Videos and QR Codes in the Library

How can YouTube be used in the Library?

Students can learn a great deal just by watching technology in the classroom videos and learning from the thoughts, experiences, and demonstrations of others. In fact, they already are. Students are naturally watching videos that are interesting and relevant.

·      Flipped Instruction. - this allows the students to become the teacher or making the classroom content available anywhere. With YouTube you can assign students to watch a video before coming to the library. Students can use as a resource to learn class content. Do you want to give students a resource they could use to learn outside of the class? Find (or create your own) videos on YouTube that address the material you need and give the links to your students.

·      Supplemental Information. – a librarian can give students extra information that you don’t have class time to commit to. Share the interesting links with students. Students could benefit from some additional video resources to help them when they’re working outside of class.

·      Self-Directed Learning- a librarian can take curriculum content and direct students to YouTube as a resource to find the information interesting and relevant to them. You can assign students a self-directed project or have an or have an individual passion they want to explore, encourage them to take advantage of YouTube.

·      Classroom Enhancers. Videos can illustrate ideas and engage students far more substantially than textbooks, lectures, pictures, or other activities. When possible, turn to this free resource for building more effective lessons during class time.

Examples of Librarians videos on 

YouTube

Below are YouTube videos that librarians have posted that would be most helpful for students. 

Librarian Calypso Gilstrap made a video to show students how to use online database EBSCOHOST

This librarian shows students how to Soundzaband a resource that allows students to access royalty free music.

 The librarian of Pikesville High School Library posts several videos of teachers discussing AP courses. Students who are considering taking these courses can view videos to seek more information about the courses. 

The librarian shows students how to use online cite generator Noodle Tools. The video shows students how to make a book citation importing the ISBN information. 

Below are examples of videos that students would like best. 

This is a video of a student project. It is a great creative example of how to allow students to own their learning of curriculum content.

This video highlights the Pikesville High School students in their school library. It shows students engaged in the activities of the school library.

This is a student created video about overdue library books. It’s a great assignment to review the policy and procedures videos. The librarian can show this at the beginning of the school year.

 Students will like this video as a reference tool. 

Animoto

 Animoto is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to produce videos that blend photos, video clips, text and music.  Examine your existing curriculum to decide where the use of Animoto will support your learning objectives.  For example, Animoto could be used for the following ideas:

·       At the start of the school year, students could use Animoto to introduce themselves or their classmates.

·       Students can illustrate their own poetry using digital images they find on Internet or ones they take.

·       Animoto can be used to present research information to the class.

·       Students could illustrate step-by-step instructions for procedure writing.

·       Send students on a scavenger hunt, supplied with digital cameras.  Have students assemble their digital images into an  Animoto video to display what they found.

·       Students can use Animoto to create a book trailer.

 

What is a QR Code?

A QR Code is very similar to a bar code. QR stands for Quick Response.  The image consists of square dots in a unique configuration that provides information for the user.

QR Codes can contain text, links (to web sites, videos, files), and much more.  QR Codes are safe to use in the classroom, so there’s no worry about leading your students astray.  Students only access what you tell them to via the QR Code.

Why should a librarian use QR Codes in the library?

The main reason is that it’s easy to give students web addresses and allows them to be more independent. It allows the librarian to automate and release responsibility to the students.  QR Codes reduce frustration of typing in a web address.  QR codes are fun for students to use!   

Ways I can use QR codes in the library?

There are many ways to incorporate QR codes in the library. They are fun, easy to use and create!  Below are a few examples:

 A Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt of the different genre sections of the library. Get the students up and moving by creating a scavenger hunt. Place questions around the room, or better yet, around the school. Add possible answers to the questions and accompany each answer choice with a QR code that sends students to a new location. Only the correct answer will send them to a new question. Incorrect answers offer a hint and send them back to the question they missed. 

Simplify Research Projects

Provide quick and easy links to articles, videos, web sites, or podcasts that you want your students to be able to access.

Provide Support to Struggling Readers

Make audio recordings of material you need students to read and upload the recordings to your Google Drive or Dropbox. Link a QR code to the web address for the file and have the QR codes available for students who need a little extra help when reading content area material.

New Take on Book Reports

Make video or audio recordings of students reviewing a library book. Link the recording to a QR code and attach it to the spine of the book. Students will be eager to check out what their friends think about books in the library.

 

Below is an example of a book trailer I created using Animoto for the fiction young adult book Children of Blood and Bone by author Tomi Adeyemi. It is a #1 NY Times Bestseller, has receied numerous awards! It was my favorite book of 2018! 

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy. 

I created a QR code to view the book trailer below