YouTube, Animoto, and QR Codes in the Library

1.  https://www.youtube.com/user/theunquietlibrary/videos

YouTube is an excellent tool librarians and educators can use to enhance and engage students in their lesson. There are many ways one could use YouTube. For example, a librarian could create tutorials on how cite properly when writing a paper, like the video link below. The link below is a tutorial on how to Citing a MP3 Music File from Soundzabound, or create a video highlighting school events or student work. The ideas are endless. The second video is a video highlighting student work. 

     Video most helpful for students:   https://youtu.be/TNmyF1oXfMU 

     Video students would like the most:     https://youtu.be/4gAaxPSqxNM

2. https://www.youtube.com/user/pikesvillehslibrary/videos

With YouTube videos educators can also remind students about important dates and deadlines, like the first video. In this video students are reminded and completing their FASFA. Like I mentioned for channel number 1, educators could promote or highlight cool things taking place at school. In the second video students are using the Wii to  have some safe fun.

     Video most helpful for students:   https://youtu.be/DVyIaw40neY

     Video students would like the most: https://youtu.be/-ysT9BZVTG4

3. https://www.youtube.com/user/bbmsmedia/videos

In this channel, students and educators get creative on their videos. The videos are not only hilarious and engaging, but they bring interest and promote book titles for students.  Not all the videos in this channel are hilarious. A couple of videos are in a serious tone that help or guide students through important tutorials, like citing a book.

    Video most helpful for students:   https://youtu.be/mdrCb_hHuDI 

    Video students would like the most:    https://youtu.be/w0bHKqHmPvo

This is an awesome tool to bring books to life. 

I choose "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. The Outsiders is about two weeks in the life of a 14-year-old boy. The novel tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes that he is an outsider. According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs. A soc (short for "social") has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he's always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers--until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy's skin, causing his bifurcated world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser (Goodreads). 

Check out my Animoto creation. Enjoy!

https://animoto.com/play/8lvqyLhdGSndfMkV7PRbdA

Or Scan the CR Code to view a book trailer.

I love using CR codes. They are quick and easy to create and convenient for the user. I have a CR code reader on my phone but it really isn't necessary to download one anymore. On iPhones you simply open your camera app and scan the code and it will direct you to the website. 

I have used these in the classroom when we have college week. I simply create CR codes for a myriad of universities and students scan the codes and conduct research on different universities. A couple of free CR code generators are: QR Code Genrator  https://www.qr-code-generator.com/ and QRcode Monkey https://www.qrcode-monkey.com/

Using YouTube and Animoto videos will engage and teach students on conducting research or simply provide valuable information to them. QR Codes will assist in simplifying long URLs. 

In the future, I could see myself using these in a library setting. These are great technology tools librarians could share as free resources for teachers. 

LSSL 5391 Screencast

 

Screencastomatic is a tool which anyone can use to record, edit recordings, and snip/take photos. This tool is user friendly. It provides tutorials on how take screenshots, make a recording, and video editing for a smooth experience. You can create a free account, though you are limited to only 15 minutes of recording/video and number of recording/videos you can make. You can also upgrade to get more time. The neat features Screencastomatic offers with the free account, is the option to add music to your recording to make them more lively and you can save and share, your creation almost any place you would like. Link your google drive to Screencastomatic for easy sharing.  

Screencastify is another tool that you can you screen cast from your computer. It is also user friendly. Screencastify is more limited on the time than Screencastomatic. You will only have five minutes to record using the free account and it does not have the option to add music. I want to point out that Screencastify shows your whole screen, so it looks a little messy when presenting with all the other things on the screen. Screencastomatic gives you the option to just focus on the main presentation. It gave me the option to download the video, share, and/or generate a QR code, like the one provided. If you scan the QR code it should take you to the cast I made. Overall, Screencastify will get the job done, but I recommend Screencastomatic for its added features. 

