Month: November 2019

The use of podcasts in relation to a library could be very useful and interesting. Not only could you direct students to them over various topics of interest to them, but you could use it in lessons, as well; just assign a podcast and let the students learn at their own pace! I think the biggest key is awareness – students need to know that they exist, as well as what kinds exist, and how to access them. A bulletin or other means of displays, would aid in educating them about this great resource at their disposal.

To see what goes into making a podcast, which staff and students could do, as well, I created a mini podcast on the role of Librarians as Teachers: Collaboration. Here is the link to the podcast! I used Podbean, in which I could create a free account and make several podcasts that are easily saved. It’s easy to use, much like YouTube. It’s very user-friendly. If you want, you can upgrade to a premium account, too.

Other means to creating a podcast can be done through Soundcloud and Audioboo. Soundcloud looks easy to use; just create an account: you can use your Google or Facebook account, and go from there. It allows you to use images for your podcasts, too. Audioboom also looks user-friendly, allowing you to create an account for your podcasts, though it does have a monthly fee with many distribution avenues to popular venues. I choose to use Podbean because it’s free and looks the simplest. Ease: The use of podcasts in the library and with students is beyond easy. Challenge: The only challenges I can foresee is the students having headphones to listen; not everyone will have them.

If you’d like to find educational podcasts, you can look here:

Have you ever wondered about making an avatar, or using comic strips for and with your class? If so, below are three websites that are briefly explained with visuals. Whether a teacher, librarian, writer, etc, they can be fun and useful.

1. Pixton – I really enjoyed getting to try this cartoon maker. I always wondered how to make an avatar and was actually able to make one. The site is very easy and fun to use. Below you can see a snapshot of my comic. I used a screenshot of it because in order to download it, I would’ve had to use the upgrade feature. I really recommend it as an eye-catcher for flyers and even instructions for assignments! I would like this site better if I could download/save without upgrading. However, the avatars were free! There was a lot of variety! Students would be able to use this, and I think they would find it fun!

2. MakeBeliefsComix – This was not the easiest to use at first, but after continuing to try and figure it out, I was able to make a cute cartoon! (in my opinion, anyway). At first, I was like, there is no way I am going like this, but if you scroll to the right, there are many more options than that which first meets the eye; the variety it offers is important.

3. ToonDoo – unfortunately, did not work. I tried for over two hours, on my laptop, desktop, my phone, and my boyfriends phone! I could only advance as far as the registration part, wherein the site would not move forward/load from there. Regardless, I am happy with the two I was able to use and could see myself using them in the future! In order to save your image on this site, you had to create an account; log in. Students could use this, too, and after exploring, would likely have fun with it.

Sharing: I would love to create a comic to invite teachers to learn about creating comics in their rooms and with their students during their lunches or for a brief time during their plan (conference period) – like 15 mins, max, as a way to encourage them to learn about it.

Hope you enjoyed!