One Button Studio

We are excited about the brand new One Button Studio here at Warrior Run!  Located in the library classroom at WRHS, it offers students and teachers the opportunity for video production at the push of a button. 

Wondering what it's all about?  This video will tell you in just one minute.

Developed by Penn State University, the OBS is a simplified video recording setup that can be used without any previous video production experience. The design of the studio allows you to create high-quality and polished video projects without having to know anything about lights and cameras. We have the equipment - you push the button.

What could you use the OBS for?  Lots of stuff!  To name a few...

• Class projects
• Basic interviews (or creative ones)
• Presentations
• News reports
• Language practice
• Green screen
• And so much more!

The process is straightforward:

1. Students plan before recording: research, write a script, create a story board, practice, collect props or costumes
2. Record in the OBS
3. Edit and produce video: edit green screen background, manipulate audio, add text or subtitles, most likely using WeVideo.

With a little ingenuity, it's easy to be creative in post-production.  Check out this blog post on WeVideo, or these tutorials, and watch the short video below.

So far, we've several classes into the studio to work on class projects.  Check out some examples here.

• 5th grade Science: news reports on volcanoes
• 6th grade Social Studies: interviews with Greek gods and goddesses
• World Cultures II: news reports from the field of World War I
• World Cultures II: infomercials for inventions from the Industrial Revolution
• French I: vignettes of restaurant conversations

More questions?  Check out the FAQs on the OBS site.

The OBS was funded by EITC funds from Muncy Bank and Trust and Citizens and Northern Bank through the First Community Foundation Partnership.  We started building it after Thanksgiving, and it started being used in January.  Until now, we've been figuring out best practices and working out kinks, and as of last week, we are officially open for everyone!

How Students Use the Library

At Warrior Run, students can visit the library in one of two ways: with their classes or on their own.  When they come with their classes, it’s usually because they’re working on a project of some kind:

• At the high school, they could be researching for a paper or collaborating on a multimedia project.**  
• At the middle school, they could be learning the steps in a new project or creating with a web 2.0 tool.**
• At the elementary school, they’re learning how the library works and checking out books in “library class.”**

Even though classes are not scheduled in the libraries all day every day, students are using them independently all day long.  Why??  According to AASL (and we librarians know)...

So what are students actually doing when they visit the library on their own?



As you can see, students make the most of their libraries at Warrior Run. They are taking charge of their education and making wise use of their free time. With ever-increasing demands on students' time, they have found a space that allows them to work efficiently and effectively during the school day.

Encourage your students to visit the library as soon as possible!

**These lists are by no means comprehensive.

How Librarians Support Curriculum

As librarians, we aim to bring new ideas, assist you with getting the ball rolling and be a helping hand when things aren’t going as planned.  Here are some ways we are able to help you in your classroom:

1. We are skilled in resource cultivation.

Have a question?  We might not have an answer, but we are experts at knowing how to find one.  If you tell us an idea or an area you want to explore, we can get started on researching from our end to find the best resources, gain ideas from others in our field and gather a plan of attack.

One example of this recently came up when a teacher asked me for resources because she was assigning a peer expert project.  I gathered library materials, database information and citations instructions for her to share to her students.  Putting our ideas together, she will execute a project that builds on what students have learned about research in previous years.

2. We never say, “That’s not in my job description.”

If I need an article, I want some ideas on how another school does something, or I just don’t know where to get started, I can pose a question on our school librarian listserv and I will get dozens of responses.  These are not always related to libraries either.  I posed a question about school recycling programs and they told me how they make it work in their buildings!

We also connect with librarians at conferences, we keep in touch with our mentors and role models, and we participate in idea exchanges through Twitter.  The point is, librarians love to help and that includes each other, creating a huge network of support to which we are able to reach out when we need fresh ideas.

Sometimes all you need is another adult to facilitate, or someone to figure out why the heck your speakers don’t work.  We can do that, too.

3. We fund access to a variety of educational resources for the district.

You probably know about Discovery Education and use it to show videos related to your content, but did you know the middle school has access to Britannica school edition?  Or that the high school can use EBSCOHost?  When it comes to asking students to do research, it will save you a lot of time and heartache if you ask us to prepare a list for you and give the students a “starting line” for their research.  We would be happy to help with that.