LSSL 5385 Young Adult Novels 9-11

 Book #9 Persepolis  

Sartrapi, M. (2004).  Persepolis.  NY: Pantheon

Marjane Satrapi tells a memorable event from her childhood. As a child she remembers the disturbing images of the war taking place in Iran. She mentions schools were segregated and tells how her parents tried to take a stand by attending protests. Later, Marjane and her uncle, who she had grown close to, had been killed. Marjane was devastated by the news. Marjane's parents try to escape the harsh environment, but find the US embassy had closed and missed their opportunity. She begins to worry about how she will continue her schooling. Tragedy hit again when the war is raging, she loses close friends and family. Unfortunately, tragedy after tragedy and loss of hope, makes Marjane turn rebellious and copes with using drugs. Her parents send her off on her own forcing her to fend for herself in a new world. 

Discussion 

The illustrations are interesting and immediately caught my attention. It demonstrated torture towards people and much hatred. I did not expect such graphic images. Also, the language is harsh. I had to remember this is a true story and this is a true account of a women's life. One cannot ignore the emotions she was feeling and situations she went through and want to help her. I was expecting a more happy ending, but not all stories have happy endings or turn out the way we would like them. 

Connections

This memoir reminded me of the hardships of Elie Wiesel and his treatment he endured as a teenager in the concentration camps. Although, Night did not have illustrations the vivid word pictures he would paint her disturbing and captured the torture he and the people experienced. 

Book #10 The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

 Thomas, A. (2017). The hate u give. NY:  HarperCollins

Sixteen year old Starr Carter is faced with the harsh reality of being discriminated by society especially the people who should be protecting her and the community. She attend a party with her friend, back in her neighborhood and knows she she does not fit in. During the party, shots are heard and both Starr and her friend leave the party immediately, but are stopped not to far from the party by a police officer. The white police officer asks Kahlil to exit the vehicle and fatally shoot him. Starr watched her childhood friend die in front of her eyes. Starr has flashbacks of another friend who was shot and killed. Starr is overcome with guilt and can't grasp the fact that it is not her fault for Kahlil's death. 

The case for the death of Kahlil, is taken to a grand jury and Starr is their witness who is ready to testify, but someone does not want her to speak. She is fearful after someone vandalizes her home and shots a gun. 

With all that has happened Starr knows one thing for sure, she wants to continue standing up for what is right and bring awareness to the injustices African Americans face on a day to day. She is doing this in memory of her childhood friend, Kahlil. 

Discussion

This book is powerful. It highlights the injustices and discriminations African Americans face still today. The book has strong language and is eye opening and realization that things in the justice system need to change. 

Connection 

This book was made into a motion picture in 2018 and stars Amandala Stenburg as Starr Carter. It's rated PG 13. 

Book # 11 Stamped from the Beginning

 Reynolds, J. (2020).  Stamped from the beginning. 

Summary

Reynolds and Kendi bring forth the myriad ideas of racism in America. They highlight the most prominent historical figures who contributed in helping end slavery and racism in the country. 

Discussion

The front cover is eye catching and it reminds me of battle, which is an excellent representation for this book by Reynolds. This book is a history lesson with a twist. They present a fresh perspective of racism that existed and still exists today and how it could change by knowing the facts. 

Connections

Stamped Racism, Antiracism, and you by Jason Reynolds and Ibram Kendi 

Module 7 Infographics

Using infographics is a great way to convey important information to students. The visuals are much more appealing to the eye than reading a paragraph on a poster. Infographics are especially helpful in the elementary aged students because many are just learning to read or are EL students, though it is not limited to elementary. 

https://www.easel.ly/

Easel.ly free account version is as basic as it could get. It does have infographics that are available from the public that you could personalize, which is great. The graphics, background, templets, charts, and video tool options are basic and limited. You could upgrade to Pro for a fee which should give you more options. I rate Easel.ly a 2 out of 5. It was most basic out of Infogram and Piktochart.

