Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is always observed during the last week of September. The central message for Banned Books Week is that censorship violates the right of free expression. Observed annually, this ALA event celebrates the freedom to read books that may be considered inappropriate or express unpopular ideas.
In our library we set up a display of books that are on a list of most challenged books. Many students are surprised to see some of their favorites on the list and in our display case. We often have to open the case for students who want to check out a "Banned Book".
This display has become an annual event for us and one that always prompts questions and discussion.

Inservice Day

So much planning over the summer in preparation of my inservice with the Geography teachers of our school district only to be told that I would only have half a day with them. Dilema, what to cover in half the time that would really stick with them.
Of course I introduced them to all of the databases made available through the DKC package as well as resources available through Region one. Unitedstreaming was a big hit, especially with all of the new teachers. Everyone had an opportunity, thanks to our Computers on Wheels, COW, to work with their own laptop and search for video clips and work on a short powerpoint presentation with an embeded video clip.
Animoto was a huge hit. The teachers loved it. So much positive feedback and they were coming up with many ways to use it with their students. Many of them signed up for Animoto for Educators and hopefully are using it as the year progresses. I created a video to share with them to give them an idea how they might use Animoto with their classes.

ESC Thing #23, Week 9

To sum everything up:
1. My favorite sites are del.icio.us, all the image generators and LibraryThing.
2. This program has made me realize that we can never stop learning. Just when you think you have mastered something you realize how much more there is to learn.
3. What was unexpected for me was how much I learned and how much I enjoyed the program.
4. For me, the format was perfect. Self-paced and very non-threatening. Offering the program over the summer was a great idea.
5. If another discovery program was offered in the future similar to this one, I would definitely participate. How about Web 2.0 part II?
6. The more I learned during this experience the more I realized how much more I had to learn.Technology is a great thing.

ESC Thing #22, Week 9

I must have a defective gene somewhere because I just don't enjoy the idea of downloading a book. Nothing is as comforting for me as wrapping myself in a quilt and reading. It's not just about the comfort, its the smell of the book, the feel of that book in my hands as I turn the page that completes the experience for me.

That does not mean that e-books do not have a place in our libraries. Our school subscribes to some e-books and they are used by our students for research purposes mainly. I really think that some of our students would enjoy these sites as a resource for cliff-notes, or reading class sets assigned from home.

ESC Thing #21, Week 9

Last fall I attended the Young Adult Conference held at Sam Houston State University and one of the workshops was on podcasting. I was able to create a podcast by following the guidelines set forth by the professor conducting the workshop. Upon returning home, however, I have not been able to create a podcast. I searched all of the sites provided and was able to subscribe to a podcast titled "Teacher 2.0". It was extremely easy to load to iTunes. I look forward to listening to the podcast.

ESC Thing #20, Week 9

Instead of posting a professional YouTube video, I decided to find a video just for fun. As my students, daughters, friends and I anxiously await Stephenie Meyer's latest Twilight saga, Breaking Dawn, here is a pretty good book trailer that promotes the book. I love so many of the videos on YouTube but our filter does not allow them to come through. There is much that is inappropriate, and of course high school students will be drawn to that. However, are we to keep out all of the good?

ESC Thing # 19, Week 8

LibraryThing is great. I was able to add books as requested and I joined the YA Lit group. I had previously set up an account and have been adding to my library every time I read something new. Added the widget to our school blog and will try and add it to our library web page when school begins again. What a great way to advertise new books to our students.