saved, and printed. Other options on this site are: a clapper board, a cigarette pack...

PhotoPeach - To create a slideshow with built in transitions, simply upload photos, pick a soundtrack, and email or embed it.

Postcard.FM - Create an audio postcard and email it to a friend.

Sources for Copyright-free Images

The American Memory Project (A Project of the Library of Congress) - The images on this site are arranged in categories. Note: "It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the Library's collections. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Researchers must make their own assessments of rights in light of their intended use."

Copyright-friendly Images: Springfield Township High School teacher-librarian Joyce Valenza's collection of links to copyright-friendly images

Discovery Education: This copyright-free clip art is organized by topic.

The MorgueFile: This site provides copyright-free photographs but requires that you cite the source for the images you use. (The goal of the site is to promote the subscribing photographers' work.) Search the "archive" link by subject.

Smithsonian Images (for educational use) - The images on this site are arranged in categories. Users may browse, download, create a portfolio, or buy high-quality prints and digital images.

Vimeo
This is a no-cost video-hosting site. Users can set up a password to view their work.

VoiceThread - This is an excellent tool for creating booktalks. You can make VoiceThreads public or private. You can invite students (friends and family) to view your VoiceThreads and give them the capability to post comments - or not. Here's a sample: Feathers: Booktalk by Dr. M.

Voki - On this site you can make an avatar of yourself! "Tight!"

Discussion Tools - I have used...

Children's Literature and Young Adult Books Blogs

AASL Blog - For up-to-date information from the American Association of School Librarians leadership and members

American Indians in Children's Literature - This site is hosted by Dr. Debbie Reese, assistant profession at the University of Illinois. Dr. Reese describes herself as "a Pueblo Indian activist and scholar." Her blog deals with controversies in American Indian-themed literature for children and young adults.

Book Lady Speaks - "The Book Lady" has just finished her 32nd year in education. Twenty were as a classroom teacher and the last twelve have been as a media specialist. She works at a 4-6 grade school with about 1340 students.

Never Ending Search - This is Joyce Valenza's blog hosted by School Library Journal. Joyce discusses a wide-range of issues, especially technology, related to teacher-librarianship.

ReadWriteThink.org - Chatting about Books - These podcasts are hosted by Emily Manning.

School Library Media Activities Monthly - Kristin Fontichario faciliates a blog on using Web 2.0 tools with students.

The SurRural Librarian - Pam Burke, small K-8 school librarian in rural Vermont, hosts this blog.

Voices from the Inglenook - This blog is hosted by Mrs. Pederson at the Cold Spring School Library. Her main audience is her own library users.

YA Books and More - This blog is hosted by Northwest High School YA librarian, Naomi Bates.

Sample

Ning

TeacherLibrarianNing - This Ning, originated by Joyce Valenza, has a number of groups that would be of interest to you: Children's Literature for a Diverse Society, YA Lit in Libraries, and Building a Culture of Collaboration.