Working with Amanda Davis, they took an existing lesson and integrated Global Issues.  Amanda created a libguide for the students including handouts, note-taking guides, and links to the databases.

“Describe an ecological problem, propose solutions (education to promote a solution), write a slogan, make a poster, and name the organization.”

At the end of the project, Carolyn replied to Amanda that these final projects are the best she has seen with this project yet.

See more examples here…

Katie Bonnema, Special Education, asked her senior  students if they planned on going to college next year.  Every student said yes.  She proactively organized a small research paper for her senior students focusing on skills that would be beneficial at the college level.  She worked with the librarians to create a research assignment that would be individualized for each student.  Not only did this prepare the students for the upcoming CAIV Senior Research Paper, but they are more prepared for the next level.

All students logged into the blog and a few students at a time entered their thesis statement.  Students used valuable communication and critical thinking skills as they collaborated with their peers to provide suggestions and input for how each student thesis could improve. 

Students were able to receive instant feedback from their peers and exchange ideas.  The interactive nature of the activity provided an engaging and relatable process for students to connect with the curriculum.

Honors Communication Arts I
Matt Bolch, April Burkhardt, Joe Geist, Kim Lilley

By collaborating with the HCAI teachers, the library media specialists converted the library into a museum-type experience for all HCAI students.  Students were able to explore artwork (prints) from the Renaissance as they begin their Shakespeare unit. 

Students downloaded provided podcasts (The National Gallery, London) to their iPods or library mp3 players.  They also explored online museums and the art books to gain a deeper understanding of the culture. 

Xtra “You type something; we turn it into a movie.”  A neat way for students to create movies. (This is untested right now with a class. Let us know if you would like to try it or if we can help.)

http://images.google.com/hosted/life

Life magazine photos hosted on Google and organized  by decade.

http://www.blinkx.com/

Blinx – search for videos through the blinx search engine.  We found stuff on here that a typical Google search never revealed.

http://manyeyes.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes/

Many eyes – visualization tool to view any variety of data sets.  Create your own or view others. 

http://www.lovelycharts.com/

Lovely Charts – online tool to create flow charts and other graphic organizers.  Think of Inspiration software online.

The Library Media Center purchased student accounts for Voicethreads.  Students are able to create engaging projects, pose questions online to each other and make comments.  Students love how easy the site is to use and the ability it gives to interact with their classmates.

If you are interested in an alternative to posters and powerpoints, please stop by and see us!