http://infogr.am/

Infogram has limited free templets as well with the free account. If you would like more options, you could upgrade to the premium plans. I rate Infogram a 3 out of 5. I did not like that it has very little templets to choose from, but the tools it offered were better than Piktochart and Easel.ly. Infogram allowed the user Giphy, Flicker, and SlideShare. In addition the graphics were better quality and has more options for elements. 

http://piktochart.com/

The pros to Piktochart were that it provided a variety of templets for infographics, which were helpful in designing and organizing information. The graphs also had a variety to choose from which was a nice feature. It was easy to sign up for a free account and the tools were user friendly. The cons were that the photographs and tools were limited and basic. I had a hard time finding a good picture and I could not include a picture from the web. I choose Piktochart for my infographic because of the variety of graphs it offered. I rate Pictochart 4 out of 5. 

This following link will take you to the infographic I created using Piktochart! 

https://create.piktochart.com/output/56226970-infographic

LSSL 5385 Young Adult Novels #1-8

 

Book #1 The Absolute True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

  Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.  NY:  Little Brown

Summary

The main character Junior who grew up on an Indian reservation, was born with liquid inn his brain. Due to this condition, Junior is bullied in school. His best friend Rowdy has his own problems at home. Junior enrolls at Rearden High School, a school with mainly white kids and his best friend doesn't take the change very well. While in school Junior makes the varsity basketball team and meets a girl named, Penelope As time passes, Junior receives tragic news about his sister and her husband. Junior and Rowdy rekindle their friendship over the summer and become best friends again. 

Discussion

I thought this book was a roller coaster of emotions and a book that highlighted the struggles a person with disabilities, of ethnicity, and cultural differences. I would recommend this novel to upper high school students and older, due to some language in the novel. I enjoyed the illustrations Forney created throughout the novel; it gave an excellent visual and laugh. 

Connection

The book themes of friendship, social economic differences, and identity reminded me of the novel, "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. 

Book #2 Speak by Laurie H. Anderson

Anderson, L. H.  (1999). Speak.  NY:  Penguin

Summary 

This novel is about a teenage girl named Melinda Sordino, who is raped by a boy named Andy Evans. They were at a summer party and Melinda first instinct was to call the police after being raped. Her school mates are not happy with her call the police and begin taunting her and hating on her for her decision that night. Melinda's grades drop and she refuses to let adults know what really happened that night. Her best friend is talking to Andy Evans and Melinda tries to tell her friend, but Rachel thinks she is jealous. Andy finds out that Melinda is trying to "Speak" about the rape and attacks Melinda. Fortunately, the lacrosse team heard Andy and call for help. Melinda is free from the painful secret she held in for so long and learns that tragic incidents do not define who you are and to speak up and tell someone if someone has hurt you. 

Discussion

This novel was dark and depressing, but the themes in this novel relate to young adults. It keeps one wanting more and I felt like I need to speak up for Melinda. This novel teaches one to be empathic towards others. 

Connection

The dark and rawness of Speak reminded me of the novel Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow and Maya Angelou's autobiography I know Why the Caged Bird Sings. 

Book #3 Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

Behar, R. (2017). Lucky broken girl.  NY:  Delacorte

Summary 

Lucky Broken Girl is about a Cuban immigrant named Ruthie Mizrahi. Ruthie arrived in New York City in the 1960's and is enrolled into school, but she doesn't like the classes she is taking because she thinks they are dumb. Ruthie set goals and worked hard. One day she is involved in a car wreck that leaves one of her legs broken. Ruthie is lucky to still be alive. Since she is immobile she begins to draw, read, and learns to type. As time passes, Ruthie begins physical therapy to regain strength on her leg. Soon she is feeling better and Ruthie is back dancing and enjoying being with her family. 

Discussion 

This book is an excellent to add to your home or school collection. It is filled wit diversity and culture and young adults from middle school age and up could relate to the hardships of living in poverty and never giving up on your dreams. 

Connection

This book reminded me of a speech that was given by a high school immigrant who graduated top of her class. Her name is Larissa Martinez. 

