As a librarian, I am always looking for new ways to share information with students, parents, and staff. One of my favorite tools is screencasting. It is a digital recording of your computer screen and is a great way to demonstrate how to use databases, navigate sites, or search the catalog.
We recently switched our Chromebook reservation process, so I created a screencast using Screencastify to help my teachers learn how to use the new system.
This was my first time using Screencast-o-matic. It was easy to use and I really liked that you can easily adjust the part of the screen that you want to record. It did require me to download software.
My 5th graders are seriously into AR this year and constantly asking how many points their books are worth, so I used Screencast-o-matic to create a video teaching them how to look it up on their own.
Instagram is another great tool for sharing information with students. You can share photos and videos of exciting things going on in your library such as new books, book trailers, makerspace activities, and details about upcoming events. I have had a personal account for awhile, but just created an account for my library.
One great way to use Instagram in the library is to share information about upcoming events, such as Book Fairs.
My teachers and students have been requesting more picture books, so I used Instagram to upload a video of some of the new books that I am adding to our collection.
Overall, I think Instagram is a great way to keep everyone updated on the awesome things going on in the library. My only problem is remembering to use it on a regular basis.
I see screencasts as being more of a teaching tool, but I can see myself using it frequently, especially for staff. It is easy to upload the videos to Google drive for easy access.
I found your post very relatable and immediately applicable to what I might use as a future librarian. Great points on including tutorials for AR, book fair announcements, and book additions. -Nicole Hernandez
ReplyDeleteGreat video and agree how Instagram could be a great tool for promoting library events that will want our students to make a visit to the library.
ReplyDeleteBianey Guillen
The way you are using Screencast is how I envisioned using it as well. Great insta videos too. Using Insta to promote the comings and goings in the Library is a genius way to get the kids to follow you and then come and see what is happening.
ReplyDeleteLiz
I use screencasts all the time for various things. I use them to teach staff development, my students content or how to work a new tool, or to send various information out to parents. I frequently use screen casts because I use the Google extension that you mentioned. I had never used screen cast o matic until now. It was also pretty easy to use but like you said you have to have the software. I'd rather have something online that can be used on any device not just a computer. I also think instagram could be a great tool to keep users updated and share upcoming events but this is more for posting more pictures.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about screencasts until this class, and now I love them. I use them all the time to distribute information to the teachers and students. They are especially helpful when there isn't time to meet face to face. It is a great alternative. Plus, people can save them and refer back to the information as needed.
ReplyDelete