Youtube, Animoto and QR Codes! Oh, my!

Librarians are in the middle of exciting times and we have the opportunity to not just jump on the technology band wagon but take the reigns and lead our students to greatness through technology education!  There is a reason why when I was looking for a position that it was hard to find librarian as the job title but easy to find listings for library media specialist.

Here are three technologies that will make your school library that much more technologically appealing, Youtube, Animoto and QR codes.

To explain technology, I find it easier to show and tell than just tell alone. The following are four schools who are using Youtube in interesting ways. For each of the four schools I will have an example of what would be cool to show or teach the kids and an example of what the kids themselves may like.
I am listing the schools by their Youtube channel. A Youtube channel allows you to post your videos in one place an manage who sees you videos. You can choose to have private links where only people who have been provided the links can see the video or you can choose public for anyone to search and find. If your video is made by or shows students, I would caution you as the librarian to consider your media policy of using student images to determine which setting you choose.

BBMSmedia

The first video is one that would be a great way to show students how they could make a video as a project. In this case both videos are for returning books at the end of the year.

The video that student might really enjoy would be the following because it is fun and would offer a challenge for the visual effects for you more daring students:

Pikesville High School Library

The first video would be great for teachers to make to preview for the following year or for students to create as a way to give advice to next year's students.

The second video the students would like to see their AVID binder presented in a fun way other than the teacher showing how to set up an organized binder.

The Unquiet Library
This is a great Youtube channel and if you want inspiration as to what your school channel could become, start here! I will admit, I have more than once come to this channel in the past to learn how to do things like access to creative commons photographs!

Students would like this idea presented in this video of taking books to the cafeteria to check out when done with lunch. If you have to do lunch duty then this might be something to consider!

The NHS Library
I really like the idea of having an orientation to the library and could even see this as a way to create the tones and expectation for a new year. Technology changes, new books come out, this might be something to consider at the start of this year.

Students would really like the opportunity to interact with text, display their abilities and hear and see literature in action. Having a poetry night might be a cool idea to consider. National Poetry day is April 24th!

I hope that these Youtube videos gave you some things to consider moving forward in the school year!

Animoto is a fantastic website and if you are an educator you can sign up for the educator account which will allow you to make 5 minute videos for free instead of 30 seconds. If you want longer, you will have to pay. This is a great sight for videos and presentations. I have seen librarians and students alike use it for book talks and book trailers.  Bellow you will find a QR code that will link you to an example I made for Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

QR codes are easy to make and scan. A student can use a phone, mp3 player equipped with app access and tablets to scan codes. 
The Adventures of Library Girl blog has offered some great ways to use QR codes in the library. My personal favorite is that she  makes them to place on books that are out of date for information as a way to update a book when budget does not allow for ordering the most up to date. Making QR codes is free and there are different ways to make them for any type of media including but not limited to websites, blogs, Youtube videos and SO much more! Here is a quick link to try it for yourself! You can also search the app store for your type of phone. 

I really hope that you enjoyed the examples of Youtube, Animoto and QR codes. Please consider using these in you library and expand your journey as a librarian. Shine on friends!