Category: School libraries

Skype Visit with an Author

valibrarian

My students thoroughly enjoyed a recent Skype visit with author, Lisa Graff.  Her novel, Umbrella Summer, is nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award and students across Texas will vote for their favorite book in January 2011.  I used music from Creative Commons and posted the video on Schooltube.  The experience was extremely well-received, so I plan to utilize Skype again with other authors or special contacts.

Skype Tips:  Be sure to prepare questions ahead of time, so students will be ready for the Skype session.  Test the Skype connection before students arrive, to avoid technical problems.  (Actually, we crashed because I forgot to unplug my document camera and plug in my webcam!  After rebooting the computer, it worked perfectly.) Ask permission before taking pictures or video.  Thank the participating author or individual for taking time to communicate with students.

Autumn leaves

valibrarian

I wish I could slow time for just this month of October.  Today was the first crisp day of fall after an incredibly hot Texas summer.  As I whirl through life’s responsibilies, personal and professional, I want to savor the beauty.  Maybe that is why I choose the profession of librarian.  I want to capture something meaningful and point it out, helping others finding something meaningful to them.

Blue sky in the fall

Back-to-school Time

valibrarian

Here it comes- my favorite time of year.  The school supplies and the feeling that the first cool, crisp morning will be dawning.  I really do think this year will be different somehow, though.  Taking online classes has changed my perspective and I plan to introduce online collaboration to my colleagues and students.  I am unsure how receptive this audience will be and where this journey will take us.  I just know that my laptop and flashdrive are included in my back-to-school pack.