We also buy books, of course.  Let us know if you want books in the library on a certain topic and we can make that happen, too.

4. We are experts in educational technology integration.

There’s a teacher who often says to me, “I want this to be the product.  Can we make that happen?”  I love this because she’s using me as a resource and tapping into my interest in technology.  We see a lot of great ideas, but we are also willing to investigate new ones.

Keeping up with technology feels like running a race where the finish line keeps moving.  But we love it.  It never ceases to amaze us what teachers will come up with and we are impressed with the ways in which teachers leverage technology to create meaningful learning opportunities that could not have existed before.  Want to hear more?  Ask us!  There’s so much good out there.

5. We are knowledgeable about current trends in education.

Cooperative learning.  Hybrid learning.  Project-based learning.  These are buzzwords.  What matters is the student and their learning.  We know that and we know that sometimes these buzzwords feel like a new spin on an old idea.  Still, there are great educators out there doing great things (including lots of them right here at Warrior Run!), and we pay attention to what they are so we can share them with you.

The uniting theme behind all of these is collaboration.  We’re really good at that.  Just ask.

Photo credit http://jabberworks.livejournal.com/525413.html

Google Drawings in the Classroom

Google Drawing is part of the Google App Suite, so it works just like the other Google Apps.  Here is an infographic to explain the basics.

Google Drawing has many versatile uses in the classroom as well.  Here's another infographic to give you some ideas:

Mrs. Wolfe recently used Google Drawing in her social studies classroom.  Here are some of her students' examples:

For so many more amazing ideas, bookmark these websites:

Teacher Tech

Shake Up Learning

Putting Robots to work in the Classroom

There are several types of robots which have become popular in classrooms over the past few years.  They include Dash and Dot, Spheros and Ozobot.  Each of these has different benefits and your own creativity is the limit for how it might be used in your classroom, but here is some information on them and ideas for them to hopefully inspire you to try something new.

Robot	Pros	Cons	What you need
Sphero SPRK+	Has a toggle between “Drive” mode and “Programming” mode Fun to drive Virtually indestructible Very easy to turn on and connect App comes with challenge ideas An “educator kit” comes with 12 spheros and chargers, measuring tape, protractors and stickers “Programming” mode allows kids to try out coding on their own	Need accessories for more advanced usage, such as outdoors Controls can be difficult for younger kids Better for using on the floor	Lightning Lab app (iOS/Android) Device with bluetooth to control it (iPad or other mobile device) Teacher Account and student accounts (if you want to save your students’ programs) on Lightning Lab To email Theresa and ask her to borrow them! :)
Dash and Dot	Great for younger kids Two-parts allows for greater use Teaches a simple type of coding, exposing kids to this growing STEM field Speak and make sounds to accompany actions Senses objects around them Reacts to light and sound	Needs accessories for more advanced options Pricier than other robots Should be used on the floor preferably	Mobile device with bluetooth One of the four apps to operate Dash and Dot (more info here).
Ozobot Bit	Control with block-based programming and coding that is also color-coded Play with multiple LED lights for different effects Very small - only 1 cubic inch (good for table top play) Charge and program with a computer Follows lines and detects colors Much cheaper than other robots	Smaller and more fragile Must use the website to program it Has a one-time upgrade fee of $9.99 Works best with the starter kit	Ozoblockly website Computer with USB port for charging Set of markers for color detecting

The strength of these devices is in their ability to allow students to experience inquiry and project-based learning.  They can be used in a variety of ways, from being a pawn that moves through a review game, to an exercise in communication on the steps involved in a process.  Consider the concepts you are teaching this year and ask, “How could this be a tool in my classroom?”

Two middle school students program their Sphero to follow the line

Not every kid needs to learn to code.  Not every kid will work in STEM fields someday.  But every kid is inspired when you use 21st century technologies in their learning.  If you are interested in using the Spheros set of 12 that we already have in the library, please let me know and I would be happy to loan them to you or work with you on using them in the classroom.

September is Library Card Sign Up Month!