Book #4 Annie on My Mind  by Nancy Garden

 Garden, N. (1982).  Annie on my mind.  NY:  FSG

Summary 

Annie on My Mind is about a teenager named Liza. She is from New York and attends a private school. Liza meets Annie who attends a public school and get her number. Back at school Liza struggles with whether or not to stop her friend from piercing ears on school grounds. The principal finds out and suspends Liza and her friend Sally. While suspended Liza meets with Annie and their relationship grew in a way that surprised Liza. They shared their first kiss, which Liza did not now how to feel. As time passes their feelings grow stronger. In the spring, in the Stevenson's home, Liza and Annie make love. In the end, Liz and Annie confess their love for each other and don't let anyone take that away from them. 

Discussion

The cover of the book is predictable. As soon as I saw the cover, I predicted it was going to be about love and an interest of the same sex. The themes in this book are love, identity, and discrimination of same sex relationships. 

Connection 

If you enjoyed this book try reading Good Moon Rising by the same author Nancy Garden. 

Book #5  Celebrate Your Body 2 by Leff, C. 

Leff, C. (2019).  Celebrate your body 2.  Rockingridge.

This book is informational. It gives young girls facts about their body and a positive outlook of the changes that take place with puberty. It emphasizes that growing up is not an ugly or sad thing, but a beautiful journey a female goes through. Dr. Leff not only talks about the physical aspect of puberty but she speaks about the emotions a girl may go through during puberty. 

Discussion

This book is awesome. I wish I was told about a book like this when I was growing up. 

Connections

This book could assist teachers in Health class or Physical Education class explain puberty to females. 

  

Book #6 Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Myers, W. D. (1999).  Monster.  NY: Harper.

Summary

The story begins with the unfortunate teenager Steve Harman in jail. he is awaiting his murder trial. Harmen has lots of time to think about a movie he is producing. One day Harman's defense attorney is speaking with him about his upcoming trial. Harman looks back to the day of the murder and tells the events in detail. In the end, Steve Harman is read the verdict and is relived. 

Discussion

This book is great for those who find the criminal justice of interest. Also, it appeals to young adults who feel trapped and think their is no where out. 

Connections

If you like Monster try Bad Boy by Myers. 

Book #7 The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

 Ness, P.  (2008).  The knife of never letting go.  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press

Prentisstown has been invaded by aliens and the aliens have killed mostly every person in it. Todd who is twelve years old is the only boy left. Todd leaves his town and meets a girl named Viola who is also a lone survivor. They both head to Farbranch and find that they are not welcomed. As they move around to different settlements, Viola and Todd realize that other settlements do not like Prentisstown either because they feel they started the war with the aliens. Prentisstown army are after Todd and Viola gets caught in the struggle. Todd has to make tough decisions and saves Viola from being killed. Still being chased, Viola helps Todd and kills Aaron with a knife, in a church. In the end, Todd surrenders in order to save Viola. 

Discussion

I would say this book is in between science fiction and dystopian. It is an interesting book that young adult readers. The use of imagery of the killings are so vivid that will keep the reader engaged. Themes are survival. 

Connection

This is book one of a series; book two is The Ask and the Answer.

Book #8 Gabi: A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

  Quintero, I.  (2014).  Gabi: A girl in pieces.  TX:  Cinco Puntos

Summary.

Gabi is a young teenage girl who tries to help out he friends in need. One of her friends was kicked out of his house for being gay and her best friend Cindy has found out she is pregnant. Though she is trying to help her friends, Gabi has her own issues with her weight and family. She is betrayed by her boyfriend and is heartbroken. She tragically finds her father dead and is overwhelmed with the pieces she is left picking up. Gabi fights through numerous challenges and never gives up on her dream of going to college. At the end of the school year, she is accepted to a university. 

Discussion

The cover of the book is strange, but fitting for the title. When I saw the cover I stared at it for a while and analyzed the title and the images. I predicted this book was going to be about a girl who had an issue about her image and how she wanted to look like girls in magazine covers. I was somewhat correct in my prediction.

Connection

Girls like Us by Gail Giles