Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover
This is true, but it is common practice in libraries to display as many books as possible facing the front. Colorful, engaging artwork is sure to attract patrons and encourage them to pick up a book. A constantly rotating book display is just as important as displaying books front facing, especially for highlighting those ‘classic’ or noteworthy titles that may not have amazing artwork. Throughout the year, the MS library council takes a leading role by highlighting particular genres, notable literary events, or awards. Every month, the MS Library Council highlights a different theme. They focused on banned or challenged books in September as part of Banned Book Week. The focus for this month was Horror and Murder Mysteries. Come grab a good ‘nail bitter’ this month.
Ms. Kehe’s Recommendation
Unwind by Neal Shusterman (YA Paranormal)
Mr. Bell’s Recommendation
I’ve reported before that while I love reading fiction, this is one of those books. A book that has cited, and in some cases reprints, primary sources related to the trade, abuse, and addiction related to the opium trade that took place in the 1800 and 1900s. What I love about this book is that do not try to romanticize these wars; the authors approach it from the clear perspective that opium has been a major player in our history. My interest in this started when I took a trip to the ‘Golden Triangle’ where three countries, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, meet at the Mekong River. I visited The Hall Of Opium, Golden Triangle Park and Museum which is run by the Thailand Tourism Authority. This is one of the best museums in Thailand it details the massive influence the drug had on economies in this part of the world as well as the people. What I didn’t know and this book shed some light on for me, was the influence the British had in not only South East Asia but ALL of Asia, especially China. At a certain point in time, opium was more valuable than tea. I also did not realize that these ‘wars’ were waged by merchants, peasants, the British military, religious zealots, and many more. While terrible things transpired, the trade of opium lead to some of the greatest trade routes opening on the planet. This is a super interesting read and something those who rarely, if ever read Non-Fiction can appreciate.
TECH TOOL
1. Make it short and sweet! Two minutes or less.
It’s better to have two videos that are each two minutes long than it is to have one video that is four minutes long. Don’t believe me? Check out the research that Wistia published a few years back. Based on data from more than 500,000 videos played more than one billion times, Wistia determined that there is a significant drop-off in viewer engagement after the two minute mark.
2. Landscape, Landscape, Landscape!
Recording on a mobile phone? Turn your phone sideways to capture in a landscape view. We view the world in “landscape mode” so record it that way too. Or think of it this way, you watch your television in landscape mode so capture and publish your video that way too.
3. Background.
If you don’t have the time or knowledge for using green screen techniques, pay attention to your background. Are you making a simple video announcement to post on your school’s blog? If so, avoid using a plain white wall as your background so that it doesn’t look like a hostage video. A bookcase can make a great background. Playground equipment can make a nice background too. Are you recording outside or near a window? If so, make sure you’re not washing out your subject with too much background light.
4. Show us your eyes not your nostrils!
When recording with a webcam that is built into your laptop, elevate the webcam to at least eye level. Otherwise everyone is looking up your nose! I have three big books that I put under laptop when I host webinars and Facebook live sessions. On a related note, look at the camera instead of at your laptop’s screen.
5. Filter your audio.
Your phone’s or your computer’s built-in microphone might be fine for quick “selfie videos,” but for other projects you should consider getting a nice external microphone. For under $50 you can get a nice, durable Snowball microphone to plug into your computer. It will filter wind and other background noise. There are plenty of external microphone options for cell phones too. I use one made by Insignia. For ease of use, I prefer an external microphone that plugs into your phone or computer directly rather than through a Bluetooth connection.
“About.” Freetech4teachers.com, 2012, www.freetech4teachers.com/p/about-richard-byrne-and-free-technology.html.
Digital Citizenship Corner
Yes, students today ‘know’ technology better than any other group of children. It is inevitable that they learn about tech. When I was growing up it was bikes and then cars. Ask me just about anything to do with a two or four-wheel mode of transportation, and I can answer. However, that is where it stops. Can I rebuild an engine? Can I weld a bike frame together? NOPE. This is an analogy that holds true for our students. While they may be comfortable talking about tech and using digital devices. Their overall understanding of some of the tools that business people or designers use is often neglected. At ISB, we have identified this issue and are attempting to address it so that students will leave here with the skills that will support them in life. Tech Coaches/Coordinators are working with teachers to infuse these skills into the curriculum. We have begun the process of identifying gaps in learning with plans to help. It is no small task teaching a child to use a spreadsheet or that a heading needs to be in a modified font, but we will get there. This article from EdSurge titled “Teaching ‘Digital Native’ College Students Who Understand TikTok – But Not Microsoft Excel” really explains the issue as it appears to colleges and college professors. We hope to be a beacon of hope in this effort.