You can do so much with a public library card without even going to the library.  Did you you know you can borrow e-books from the library?  They’re free!  They’re convenient!  They’re available on any device!

Like many public libraries in 2016, the Montgomery House Public Library uses Overdrive, a company who hosts digital content for your use and enjoyment.  To access millions of titles from thousands of libraries, all you need is a library card.

Sign up for (or renew) your library card today - CLICK HERE!

With your public library card, you can download the e-books you’d like to read -- for free!  In case you’re not convinced, these are some perks:

• They’re free
• You can use them on any device - phone, tablet, computer
• The due dates are automatic - you don't have to remember to return it, so no fines!
• They’re free
• Audio versions are available
• ALL genres and levels available (children's, non-fiction, and more)
• They’re free

Theresa created a video tutorial to walk you through the process of selecting a borrowing a book online.  Watch below!

English Language Arts and Educational Technology

This week, we’ll wrap up our theme of edtech in specific content areas.  We will continue sharing exciting, content-related tools, resources, and ideas -- of course!  In recent weeks, we’ve highlighted math, science, elementary classrooms, and social studies.  This week, we focus on ENGLISH and LANGUAGE ARTS.  In the post below, you’ll find TOOLS, RESOURCES, and IDEAS related to ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS and EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY*.  

TOOLS

Noodle Tools

Student research platform with MLA, APA and Chicago/Turabian bibliographies, notecards, outlining.  Students in the middle school use the express version, which allows them to create citations, while students in the high school use the paid subscription, which helps them through every step of the research process, including collaboration with teachers and classmates.

Google Tools for ELA K-12

Steve Wick shares a thorough list of resources that “cross over multiple categories of curricular skills.”  His list includes Chrome extensions, Google Drive Add-Ons, and Drive Apps.

Zaption

Zaption provides free interactive video tools and ready-to-use video lessons to engage learners.  Teachers can search in the gallery, customize videos to meet specific needs, share lesson with others, and track learner data.  EDpuzzle is a similar tool.  Both web tools offer teachers and students access with a Google single sign-on.

RESOURCES

Shmoop: English & Literature

Shmoop’s Learning Guides are like a new-school Cliff’s Notes.  For English Language Arts, students can access learning guides in Literature, Grammar, Poetry, Shakespeare, and more.  Students and teachers can prepare for AP English tests too!  Shmoop offers accounts for teachers and students through Google single sign on.

NEWSELA

Unlimited access to hundreds of leveled news articles and Common Core–aligned quizzes, with new articles every day.  Every article at five (!) levels: Newsela makes it easy for an entire class to read the same content, but at a level that’s just right for each student.

Digital Storytelling

There are many apps and web tools available for digital storytelling -- peruse Kathy Schrock’s page above, or view Christopher Pappas’s list here.  Digital storytelling allows students and teachers to be more interactive in their storytelling.  We know students learn best when they have a combination of words, pictures, and sound, plus many enjoy hands-on activities; it follows that students would be able to SHOW their learning with a combination of these things as well.  Give digital storytelling a try!

IDEAS

Book Talks

For their third independent reading project this year, students in English 9 classes created digital book talks using Sound Cloud.  Students worked independently to write a script, record a book talk podcast to share with everyone, then listen to and comment on their peers’.

App Design Project

After learning about propaganda in Miss Allen’s and Mrs. Cooper’s 8th grade ELA classes, students put those concepts to work.  They developed new apps for electronic devices and advertised them using the persuasive techniques they learned in class.

Storyboarding

In English 10, students read Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.  Afterwards, they created comic strips online, incorporating the themes of friendship and betrayal, set in Ancient Rome, and including Shakespearean English.  Students used Shmoop to unpack literary themes and “translate” into Shakespeare, and shared their storyboards with their peers, who then critiqued.  Mrs. Berry, Mrs. Dalrymple, and Mrs. Travelpiece collaborated in planning and implementing the project.  View student examples here, here, here, and here.

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* Please note, just because technology is new, doesn’t mean it’s always better.  If traditional flashcards work for you and your students, keep using them!  But if StudyBlue could work for you, ask some of your kids to give it a whirl.